“Do not hesitate to call 911 if you have a problem with fireworks in your neighborhood.” That’s the message Auburn Mayor Pete Lewis is sending to all Auburn citizens.

“Despite recent Seattle news reports urging citizens not to call 911 for fireworks-related issues, smaller cities like Auburn depend on 911 to track and deploy officers during this busy July 4th holiday,” Lewis said. “While the Auburn Police Department conducts an extensive fireworks emphasis, we’re asking citizens to help them keep our community safe.”

Discharge of legal fireworks in Auburn is allowed only on July 4th between the hours of 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. Police officers will cite unlawful use of fireworks which could come with a fine of up to $1,000 and 90 days in jail. Reckless discharge of fireworks can bring a $5,000 fine and a year in jail, and anyone caught in possession of a device containing more than two grains of pyrotechnic charge (such as an M80) may be charged with a felony, punishable up to 20 years in prison.

“We all want to be safe while we celebrate our country’s independence,” said Lewis. “If any of our citizens feel threatened by fireworks in their neighborhood, they should not hesitate to call 911.”