The Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department along with the Prince George’s County Police Department and the Prince George’s County Office of Homeland Security launched a combined effort to reduce the potential dangers associated with the setting of fireworks in the County. 

All fireworks (including sparklers) are ILLEGAL in Prince George’s County. It is the law and it is important that residents know the law to avoid monetary fines and even time in court. Most importantly, the law is designed to keep residents free from physical harm and damage to their properties. Every year around the Fourth of July, EMS sees an uptick in the detonation of fireworks across the County. Fireworks, including sparklers, can cause serious bodily harm such as  burns, injuries to extremities and more. All too often, the group who suffers the majority of these injuries are children. There is also the chance that residents could start a fire. Last year, firefighters responded to a home where consumer fireworks were thrown away in an outdoor trash bin and started a fire which  sadly spread to the family’s home. 

If you have purchased or have illegal fireworks in your possession, you can turn them in without penalty under the Fireworks Amnesty Program, operated by the Fire Department, by calling the PGFD Watch Office at 301-583-2200. A member of the Fire Department will come to your home or business and simply pick up the fireworks for safe transport and disposal. You will not face a fine or court summons. You can rest assured that you followed the law and kept yourself and your family safe. 

If you see someone else using illegal fireworks, please call the non-emergency dispatch phone number (301) 352-1200.

The Prince George’s County Office of Homeland Security is urging residents not to call 911 unless the fireworks are an immediate threat to your safety or property. Last year, on the Fourth of July, 911 operators at Public Safety Communications answered more than 2,500 calls from residents reporting the use of fireworks. The influx of calls created a potential for longer wait times for residents who were calling about immediate life-threatening emergencies.

So, if you are able, please use the non-emergency dispatch phone number to request police response for use of fireworks instead of calling 911. Again, this is only if it is NOT an emergency. The non-emergency dispatch phone number is available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week at 301-352-1200. Non-emergency disturbance reports will be processed for police dispatch.

Residents can also fill out an online form for non-emergency disturbance calls that will also be sent to police for dispatch 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. For online non-emergency dispatch reporting, click here.

EMS and the County Office of Homeland Security want each and every one of our residents to have a fun Fourth of July! Please consider this information to ensure you and your loved ones are safe and free from injury this holiday weekend.