Every year around the Fourth of July, 911 operators are inundated with calls regarding fireworks. The majority of these calls are non-emergency related, but tie up the 911 system, potentially delaying an emergency call from getting through.
The chart below has been produced with input from a number of Emergency Dispatch Centers and should be used as a guide when determining to call 911 regarding fireworks.
Who do you call to report illegal fireworks or suspicious activities involving fireworks?
Reporting illegal activities or use of fireworks to 9-1-1 should be limited to those instances when the activity is in progress and poses a threat or danger to others or yourself.
Incident or Question? When to call 9-1-1?
1. Are fireworks legal within the city or county I live in?
No
(Fireworks inquiries can be answered by searching the internet for local restrictions or calling the local police or fire department’s non-emergency phone number.)
2. I want to report fireworks violations:
· Being used in a fireworks ban area · Or after 11:00 p.m. and before 9:00 a.m.
No
(Fireworks violations may be reported by calling the police department’s non-emergency phone number.)
3. I have a firework related injury from using fireworks, such as:
· Burns · Injury to eye · Severed body parts
Yes
Call 9-1-1
4. A fire has started from the use of fireworks.
Yes
Call 9-1-1
5. The neighbor is using illegal fireworks (M-80’s).
Yes
Call 9-1-1
(Or the local police department’s non-emergency phone number.)
6. Where do I get a Fireworks Stand License from?
No
(Call the Office of the State Fire Marshal at (360) 596-3913 or check the internet.)
7. I have old consumer fireworks I want to get rid of.
No
(Call the local police or fire department’s non-emergency phone number.)
8. I have found a short piece of pipe with a fuse coming out of it.
Yes
Call 9-1-1
(Leave the device where it is and do not pick it up.)
9. There is a storage container at the neighbor’s house loaded with fireworks.
No
(Call the local police or fire department’s non-emergency phone number.)
10. My next door neighbor is making fireworks in his garage.
Yes
Call 9-1-1
