Bexar County Sees 31% Increase in Firework-Related Incidents Over New Year’s

Firework-related incidents surged across Bexar County during this year’s New Year’s celebrations, raising serious safety concerns for families and communities.

According to a News4SanAntonio report, incidents increased by 31% compared to the previous year.¹ Bexar County officials reported that between December 28, 2025, and January 1, 2026, emergency crews responded to 42 fire-related incidents tied to fireworks, including:

• 8 structure fires

• 13 brush fires

• 9 trash bin fires

• 3 vehicle fires

• 2 injuries serious enough to require hospitalization

Officials say this marks a significant jump from last year’s numbers. During the same time period the year before, there were just 32 documented fireworks-related incidents. This year, that number climbed to 113 incidents and disturbances countywide.

In response, Bexar County Fire Marshal Chris Lopez has called for working with state lawmakers to expand the list of banned fireworks in an effort to prevent similar incidents in 2027.

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Did You Know?

There were 113 documented fireworks-related incidents and disturbances in Bexar County between December 28, 2025, and January 1, 2026—compared to just 32 incidents during the same period the year before.²

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Fireworks Safety Should Be the Top Priority

Fireworks are often associated with celebration, but the sharp rise in incidents across Bexar County shows how quickly they can turn dangerous. Fires, burn injuries, and property damage can happen in seconds—especially when fireworks are used improperly or in unsafe conditions.

Following basic fireworks safety rules can help reduce the risk of serious injury and costly damage.

Fireworks Safety Tips Everyone Should Know

Even legal fireworks can cause severe harm. These safety tips can help protect your family and your neighborhood:

• Never allow children to handle or light fireworks

• Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby in case of fire

• Only light fireworks outdoors, far away from homes, vehicles, and dry grass

• Never relight fireworks that fail to go off

• Avoid using fireworks during windy or dry conditions

• Keep spectators at a safe distance

• Wear eye protection when lighting fireworks

• Fully soak used fireworks in water before disposing of them

Many injuries occur when fireworks tip over, malfunction, or are picked up after appearing to go out.

Fire Safety Matters in Neighborhoods

Fireworks are a leading cause of brush fires, trash fires, and vehicle fires, especially during dry winter conditions. Sparks can travel farther than expected and easily ignite trash bins, dry leaves, or nearby structures.

Simple precautions—like clearing dry debris, keeping fireworks away from flammable materials, and following local burn bans—can help prevent fires from spreading and endangering others.

Special Risks for Children and Teens

Children are frequently injured while watching fireworks or playing nearby. Teens may underestimate how powerful fireworks are or attempt to relight duds, increasing the risk of burns or explosions.

Parents should supervise closely and talk to children about the dangers. Sparklers, often assumed to be safe, burn hot enough to cause serious burns and should not be given to young children.

What to Do If You or Your Child Is Hurt by Fireworks

Despite safety efforts, accidents can still happen. Firework injuries can include burns, eye injuries, hearing damage, and long-term scarring.

If you or your child is injured:

• Seek medical care immediately

• Cool burns with clean, cool water

• Report the incident to local authorities

• Document injuries, damage, and where the incident occurred

• Keep medical records and receipts

Burn injuries can worsen over time, so early treatment is critical—even if the injury initially appears minor.

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When Legal Help May Be Needed

In some cases, firework injuries occur because fireworks were used illegally, sold defectively, or handled negligently by others. Depending on the situation, responsibility may fall on parents, property owners, fireworks sellers, or event organizers.

Understanding your legal rights can help you make informed decisions after an injury.

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Injured in a Firework Accident in Texas? Call Shaw.

If you or your child was injured in a fireworks accident, you could be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills and burn treatment

• Pain, suffering, or permanent scarring

• Lost wages or future medical care

• Trauma/PTSD

We’ll help you find out for free.

Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 to talk to an attorney about your legal options. No fees, no obligations, just the expert legal advice you need when you need it the most.

We look forward to serving you.

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¹News4SanAntonio report

²KSAT Report