New Year’s Eve Reminder: Using Fireworks Within City Limits Is Prohibited

December 27, 2021 - San Antonio

Baby, you’re a firework. After taking a hiatus last year due to the evolving Covid-19 pandemic, Celebrate SA at Hemisfair is back and will take place from 6 p.m. midnight on New Year’s Eve. Photo: hemisfair.org.

By Jade Esteban Estrada, Staff Writer | San Antonio Sentinel

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

  • The use of fireworks in the City of San Antonio is illegal and can result in a Class C Misdemeanor, which can carry a fine of up to $2,000
  • Residents are encouraged to visit the professional fireworks displays at Hemisfair Plaza that will occur from 6 p.m. to midnight on New Year’s Eve

As residents prepare to celebrate the dawn of a new year, the San Antonio Fire Department is reminding locals that the use of fireworks in the City of San Antonio is illegal and can result in a Class C misdemeanor, which can carry a fine of up to $2,000.

If someone is injured by fireworks, individuals are urged to call 911 for assistance.

Residents are also encouraged to report the reckless use of fireworks that may present the risk of bodily injury or fire hazard by calling the Fire Department’s non-emergency number at 210-207-7273. According to a Dec. 23 press release, SAFD will prioritize these calls and will respond based on risk assessment and their current demand of calls, .

Learn about Bexar County’s fireworks ban here.

In lieu of taking Katy Perry’s Firework song too literally, residents are encouraged to visit the professional fireworks displays at Hemisfair Plaza that will occur from 6 p.m. to midnight on New Year’s Eve. 

After taking a hiatus last year due to the evolving Covid-19 pandemic, the downtown area is expected to be vibrant with revelers enjoying the Celebrate SA street party, produced by the San Antonio Parks Foundation and the City of San Antonio. The live music event and fireworks show will take place on Alamo Street, La Villita, and Hemisfair between Market and Cesar Chavez Streets.

READ: First Cases of Omicron Variant Detected in Bexar County

For those not keen on experiencing the holiday traffic don’t have to feel like their missing out. Attendees will likely be sharing the collective excitement on social media with dynamic photos and videos of the display. 

“Hemisfair fireworks are legit!” raved @jazzyyahdigg via Twitter. 

Leaving the firework displays to the professionals may be the safest and most entertaining way to celebrate another year in the books.

Celebrate SA is free and open to the public. 



Jade Esteban Estrada is a staff writer for the San Antonio Sentinel, where he covers public health and other citywide issues. jade@sasentinel.com | Twitter: @satx_writer