City encourages “Safety First on the Fourth”

In preparation for the upcoming Independence Day weekend, The Dallas Police and Fire departments want to remind the public that fireworks are illegal in the City of Dallas and encourage citizens to put safety first during the holiday.

“Last year, we responded to multiple structure fires, grass fires and dumpster fires as the result of the use of illegal fireworks,” Dallas Fire Chief Louie Bright, III said. “Fireworks burn very hot, as much as 2,000 degrees in many cases, and that includes the sparklers that a lot of kids are fascinated by. Compare that to an average house fire which is about 1,100 degrees, you can see right off the bat that it can cause significant injuries.”

The transport, possession and use of fireworks can result in up to a $2,000 fine.

Dallas Fire-Rescue Inspectors will monitor Mountain Creek Lake and Trammell Crow Lake Park for illegal fireworks displays on Saturday July 4. Park users will be required to leave Mountain Creek Lake Park at 9 p.m. and Crow Lake Park at 8:30 p.m. on July 4. Trammell Crow Lake remains closed due to flooding. “Fireworks are Illegal” signs are also posted on City park sites.

“We’re asking that you refrain from discharging fireworks and shooting firearms in the air as a part of your celebration,” Dallas Police Deputy Chief Catrina Shead said.

Intentionally shooting off a gun carries a penalty of up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine. This act could result in a felony charge of deadly conduct which is punishable by a 10,000 fine and 2-10 years in prison.

The priority for the City of Dallas is to keep neighborhoods safe for everyone during the holiday. If you see illegal fireworks please call 311 or 911 and report. The City will have staff on-call to respond to these complaints.