Public fireworks canceled for July 4 in The Woodlands

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- This July 4, don't expect fireworks, at least not in The Woodlands.

The Woodlands public fireworks display was officially canceled Monday after the Township Board was recommended not to hold the fireworks by Woodlands Fire Chief Alan Benson.

Drought index numbers were cited last week by Benson to show how dry the county was; at the same time, brush fires began sprouting up in the greater Houston area.

This is the first time in 36 years of The Woodlands holding its annual July 4 celebration that fireworks have been canceled. The display is estimated to draw thousands of residents annually and is the second-largest of its kind in the greater Houston area.

“The Woodlands has and always will be committed to public safety, and one of the most valued characteristics of our area is our forest,” said Nick Wolda, president of The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau. “This decision has been made not to chance any loss of our natural beauty and any damage to our residential or commercial properties as a result of the public fireworks display.”

Fireworks available to residents have already been banned during the drought in Montgomery County as well.

"After careful consideration, I am recommending the cancellation of the Annual Fourth of July public fireworks display,” Benson said in a prepared statement. "While the Keetch-Byram Drought Index is currently 692, which is slightly below what is considered extreme potential fire conditions of 700 to 800, it is predicted that Montgomery County, including The Woodlands Township, will be well above the 700 range this week, unless substantial rainfall occurs. It is my understanding that the wildfire which occurred in Grimes County, recently started when the drought index was slightly below 700, as The Woodlands is currently experiencing now."

The 14th Annual Red, Hot & Blue Festival will continue despite the lack of pyrotechnics starting at 6 p.m. at Town Green Park and Waterway Square on the Waterway. There will also be live music July 2 at Waterway Square and a free performance by the Houston Symphony titled "Star Spangled Salute" July 3 at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. A parade will run at 9 a.m. at Market Street that day as well.