LITTLE ROCK – As the Independence Day holiday approaches, the City of Little Rock departments responsible for public safety remind residents that setting off fireworks and celebratory gunfire inside limits are both violations of city code.

Historically, reports of such violations during holidays have led to high call volume for the City’s Emergency Communication Department. To facilitate a more efficient response, residents should report fireworks activity by emailing LRPDFireworksViolations@littlerock.gov. This temporary email address will be activated at 3 p.m. Friday, July 1, and will remain active through 1 a.m. Tuesday, July 5. Suspected gunfire should be reported to 911, as should injury or property damage. Non-emergency reports can be made to 501-371-4829.

All emails received through the temporary account will be reviewed by Emergency Communications personnel and assigned to a Little Rock Police Officer. Residents will receive an automated acknowledgement of their complaint but should not expect direct contact with officers checking the area for violations. If officers directly witness illegal activity, violators will be cited and illegal fireworks seized and taken to a Little Rock Fire Department to be destroyed.

Private fireworks displays are not only illegal inside the city limits but can lead to both injury and property damage. Public safety officials encourage residents wishing to celebrate to attend professionally organized and licensed displays.

Additionally, loud noises from fireworks and gunfire can cause undue stress and anxiety for both residents and pets. Animal Services reminds residents that discharge of fireworks, even legal displays, can frighten animals and cause them to flee or bite. Owners are encouraged to keep pets indoors, ideally with TV, radio or other ambient sound to soften jarring noises.

City officials ask residents to be good neighbors and celebrate the holiday in a safe and law-abiding way.

###