About 1000 fireworks complaints lodged in Clark County

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- The Independence Day holiday is known for spectacular fireworks displays -- and personal fireworks that often cause damage and disruption.

In recent years, area emergency responders have implemented hotlines for people to call and report illegal fireworks being used -- instead of calling 911 and tying up dispatchers from more urgent calls. In Clark County, officials began a fireworks hotline in 2021 and it has been really beneficial to authorities.

Clark County fireworks information and hotline

Jason Fritz, the deputy director of 911 operations for the Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA), told KOIN 6 News the hotline has taken about 1000 complaints since it opened for the holiday on July 3.

Over the course of three days, Fritz said, people called 360.597.7888 and reported the use of illegal fireworks. But he said the 1000 complaints is actually "a little lower" than in previous years.

Fritz also said so far this year firefighters in Clark County did not respond to any structure fires caused by fireworks. When asked about why that is, he said it's more likely "the luck of the draw."

Watch the video above for the complete interview.