Fireworks on in Texas a Year After Widespread Ban

By: Associated Press Email

Updated: Wed 3:30 PM, Apr 03, 2013

DALLAS - Fourth of July celebrations are back in parts of Texas where record drought conditions a year ago forced a ban on the sale or use of fireworks and led to cancellations of many shows.

Austin was among the cities that didn't have traditional Fourth of July fireworks shows last year. But City of Austin spokeswoman Michelle DeCrane says things are "back to normal" in 2012.

In West Texas, Lubbock County officials banned all fireworks last year. Because of recent spring rains, emergency official Clinton Bedford says no ban has been issued in 2012.

A year ago, Texas was mired in the hottest summer and worst one-year drought on record. Officials are still warning Texans that much of the state is dry and susceptible to wildfires.

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