Here’s who to call when you want to complain about fireworks
The State Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding residents that non-emergency calls about fireworks this Fourth of July should go to the local police or fire department’s non-emergency line, not 911.
Most fireworks calls are not emergencies and can tie up the 911 system, which could prevent an emergency call from getting through. Do call 911 to report a fire, injury or the use of illegal fireworks, such as M-80s.
Below is a chart from the State Fire Marshal’s Office that tells you when to call 911 and when to hold off.
Incident or question | Call 911? | If no, who should I call? |
Are fireworks legal within the city or county I live in? | No | Call the local police or fire department’s non-emergency phone number or check here. |
I want to report fireworks violations: · Being used in a fireworks ban area · Time of use (after 11 p.m. and before 9 a.m.) | 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: · 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-80s). | Yes, call 911 | Or the local police department’s non-emergency phone number. |
Where do I get a Fireworks Stand License? | No | Call the State Fire Marshal’s Office at 360-596-3913 or go to wsp.wa.gov/fire/firemars.htm. |
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 |
A reminder that fireworks are banned in Olympia and Lacey and their use is restricted in Tumwater to July 3 and 4 from 3 to 11 p.m.
For those of you setting off fireworks, remember to have water nearby, put pets indoors and be sure to clean up fireworks debris. Or, check out one of the professional firework displays in the area this week.
This story was originally published July 3, 2017 at 10:30 AM with the headline "Here’s who to call when you want to complain about fireworks."