Celebrate Safely: No Fireworks, Gunfire or DWIs
Published on May 24, 2023
In Grand Prairie, it is illegal to possess or use illegal fireworks and to shoot a gun into the air.
Grand Prairie Fire Marshals and Police Officers are teaming up 4th of July weekend to strictly enforce our firework ordinance.
They have plenty of citations so please don’t ruin your weekend by getting a hefty fine…or worse…tormenting an autistic child, scaring a veteran, making your neighbors mad, or causing a pet to run away.
Quiet Zone
Does the noise from fireworks cause issues for you or your child?
Join us at the Main Library, 901 Conover Drive, for a quiet place away from the excitement.
- Children at the Quiet Zone must be attended by a parent or guardian
- Patrons will be able to access the library computers and Wi-Fi, apply for a library card and check out materials
- Free coloring sheets will be available for kids and adults, and the Imagination Playground will be set up for children to enjoy
- A small supply of noise canceling headphones and white noise sound machines will be available
- All children under 18 must be accompanied by an an adult
Penalties
The penalties for fireworks, gunfire and DWI in Grand Prairie can be costly.
- DWI penalties can be found in Texas Penal Code Chapter 49. At a minimum, they carry a fine of up to $2,000 and up to 6 months in jail; and can range as high as 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
- Discharging a firearm in the city is a violation of Texas Penal Code 42.12 and is a Class B misdemeanor. Can carry a jail sentence of up to 1 year and a fine of up to $4,000.
- Up to $582 in City fines and court costs for the discharge or possession of illegal fireworks. If a minor is caught with fireworks, the parent or guardian will receive the fine even if they were unaware of the minor's possession and/or usage.
Fireworks / Gunfire Safety Facts
Why can’t I have fireworks at home or in town?
- Fireworks cause fires. On average fireworks cause about 20,000 fires a year and $105 million in property damage.
- Fireworks cause injuries. On average about 13,000 firework-related injuries are reported each year nationwide.
- Gunfire is even more dangerous, as any bullet that goes up has to come down, often with devastating results.
- Fireworks send pets into panic, many escaping the safety of their yard to be lost or killed in traffic. July 5th is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters nationwide with a 30% increase in the number of lost pets between July 4-6. More pets go missing on days with fireworks than any other time of the year.
- Your neighbors do not appreciate the loud noises. No really. They do not like you shooting off fireworks.
- The sound produced by fireworks is often distressing and disturbing for our Veterans, people with PTSD, autism and other sensitivities to loud noises.