July 4th FAQ's

Fireworks FF

Who Do I Call?

  • Are fireworks legal where I live? Firework Information | Mount Vernon, WA - Official Website (mountvernonwa.gov)
  • When to call 911 for fireworks? Call the non-emergency number if you want to report someone illegally lighting off fireworks in your neighborhood. Call 911 if there is a threat to life or property such as fire or injury.
  • A firework has started a fire. Call 911. Each year we see an increase in vegetation fires (grass, brush) and house fires related to fireworks. For fires involving a house or other structure, call 911 immediately and notify the occupants so they can escape safely. Once out, stay out, and don’t re-enter under any circumstances.
  • Who do I call to complain about fireworks? Call the non-emergency number 360-428-3211. July 4 is one of the busiest days for emergency responders. Leave the phone lines open for emergencies like fire, cardiac arrest and traumatic injuries.  Be prepared to give the exact address of your complaint, listen and follow instructions on the recording, be patient and don’t hang up.
  • My neighbor is lighting off fireworks. Our 911 call centers normally see an increase in firework-related complaints in the dates surrounding the Fourth of July. Leave 911 open for emergencies. For complaints related to fireworks, please call the non-emergency number at 360-428-3211. When calling the non-emergency line, expect to be placed on hold until a 911 dispatcher is available to answer your call. Dispatchers handle both 911 and non-emergency calls.
  • Someone is lighting off fireworks after midnight. In cities and areas of the county where fireworks are allowed, there are restricted days and times when fireworks may be discharged. To learn more about if fireworks are legal in your area and legal times of use, refer to Firework Information | Mount Vernon, WA - Official Website (mountvernonwa.gov) To report noise complaints, call the non-emergency number at 360-428-3211. When calling the non-emergency line, expect to be placed in on hold until a 911 dispatcher is available to answer your call. Dispatchers handle both 911 and non-emergency calls.
  • It's July 6th and someone is still lighting off fireworks. To report fireworks being discharged after July 4th, call the non-emergency number at 360-428-3211. When calling, expect to be placed on hold until a 911 dispatcher is available to answer your call. Dispatchers handle both 911 and non-emergency calls.
  • My neighbor is making illegal fireworks in their garage. Call 911 to report this activity. Federal and state law prohibits altered fireworks and homemade devices. Click Washington State Patrol 
  • I found a short piece of pipe with a fuse coming out of it. If you find a homemade firework, don’t touch it, stay away and call 911. Homemade fireworks are illegal in the State of Washington.
  • What about Sky Lanterns? Sky lanterns are illegal year-round in the State of Washington. Sky lanterns land on roofs of homes and in trees increasing the risk of fire.
  • What about Novelty Fireworks? Novelty fireworks are OK to use in most areas of the county. These include devices like “pop-its” and “snappers” and are most often found in retail locations such as a grocery store. Check out illegal vs legal fireworks at WSP/Fireworks
  • A message from the Fire Prevention Specialist about Fireworks in Mount Vernon: Fire Prevention Specialist Message