Drought nixes Half Moon fireworks display

Extremely dry weather, drought and the potential fire hazard conditions combined to help city and county leaders to arrive at a unified decision to cancel the 2022 Shiner Half Moon Holidays fireworks display.

“Even though rain is forecast this week, there is no guarantee of how much will be received, if any, and because of the pending permit deadline to authorize a professional show, at this time, a unified agreement between the Shiner Fire Department, the City of Shiner, Shiner Chamber of Commerce, Lavaca County Judge’s Office, and Lavaca County Office of Emergency Management to cancel the fireworks show, normally scheduled for Saturday evening,” said Egon Barthels, Lavaca County emergency management coordinator, Shiner city councilman and Chamber board director.

“There’s nothing more American than celebrating the Fourth of July with fireworks, and while I have confidence that things would go off without a hitch, given the current conditions, the decision to cancel the show reduces the risk for wildfires,” he said.

Lavaca County Judge Mark Myers issued a Temporary Emergency Order issuing a burn ban on Friday, June 17, for all unincorporated areas of Lavaca County. 

In addition, a ban on certain fireworks including “Skyrockets with Sticks” and “Missiles with fins” have also been prohibited for sale or use in the county. 

These orders may be viewed on the county website at co.lavaca.tx.us

According to the Lavaca County KBDI Index, the county is currently between 700 and 800. An index of 800 represents “absolutely dry conditions.” 

Presently, this index is derived from ground-based estimates of temperature and precipitation derived from weather stations and interpolated manually by experts at Texas A&M Forest Service. 

The drought monitor for Lavaca County shows the entire county in D2 Severe drought conditions. “Pasture conditions are very poor, soil is hard, hindering planting; crop yields decrease; wildfire danger is severe; burn bans are implemented,” the local condition report reads.

Precisely 32.27% of the county falls under D3 Extreme drought conditions. Those conditions include but are not limited to: “Soil has large cracks; soil moisture is very low; dust and sandstorms occur. Row and forage crops fail to germinate; decreased yields for irrigated crops and very large yield reduction for dryland crops are reported. The need for supplemental feed, nutrients, protein and water for livestock increases; herds are sold.”

At Monday’s commissioner court meeting, Judge Myers reminded everyone that if they are going to celebrate with fireworks, to do so with extreme caution. “Make sure you have a water source nearby, and report fires immediately to 911,” he said.