Texas To Extend Firework Sales For America 250 until July 5th

Pet parents in El Paso and the rest of Texas will need to prepare even more than usual for this 4th of July. Texas is officially extending the days people can buy fireworks in the state until midnight on July 5th, meaning the explosions will roll out for a bit longer than usual in celebration of America’s 250th. 

Christopher Furlong

Losing a pet is such a devastating feeling for any family, EP Animal Services has already been proactive this year with reminders and even free microchipping for family pets in hopes of curbing the amount of lost furry friends this 4th of July. It was recently reported that over 11,000 pets had been taken into the shelter just this year alone, crowding a space that is already overcrowded to begin with. Meaning that if your loved one manages to get out, there isn't always a promise that the local shelters will be able to accommodate them. 

READ MORE: EP ANIMAL SERVICES SAYS PET OWNERS SHOULD PREP NOW

EP County Emergency Services in Horizon City says they’re looking into banning certain fireworks like bottle rockets or missiles with fins. According to the County, the concern isn't just pets, but the fact that these specific fireworks tend to cause more fires than others. The bottle rockets and missiles with fins have wooden sticks attached that tend to stay lit as they fall back to the ground. 

El Paso is always facing some sort of firework ban due to the dry desert conditions that make it a hotspot for fires in the area. Regardless, a whole extra day for firework purchases means both the pet families AND responders working the streets this Independence Day will have a lot more to deal with.