North Texas authorities working to avoid July 4th violent incidents, illegal firework shows

FORT WORTH, Texas - We're less than a week from 4th of July festivities, and North Texas cities are sending out warnings about shooting off fireworks, as well as directions for how people can report them.

Dallas police are once again warning people who shoot off fireworks or shoot guns in celebration that they could face jail time if they are caught.

Over 4th of July weekend, sounds of celebration could quickly turn into sounds of illegal activity.

"Typically, around the holiday time, we see calls period go up across the board," Dallas PD PIO Michael Dennis said.

That’s why Dennis is sounding the alarm now, letting residents know beforehand they will respond to calls of illegal fireworks and celebratory gunfire. 

"We definitely understand the need of wanting to feel safe in your own neighborhood. That’s why we’re here. The big push is, if you hear it, call," he added.

Last year, on July 4th, Dallas police officers responded to more than 300 calls of fireworks or random gun fire.

The department is encouraging people to immediately report sounds of gunfire or fireworks if they hear them.

"Stay inside. Peek out the window if they can. If they can’t, even if they hear it, just get on, call 911, call 311. Call, go online, Dallas 311, and report it," Dennis said.

Police are reminding people that getting caught can cost you.

"A deadly conduct charge could be filed, which carries a $10,000 fine and up to two or three years in jail. So we want to push that to let people know that it is serious," he said.

Arlington put out public service announcement also reminding residents that fireworks are illegal.

It’s asking residents to use an online portal to report fireworks rather than calling 911 so dispatchers can better respond to emergency.

And its reminding people that illegal fireworks can cause serious injury, house fires, and anxiety in your neighbors and pets. 

Dallas PD is echoing the same warning. 

"It is illegal. It is dangerous and it is serious. Just to show you how serious it is, celebratory gunfire, it is punishable by law. It carries up to $4,000 fine and up to one year in jail," Dennis said.

Fort Worth working to stop 4th of July violent incidents

Fort Worth police and fire departments say they're trying to get ahead of any dangerous disruptions during the July 4th holiday weekend.

They're trying to avoid a similar incident like in 2021, where eight people were wounded by gunfire during the holiday weekend.

The Fort Worth Fire Department’s call volume is on the rise with the July 4th holiday more than a week away. 

"We’re expecting about 5,000 calls, just the fireworks calls from the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th," FWFD spokesman Craig Trojecek said.

Firefighters say they’re already responding to illegal firework activity, and it is expected to intensify. 

"I will tell you, as of this morning, there are 103 permitted fireworks stands in the unincorporated area of Tarrant County," Fort Worth Fire Chief Jim Davis said during a city council meeting.

This had led to a crackdown by authorities. The city’s police and fire departments have stepped up efforts, combining resources for maximum enforcement.   

"We will have an arson investigator from the Fort Worth Fire Department and an officer from the Fort Worth Police Department ride together again to deal specifically with fireworks related issues," Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes said during a city council meeting.. "Depending on which day it is, will have up to 14 of those and two in each division, two roving units on top of that and a command vehicle in the area as well."

A RING doorbell captured video of dangerous and illegal fireworks in 2019, and it’s exactly what officials want to prevent and discourage.

Another resource involves undercover officers to pinpoint the perpetrators.

"Just because they may not see a police car, just because they may not see a fire truck does not mean they’re not being watched," Noakes added.

People caught setting off or even in possession of fireworks in the city limits can face fines up to $2,000 if someone is hurt as a result, that’s just the beginning.

"If it comes back and there’s injuries because of those fireworks, we’re looking at investigating and prosecuting as far as we can go," Trojecek said.