This year's Diwali celebrations will be brighter than ever in the Houston area after Harris County Commissioners Court on Thursday approved fireworks sales for the holiday for the first time.

Harris County Commissioners voted to add a fireworks sales season specifically for Diwali, despite concerns raised by fire chiefs about potential safety risks.

Harris County Commissioners Court on Thursday gave final approval to its financial plan for the upcoming year, including an 8% increase in the county's property tax rate for the new fiscal year beginning on Oct.

For a house appraised at $400,000, the new rate would cost an additional $160 more per year. This increase could be higher if voters approve a flood control tax increase this November.