Central Texas fireworks stands open for Memorial Day holiday business

Thanks to a new state law, fireworks stands in two Central Texas counties opened for business Wednesday for the Memorial Day weekend holiday.

A bill passed in the Texas Legislature in 2015 allowed for three additional periods during which fireworks could be sold outside of the traditional Independence Day and New Year's Eve seasons.

Sales during those periods are only allowed, however, if authorized by a county's commissioners court. Travis and Hays counties approved it.

American Fireworks says it will open its fireworks superstores in Del Valle and eastern Hays County for the holiday weekend.

The Travis County Fire Marshall offers these fireworks safety tips:

• Buy from reliable fireworks sellers, and never attempt to make your own fireworks or modify existing fireworks.
• To detonate fireworks, find a flat surface, away from buildings, dry leaves and grass.
• Have water on hand in case of a fire.
• Insist on adult supervision when buying or setting off fireworks.
• Read and follow label directions, warnings and instructions.
• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
• Light only one firework at a time.
• Never try to re-Iight fireworks that have not fully functioned.
• Never give fireworks to small children; even sparklers can cause serious burns