How Austin enforces its fireworks ordinance

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Since the City of Austin adopted its fireworks ordinance, the storage, use and handling of fireworks within city limits was deemed illegal.

The Austin Fire Department (AFD) was the primary organization that sought compliance with the ordinance.

AFD originally sent an engine and a truck company to all reported fireworks violations; however, in the late 90s, the department changed its approach and the city established a fireworks hotline, or 311, to report non-emergency violations.

According to the city, the initial response was “burdensome on the emergency response system and the 911 dispatchers.”

With the new 311 system, the operation transitioned from AFD to the Austin Police Department.

“Police department units now are dispatched from the non-emergency line,” the city said. “The Austin Fire Department has a presence on the streets, and the Fire Marshal’s Office still issues citations for violating the fireworks ordinance and vigorously prosecutes persons responsible for starting fires as a result of fireworks,” the city said.