As holiday fireworks celebrations begin, Sparks Police are reminding residents to use the appropriate phone number when reporting fireworks complaints so emergency lines remain available for people facing immediate danger.
According to the Sparks Police Department, 911 should only be used to report emergencies involving an immediate threat to life or safety.
Some examples of emergencies that should be reported to 911 include fires caused by fireworks, people who have been injured, fireworks being thrown at people, cars, or homes, and any situation involving an immediate threat to public safety.
People reporting the use of illegal fireworks without an immediate safety threat are asked to call the Sparks Police Department's nonemergency line at (775)353-2231. Fireworks complaints involving noise or the use of illegal fireworks without immediate danger also should be directed to the nonemergency line.
The department said fireworks-related calls are expected to increase during the holiday. Incidents will be prioritized based on the level of danger and available staffing. Calls involving immediate threats to life, injuries, fires, or other emergencies will receive the highest priority, while reports that do not involve an immediate safety threat may not receive an in-person police response.
The department said using the appropriate phone number helps keep 911 available for true emergencies and allows first responders to respond quickly when every second matters.
