HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The Huntsville Police Department, Huntsville Fire & Rescue and the Huntsville Animal Services held a press conference today advising the community to practice firework safety for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.
HPD Deputy Police Chief Charles Brooks, HFR Chief Mac McFarlen and Huntsville Animal Services Director Dr. Karen Sheppard addressed firework safety concerns. Huntsville Police are anticipating hundreds of calls for service about illegal fireworks or possible shots fired with the fast-approaching holiday.
Every year, the Huntsville Police Department receives over a thousand calls mistaking loud noises as gunshots.
"These calls can detract from officers being able to respond to emergencies in the City of Huntsville," said Deputy Chief Brooks. "Fireworks are also very dangerous and can cause injury or damage to property. As a reminder, it is against the law to use, sell, or possess fireworks within the city limits of Huntsville."
Brooks said if people disobey the law, their fireworks will be confiscated and the individual will be given a citation.
Many firework stores sell both commercial and recreational fireworks. In order to use commercial fireworks, citizens must get a special permit. Officials say fireworks are hazardous and often unpredictable.
McFarlen said thousands of people are injured from fireworks every year.
"They can start fires, they can catch fields on fire, they can move to structures," said McFarlen. "We have seen them even cause direct fires in structures."
Nearly 20,000 house fires every year are caused by fireworks.
Dr. Sheppard also urged people to think about pets, who can be easily frightened by loud noises.
"Fireworks are not beautiful to pets," she said. "Let's make this Fourth of July safe for them by having your pet secure inside your home or garage well before dark."
"Just keep your pest safe remember they are really scared they hear the noises much louder, and they can smell the smells from the admissions, and it scares them," said Sheppard
Huntsville Animal Services also emphasizes that all pet owners should have their pets' current ID tag attached to their collars and to get pets microchipped.
The following list of firework shows have been approved by the city of Huntsville:
- June 26, 2021, Ditto Landing 9:00 p.m.
- June 28, 2021, Downtown Huntsville 8:30 p.m.
- July 3, 2021, Hampton Cove Golf Course 8:45 p.m.
- July 3, 2021, MidCity 9:00 p.m.
It's important to note that these are estimated start times.
Illegal Fireworks can be reported through HPD's non-emergency number at 256-722-7100.