original document can be found at http://www.readyharris.com/external/content/document/1829/1252691/1/Prohibited%20Fireworks%20December%202011.pdf posting for fire department facebook pages.

1. HCFMO
Harris County Fire Marshal
M.S. Montgomery
Fire Marshal
PRESS RELEASE
HARRIS COUNTY TEXAS
DATE: 12/06/2011
Winter Fire Safety is Top Priority
With the onset of winter weather, the Harris County Fire Marshal is urging residents to be
concerned about continued fire risk even with the recent rains. For many people, the current
cold spell means increased use of space heaters and appliances. Officials urge residents to
practice the following winter safety tips:
Heating Appliances - Have all heating appliances and furnaces checked for proper operation.
Space Heaters - Only use space heaters with a "tip off switch" shut off. Do not store or place
any items that may catch fire within 3 feet of the heater.
Fire Escape Plan – Have a family plan. Practice two ways to escape with your family. Know
where you will meet outside the home and tell your children. Once you and your family are
outside, DO NOT GO BACK INSIDE!
Smoke Detectors - Test your smoke detectors at least once a month.
Ovens - DO NOT use your oven or stove to warm your home!
Carbon Monoxide Detectors - If you have natural gas in your home install a Carbon Monoxide
Detector on each level - if the alarm sounds exit the house and call 911.
In other fire safety news, today Commissioners Court approved an order to prohibit the sale and
use of restricted fireworks—stick rockets and missiles with fins—in all areas of unincorporated
Harris County due to dry vegetation and the abundance of dead trees across the county. The
restriction begins December 20th and will last through the New Year holiday. Violation of the
order is a “Class C” misdemeanor and carries a fine of up to $500 a day. Fireworks Safety Tips can
be found at: http://www.hcfmo.net/safetytips.aspx.
2318 Atascocita, Humble, TX 77396 281-436-8000 • 281-436-8025 (fax) www.hcfmo.net

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Although recent winter weather patterns have included much-needed rain, the amount of dry
vegetation and dead trees pose a hazardous fire risk that will only increase with the expected
freezing conditions. Due this, the county is not lifting its burn ban. Burning of household waste is
allowed if done in an enclosure that will contain all flames, embers and sparks.
“Public safety is the top priority for our residents,” said Fire Marshal Mike Montgomery. “Many
people don’t realize that burning debris piles in Harris County is not allowed, even if the ban is
lifted, except when no practical alternative to burning exists. And only the Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality can make an exception and issue a permit.”
For more information on the fireworks ban, contact:
Lt. Todd Mitchell, HCFMO
Phone: 281-436-8009
E-mail: todd.mitchell@fmo.hctx.net
For more information on outdoor burning regulations, contact:
Jennifer L. Wheeler
Compliance Manager, Harris County Pollution Control Services Department
Main: 713-920-2831
E-mail: Jennifer.Wheeler@pcs.hctx.net
For more information on the burn ban, contact:
Asst. Chief Laurie Christensen, HCFMO
Phone: 281-436-8021
E-mail: Laurie.Christensen@fmo.hctx.net