As the City prepares to observe the Fourth of July holiday, community safety officials want to remind residents and visitors that while this is a time for celebration, the festivities can quickly come to an end if personal and public safety aren’t taken seriously. Gun violence, the irresponsible use of fireworks, or impaired driving of both vehicles and boats can quickly turn a celebration into a tragedy.

The Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) see a significant increase in guns being fired during the Fourth of July holiday. Officers also respond to a number of calls for fireworks being aimed and shot at police, residents, vehicles, and buildings– a dangerous and illegal act. This violence will not be tolerated.

Last year, MPD arrested 35 people, many of whom were charged with felony crimes, including riot and assault on a police officer, after engaging in this behavior. This compares with 16 arrests in 2023 and no arrests in 2022.

MPD sees spike in gun crimes

Over the last five years, there has been a spike in crimes involving guns the week of July 4. In 2024 and 2023, gun crime calls for service more than doubled the week of July 4 compared to the monthly average. Gun Crime Index calls for service include:

• Shootings
• ShotSpotter activations
• Shots fired
• Person with a gun

“The egregious and violent behavior we have experienced the last few years is unacceptable,” said Chief Brian O’Hara, Minneapolis Police Department. “Our residents should be able to celebrate the fourth of July without fearing a bullet is coming their way or being threatened by the reckless use of fireworks. If you’re coming into the city planning on causing chaos, don’t. If you do, you will be arrested, and we will seek criminal charges for engaging in this behavior.”

Fireworks safety is a must

Be responsible with fireworks and know how to report fireworks incidents as you celebrate.

• Follow directions: Read, understand, and follow directions before using fireworks.
• Adult supervision: Adults should be the only ones lighting fireworks. Children should only use sparklers when supervised.
• Choose a safe place to light fireworks: Light fireworks outdoors, away from buildings, storage tanks, grass, and materials that can easily start on fire.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs: Never use fireworks under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Proper storage: Keep fireworks locked away from children and store them in a cool, dry location.

People should also see to understand Minnesota’s firework laws.

• Legal fireworks: Non-explosive fireworks are legal in Minneapolis. Examples include sparklers, cones, tubes that spark, snakes, and party poppers.
• Illegal fireworks: Any firework that explodes or flies is illegal. Examples include firecrackers, bottle rockets, missiles, roman candles, mortars, and shells.
• Firework use: It is illegal to use fireworks on public property, including streets, alleys, schools, and parks.

Irresponsible use of fireworks often leads to fires, burns and other injuries.  In Minnesota, there have been 866 firework-related injuries since 1989 – 40% of which have involved victims under the age of 19.

Hennepin County Medical Center’s burn trauma unit typically sees about a dozen serious fireworks burns each year. On average, one in five of those victims is under age 14. 

Some fires can be attributed to debris or the improper disposal of fireworks as well. Even small embers can start a fire on dry grass, leaves, garbage bins, or any structure. Be sure to dispose of fireworks debris properly:

• Soak all used fireworks in a bucket of water to ensure they are fully out.
• Place used fireworks in a metal trash container away from buildings and flammable materials.

“As we prepare to celebrate this weekend, I want to remind everyone about the hazards of fireworks – they are extremely dangerous when not handled properly,” said Chief Bryan Tyner, Minneapolis Fire Department. “Every year, our firefighters and paramedics see preventable fires and injuries caused by fireworks. Please follow all safety guidelines and use common sense. Let’s work together to ensure a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July for everyone.”

For more fire and fireworks safety tips, visit the City’s Fire Safety page. 

Report fireworks incidents

Our 911 center gets the most calls of the year during the week of July 4. Help reduce 911 calls to allow priority emergency calls to be answered as quickly as possible. Call 911 when:

• Someone needs medical attention.
• Fireworks are directed at people or property.
• Fireworks start a fire or cause smoldering.
• Children are using fireworks unsupervised.

Use 311 for non-emergencies. People can make noise and fireworks complaints through:

• The 311 mobile app
• Fireworks Complaint
• Texting “fireworks” to 311898 to report on the City’s website
• By calling 311 during business hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday

MPD will again be working with the Minneapolis Park Police and other partners to keep the Red, White & Boom! fireworks event safe.

Fireworks should always be viewed from safe or designated viewing areas. Stopping on roadways, highways, or bridges to watch is dangerous and illegal. Spectators are urged to plan, arrive early at official viewing sites, and never park on the I-35W bridge, in active traffic lanes or along the road shoulders.

A little planning goes a long way. By choosing not to drive after drinking, we can keep our neighbors and loved ones safe. From 2020-2024, there have been 80 DWI arrests and 17 alcohol-related crash injuries in Minneapolis.

Don’t ruin your holiday. If you are caught driving impaired this Fourth of July, you’ll be spending the weekend behind bars, not celebrating with friends and family. Make the smart choice and line up a sober ride.

While many enjoy the booming sounds and flashing colors of fireworks, they can be terrifying and overwhelming⁠ for veterans or anyone who has experienced an explosion, young children and animals.

Pets can also become disoriented and scared around loud noises. Minneapolis Animal Care & Control recommends helping keep pets safe by:

• Keeping them indoors at home – ideally in a quiet, secure area during festivities.
• Giving them a distraction such as a treat, toy, or soothing music.
• Making sure they have an ID tag and/or their microchip information is up to date in case they do get loose.
• Walking them early in the day to help tire them out and prepare for if they’re too scared to go out later.

July 4 safety awareness also means preparing for severe weather – which could happen this weekend with high temperatures and a potential for storms. The City’s Emergency Management Department provides continuous monitoring and interagency support, including opt-in safety alerts to maximize awareness for the residents and visitors of Minneapolis who will gather for fireworks and other outdoor events.