Fireworks and calling 911; when is it appropriate? | Washington State Patrol
Published 2:30 pm Friday, July 1, 2016
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?
| 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? | No | Fireworks inquiries can be answered by calling local police or fire department’s non-emergency phone numbers. |
I want to report fireworks violations:
|
No | 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:
|
YES – Call 9-1-1 | |
| A fire has started from the use of fireworks; what do I do? | YES – Call 9-1-1 | |
| The neighbor is using illegal fireworks (M-80’s) | YES – Call 9-1-1 | Or, You can call local police department’s non-emergency phone number. |
| Where can I get a Fireworks Stand License? | No | Call the Office of the State Fire Marshal at (360) 596-3913 or check the Internet. |
| How do I get rid of old fireworks (consumer)? | No | 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 | IMPORTANT – 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. | No | Call local fire department’s non-emergency phone number. |
| My next door neighbor is making fireworks in his garage. |
YES – Call 9-1-1 |
Calling 9-1-1: 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.
Remember the 3 B’s of Fireworks:
- Be Prepared—Have water nearby and put pets indoors
- Be Safe—Only adults should light fireworks
- Be Responsible—Clean up fireworks debris
