Want to report fireworks? Use this non-emergency hotline, not 911, authorities say
Ahead of the Fourth of July weekend, Fort Worth Fire Department officials offered a reminder that fireworks are illegal in the city.
The possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling and use of fireworks are prohibited. A person in violation may be fined or have his or her fireworks confiscated.
On July 4, 2019, Fort Worth firefighters responded to about 450 emergency calls, which included four significant trauma events, five structure fires, 37 grass or trash fires and 26 assaults, some of which involved gunshot or stab wounds.
Maneno Juma, 19, died from blunt-force injury to his chest caused by a fireworks explosion in the 4800 block of Vigil Street in east Fort Worth. Fireworks exploded in his hands.
People who want to report fireworks should call a non-emergency hotline, 817-392-4444, or submit information online at reportfireworks.fortworthtexas.gov. Someone who considers a fireworks-related matter an emergency, such as when an injury or fire are involved, should call 911.
The National Council on Fireworks Safety offered tips:
- Obey local laws regarding the use of fireworks. Igniting fireworks is legal in unincorporated areas of Tarrant County if you own the property or have permission from the property owner, according to the county’s website.
- Know your fireworks. Read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
- A responsible adult should supervise all firework activities. Never give fireworks to children.
- Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.
- Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
- Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
- Use fireworks outdoors in an area away from buildings and vehicles.
- Never relight a dud firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
- Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them into metal or glass containers.
- Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
- Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down. Place in a metal trash can away from a building or combustible materials until the next day.
This story was originally published July 2, 2020 at 5:40 PM.
