Fireworks: Hot Tips for a Cool & Safe Display (Class B Fireworks in Texas)

A display permit, issued by Texas State Fire Marshal's Office, would be required if a fireworks show contains 1.3G fireworks. 1.3G fireworks are professional grade fireworks and are not available to the general public (can’t buy at a fireworks stand).  The display must have a licensed pyrotechnic operator on site at all times.  The pyrotechnic operator’s license is also issued by the TSFMO.

Any show, before an audience of 50 or more people, that contains 1.4G fireworks (consumer fireworks), must have a licensed special effects operator on site.  The special effects operator’s license is also issued by the TSFMO. Below you will find a notice that the Texas State Fire Marshal's Office posted last year in regards to these type of shows.

Additionally, VFIS provides a Fireworks Risk Communique, which you can download for free by CLICKING HERE.

State Fire Marshal’s Notice
July 2014
State Fire Marshal Reminder Related to Pyrotechnic Displays with Consumer 1.4G Fireworks

It has come to the attention of the State Fire Marshal's Office that the general public may be engaging in acts that place them in violation of the Fireworks Statute and Rules. This includes businesses, organizations, neighborhood associations, and individual citizens who hold fireworks displays before an assembly of 50 or more people using consumer fireworks, also called 1.4G fireworks. The following is offered as clarification and as a reminder of the importance to remain in complete compliance with all provisions, rules, regulations and/or statutes enacted to govern fireworks in Texas.

Applicability
This notice applies to pyrotechnic displays for entertainment, exhibition, demonstration, or simulation before an assembly of 50 people or more and using consumer fireworks (fireworks 1.4G).
§ 2154.253.(b) (Texas Occupations Code, Regulation of Fireworks)

Licensed Operator
At least one Texas licensed special effects pyrotechnic operator must be present on-site at all times where pyrotechnics are used, discharged, or ignited. The on-site licensee is responsible for complying with this section.
§ 2154.253(b)(4) & (6) (Texas Occupations Code, Regulation of Fireworks)

Permit
The licensee or the licensee’s employer must obtain a permit from the local authority having jurisdiction before the use, discharge, or ignition of pyrotechnics.
§ 2154.253.(b)(7) (Texas Occupations Code, Regulation of Fireworks)

Insurance
The applicant for the permit must provide evidence of insurance in the form of a general liability insurance policy in an amount of not less than $1 million, conditioned to pay for damages caused by an occurrence involving a display of pyrotechnics.
§ 2154.253.(b)(8) & 2154.207 (Texas Occupations Code, Regulation of Fireworks)

Offense Committed
Violation of this section constitutes a Class A misdemeanor offense. Each day a violation occurs or continues constitutes a separate offense. Venue under this section is in the county in which the offense is committed or in Travis County.
§ 2154.253.(e) (Texas Occupations Code, Regulation of Fireworks