Charted: July 4 fireworks complaints in the Twin Cities
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The loudest Independence Day fireworks in Minneapolis and St. Paul aren't always from sanctioned shows.
By the numbers: Last July 4th, the two cities combined received 230 emergency calls or complaints about fireworks or firecrackers — and a steady stream throughout the rest of the holiday week.
- That includes 9-1-1 calls to Minneapolis and St. Paul police, and complaints to Minneapolis' non-emergency 3-1-1 hotline.
Flashback: That total is typical of recent holidays — but it pales in comparison to the ruckus amateur pyrotechnicians raised on July 4, 2020, when neither city held an official fireworks display.
- Authorities received 342 fireworks calls that year, when many residents were cooped up during the pandemic and neither city held an official fireworks display.
Between the lines: Both cities ban fireworks that explode or take off.
Minneapolis officials ask residents to not tie up 9-1-1 dispatchers by reporting non-emergency fireworks problems to the 3-1-1 app or hotline.
- Yes, but: When kids are setting them off, the city would prefer a 9-1-1 call.