Reporting Illegal Fireworks

Holidays result in significantly higher call volume to the Communications Center each year, and July 4th is the highest call volume day each year.

As a result, residents are asked to limit fireworks related calls to the Communications Center, except in the following circumstances. In addition, callers may experience longer than normal answering times, particularly on non-emergency phone lines. Please use the appropriate phone number and be patient with call takers.

• Injury, 9-1-1
• Fire, 9-1-1
• Property damage, 408-615-5580
• Knowledge of the exact location where fireworks are being set off in real-time, 408-615-5580

Please do not report fireworks related noise complaints unless you can provide the exact location of the fireworks being set off. In addition, do not report the use of fireworks or need for police, fire or medical response on social media. It is not monitored regularly.

The boom and crackle of the firework happens in seconds and the sound can carry quite some distance. Catching someone in the act - possession of fireworks or launching illegal fireworks - is not an easy task! Without knowing where the activity is occurring, Public Safety Dispatchers can only communicate it to public safety personnel as beat information. With a specific location, public safety personnel can respond to the designated location, look for expended fireworks, people standing around and/or someone willing to "point out" who set it off.

While the Police and Fire Departments cannot respond to every fireworks related call, public safety personnel will prioritize our response to ensure the public's safety.