FORT HOOD (Now designated Fort Cavazos), Texas — “Bell County Judge David Blackburn issued a Drought Disaster Declaration for all of Bell County on June 22. The declaration bans the sale or use of fireworks for Bell County unless a permit is obtained, which is mostly
limited to public events. Although Fort Hood (Now designated Fort Cavazos) is a federal entity and not within the jurisdiction of the judge’s order, the intent of the declaration is for all to use extreme caution if hosting a fireworks event which Fort Hood (Now designated Fort Cavazos) will do.

“Fort Hood (Now designated Fort Cavazos)’s Directorate of Emergency Services is taking definitive steps to ensure that the fireworks display at our Freedom Fest held June 24 is a safe event for the community to enjoy. Due to the dry conditions, the DES is working with our local community fire departments to have preventative fire coverage during the display.

“The Killeen and Copperas Cove Fire Departments will provide fire crew coverage along I-14/HWY 190. The Fort Hood (Now designated Fort Cavazos) DES Fire Department will have additional fire crews stationed in and around the fireworks display area before and during the event. Additionally, the Fireworks display launch area will be watered down as an added safety measure prior to the event.

“Prior to conducting the fireworks show at the Freedom Fest, Fort Hood (Now designated Fort Cavazos) officials will consider all contributing factors including outside temperatures, wind direction and humidity levels to determine it is safe to proceed.”

— Tom Rheinlander, Director, Public Affairs, US Army Garrison-Fort Hood (Now designated Fort Cavazos)