Fireworks and calling 911 : When It’s appropriate | State Fire Marshal

Every year around the 4th of July 911 operators are inundated with calls regarding fireworks. The majority of these calls are not an emergency, but the call ties up the 911 system, potentially delaying an emergency call from getting through.

July 1, 2013 1:34 pm

Every year around the 4^th of July 911 operators are inundated with calls regarding fireworks. The majority of these calls are not an emergency, but the call ties up the 911 system, potentially delaying an emergency call from getting through.

This chart has been produced with input from of Emergency Dispatch Centers and should be used a guide when to call 911 regarding fireworks.

Who do you call to report illegal fireworks or suspicious activities involving fireworks?

Incident or Question?

Call 9-1-1?

If not a call to 9-1-1 who should I call?

Are fireworks legal within the city or county I live in?

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.

I want to report fireworks violations:

Being used in a fireworks ban area
Time of use (after 11:00 p.m. and before 9:00 a.m.)

Fireworks violations may be reported by calling the police department’s non-emergency phone number.

I have a firework related injury from using fireworks, example:

Burns
Injury to eye
Severed body parts

Yes

Call 9-1-1

A fire has started from the use of fireworks.

Yes

Call 9-1-1

The neighbor is using illegal fireworks (M-80’s)

Yes

Call 9-1-1

Or the local police department’s non-emergency phone number.

Where do I get a Fireworks Stand License?

Call the Office of the State Fire Marshal at (360) 596-3913 or check the internet.

I have old consumer fireworks I want to get rid of.

Call the local police or fire department’s non-emergency phone number.

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.

There is a storage container at the neighbor’s house loaded with fireworks.

Call the local police or fire department’s non-emergency phone number.

My next door neighbor is making fireworks in his garage?

Yes

Call 9-1-1

Calling 911: Reporting illegal activities or use of fireworks to 911 should be limited to those instances when the activity is in progress and poses a threat or danger to others or yourself.

Remember the 3 B’s of Fireworks