State Fire Marshal: When it’s appropriate to call 911 about fireworks

Every year around the Fourth 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.

The following chart has been produced by the State Fire Marshal’s Office with input from of emergency dispatch centers and should be used a guide when to call 911 regarding fireworks.

• 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.

• I want to report fireworks violations:

Being used in a fireworks ban area

Time of use

No

Fireworks violations may be reported by calling the local 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 911

• A fire has started from the use of fireworks.

Yes, call 911

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

Yes, call 911

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

• Where do I get a fireworks stand license?

No

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.

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 911

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

• My next door neighbor is making fireworks in his garage?

Yes, call 911