The best places around Houston to buy fireworks, and where you can legally shoot them off

This is a map of where fireworks are banned in Harris County.  The areas shaded in yellow do not allow fireworks usage.  The blue areas allow it but local restrictions may apply.  This is a map of where fireworks are banned in Harris County.  The areas shaded in yellow do not allow fireworks usage.  The blue areas allow it but local restrictions may apply.  Photo: Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office Photo: Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office Image 1 of / 17 Caption Close The best places around Houston to buy fireworks, and where you can legally shoot them off 1 / 17 Back to Gallery

Where can you legally buy fireworks in the Houston area, and where can you shoot them off? 

For those who, like Sid in the original 'Toy Story,' are itching to blast of the 'Big One,' on New Year's Eve, here's what you need to know. 

Fireworks are not to be used in Houston city limits, and local law enforcement is keen on enforcing fines.  Those fines, by the way, can range from $500 to $2,000 depending on the circumstances. 

In fact, most counties only allow fireworks in unincorporated areas, meaning outside any city limits. 

You should also know that if you are caught, due to the dangerous nature of the activity, you are almost certainly not going to get off with just a warning. 

And parents, if your child is a minor and gets caught, you're the one that has to pay the ticket.  That punishment applies to parents who have no knowledge of the possession or use of their child's fireworks. 

Above, you can see the highest-rated fireworks stores in the Houston area, as well as a a map of where you can and cannot set off fireworks. 

Just be careful to remember these laws and consequences. 

If you want to check your address and see which fire and law enforcement agency has jurisdiction, you can use a special search tool on the Harris County Fire Marshal Office website (located at the bottom on the home page). 

If either the Houston police or fire department are listed, then you are within the Houston city limits and fireworks are prohibited. 

In addition, it is illegal to shoot off fireworks within 600 feet of a hospital, gas station, or a firework stand. 

In order to set off fireworks near schools or churches, those entities must give their written permission first. 

HPD asks residents worried about fireworks mishaps to call 713-884-3131.  For fire and medical emergencies residents should always call 911.