FORT WORTH (WBAP/KLIF News) – The City of Fort Worth has created a hotline dedicated to taking calls about illegal fireworks use that runs from now until July 4th.
The Fort Worth Police Department’s Officer Brad Perez said it was created because every year dispatchers are inundated with calls about shots fired or noise complaints.
“They’ll be an influx of people that will be out on the road…they’ll be drinking…we’ll be doing some enforcement. We want every to go out and have a good time but obviously we also want people to be able to make it home safely also. We want to be sure that we are available to those that need police response,” he said.
First responders understand that people want to be able to enjoy Independence Day and fireworks are a big part of that. Perez said the reality is that most people don’t know how to use them safely.
He said they can be too dangerous for untrained people to use in this weather anyway. It can be a recipe for disaster.
“All it takes is a firework exploding or coming down still lit and landing on someone’s rooftop or someone’s backyard. Next thing you know, we’ve got a fire we have to deal with. Unfortunately, it does occur much more than you know about,” he said.
The number is 817-392-4444.
Anyone caught using illegal fireworks could face a verbal warning or a citation.
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