Fireworks are illegal. Leave the shows to the pros

With the July Fourth holiday around the corner, the City, Police Department and Fire Department encourage everyone to leave the fireworks shows to the pros. With thousands of fireworks injuries treated annually in hospital emergency rooms — often leaving permanent damage to eyes, hands and the face — attending a professional show is safer for all.

Remember: Fireworks are illegal in Fort Worth; only City-sanctioned, professionally run fireworks shows are allowed.

Besides being illegal, having or setting off fireworks can result in a hefty fine up to $2,000.

FWPD will have additional resources working overtime in every patrol division, prioritizing calls for police response, ensuring adequate resources are available to respond to emergencies and high-priority calls for service.

To report fireworks, do not call 911. You can:

Call the fireworks hotline at 817-392-4444.

Report online using the MyFW app.

File an online report.

Pull the trigger. Pay the price. Stop illegal gunfire

Stray bullet incidents often spike around July Fourth and are an issue affecting residents citywide. The City of Fort Worth has launched a comprehensive campaign to reduce stray bullet incidents by increasing community understanding of the risks and consequences of reckless gun use.

The Fort Worth Police Department aims to reassure residents and the community that the City is taking action to put a stop to stray bullet incidents and will not tolerate illegal gun violence.

To report illegal gunfire, find a safe spot and call 911.

Fort Worth’s Fourth features fun, food and fireworks

Fort Worth’s Fourth is a free family event on the banks of the Trinity River at Panther Island Pavilion. Admission and all family activities are free to the public.

The celebration starts at 5 p.m. with family activities, live music, tubing and – when the sun goes down – a spectacular fireworks show.

Festivalgoers are allowed to bring their own chairs, blankets, tubes and one unopened water bottle that can be refilled inside the venue for free by the Tarrant Regional Water District. In addition, vendors will be onsite for those who would like to purchase food or drinks. Outside coolers, food and drinks are not allowed.

Parking lots open at 3 p.m. and the gates open at 5 p.m.

Learn more and see the complete schedule.

Make a day – and night – of it in Sundance Square

Sundance Square is hosting a Fourth of July “America 250 Edition” celebration from noon to 10 p.m. July 4. The free downtown event features a spectacular fireworks show, live music, a night market with over 60 local vendors and dance lessons.

Sundance Square is at 420 Main St. in Fort Worth.

Neighborhoods, country clubs plan private fireworks shows

In addition to public fireworks shows this week, there are several private events that residents in nearby neighborhoods should be aware of:

July 3

Heritage HOA Public Improvement District 7, Barksdale Park

“Light Up the Sky,” Sendera Ranch HOA

July 4

Mira Vista Country Club

River Crest Country Club

Ridglea Country Club

Colonial Country Club

See a listing of professional fireworks displays across Tarrant County.

How to keep animals safe during Fourth of July festivities

Fireworks, picnics and other Fourth of July traditions can be great fun for people. But all of the festivities can be frightening, even dangerous, for animals.

Noisy fireworks and other celebrations can startle animals and cause them to run away; holiday foods can be unhealthy; summer heat and travel can be dangerous; and potentially dangerous debris can end up lying on the ground where animals can eat or play with it.

The American Veterinary Medical Association provides these tips for making the holiday safer and more enjoyable for all members of the family.