In anticipation of illegal fireworks displays this holiday weekend, Little Rock is expanding the hours its 311 hotline will be open to take reports starting today.
Residents can call 311 to report nonemergency fireworks-related complaints during the Fourth of July weekend. Emergency calls should be directed to 911.
The 311 center, which is normally staffed 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, will take calls today through Monday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Calls before 6 p.m. or after 2 a.m. should be directed to the nonemergency police number at (501) 371-4829.
City code prohibits the use of fireworks in city limits.
"The purpose of the consumer fireworks ban is to protect the health and safety of residents and their property," a city news release said, adding that the National Fire Prevention Association reports that fireworks cause about 18,500 fires every year in the U.S.
"Sparklers, which may look innocuous, account for more than 25 percent of emergency room fireworks injuries," the release said.
Metro on 07/02/2016