The Tucson Police and Fire departments will not be responding to calls reporting fireworks this Fourth of July in an effort to leave 911 lines open for critical emergencies.
Last Independence Day the Public Safety Communications Call Center received 248 calls about fireworks being set off near homes.
Those calls along with staffing shortages, slowed response times for people experiencing critical emergencies, authorities said.
Calls made to 911 related to fireworks will get an emergency response if someone is hurt, something is on fire or if someone is seen firing a weapon.
Questions to ask before calling 911 include: Are people or property in danger? If the answer is βyes,β a call to 911 is warranted. If you donβt receive an answer right away, wait and someone will answer.
If residents are reporting fireworks or loud noises, the 311 non-emergency line should be used.
Unless people or property are in danger, Β call 311 to make a non-emergency report about fireworks be set off during Independence Day revelry, authorities say.
