HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 26-0076 - 2026-06-23 - Informal Report
1 of 4 1.3.2 ILLEGAL GUNFIRE AND FIREWORKS - ANDRÉ SMITH, POLICE DEPUTY CHIEF
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
SUBJECT: ILLEGAL GUNFIRE AND FIREWORKS - ANDRÉ SMITH, POLICE DEPUTY CHIEF
DATE: 06/23/26 NUMBER: IR 26-0076
TO THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
The purpose of this Informal Report is to provide an update on the coordinated efforts of the
Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) and Fort Worth Fire Department (FWFD) to manage and
communicate efforts related to illegal fireworks and gunfire. The Police Department will lead
robust enforcement efforts to deter illegal gunfire and fireworks, with support from the Fire
Department as appropriate. Both departments will ensure that necessary resources and
personnel are available to respond to emergencies and high-priority calls for service.
Primary Goals:
• The safety of residents and first responders.
• Ensure the FWPD and FWFD resources are available to respond to emergencies and high-
priority calls.
• Clear messaging on the laws regarding illegal fireworks and gunfire.
Calls for Service and Incident Trends
On the 4th of July, the Police and Fire Departments experience call volume spikes, making it one
of the busiest days of the year for dispatchers and call takers. FWPD and FWFD see an increase
in fireworks and gun-related offenses. The following data highlights the call volume seen on
July 4, 2025:
Emergency Communications
911 Calls: 1,772
Hotline Calls: 1,205
Online Reports: 745
FWPD Response
Shots Fired Calls: 100% increase
Weapons Calls: 67% increase
2 of 4 FWFD Response
78 more fire responses
• 19 grass fires
• 24 Outside
• 5 structure fires
Hospitals
10 Firework Injuries
What is the Law?
Fireworks are illegal in the City of Fort Worth. Per Fort Worth City Ordinance, the possession,
manufacture, storage, sale, handling and use of fireworks are prohibited. Violators may face
fines of up to $2,000. However, fireworks displays that are permitted by the City of Fort Worth
are allowed.
City Ordinance
36-15 Fireworks Prohibited 36-15; up to $2,000 fine
State Law
• Texas Penal Code 42.12 Discharge Firearm in Certain Municipalities
It is a crime to recklessly discharge a firearm within the city limits of a municipality with
a population of 100,000 or more. (Class A; 1 yr. jail; $4,000 fine)
• Texas Penal Code 42.01- Disorderly Conduct
It is a crime to intentionally or knowingly (a) discharge a firearm in a public place other
than a public road or sport shooting range, (b) display a firearm or other deadly weapon
in a public place in a manner calculated to alarm, or (c) discharge a firearm on or across
a public road. (a & b = Class B; 180 days jail; $2,000; c = Class C fine not to exceed $500)
Community Engagement and Education
The Police Department has been communicating with many neighborhood associations
about the dangers of fireworks and gunfire.
3 of 4 Digital & Social Media Campaigns
• Celebrate Responsibly: A bilingual (English and Spanish) social media campaign
conducted by the Police Department and the Communication and Public Engagement
Office to address illegal gunfire and fireworks.
• Stop Before You Pop: A QR code campaign directing citizens to easily report illegal
fireworks online and dedicated fireworks phone number (817.392.4444).
• Water bill and City Times: Fireworks messaging was included in the City Times and
water bill inserts beginning in May.
• Yard Signs and Medians: Strategic placement of educational signage, specifically
targeting high-traffic areas like the Lancaster and Rosedale medians.
Event Management
Pre-Event Management
• Track all permitted events
• Contact organizers in advance to reinforce expectations
During the Event
• Monitor compliance
• Address non-compliance, which may result in shutting down the event early if
necessary
Fireworks Enforcement Plan
Intelligence & Targeting
• Target illegal sales locations
• Monitor social media and leverage informants for leads
Field Enforcement & Interdiction
• Conduct Undercover (UC) Operations
• Conduct traffic stops to intercept transport and execute seizures
• Obtain Criminal Trespass Affidavits for potential gathering spots (e.g., vacant lots,
parking lots).
4 of 4
Deployment Strategies
Data-Driven Resource Allocation
• Hotspot Analysis: Personnel are deployed based on data-driven hotspots, analyzed
using historical calls for service (specifically shots fired and fireworks calls) from July
1st–July 7th over the past three years.
• Personnel Optimization: Vacations and training are paused during this window to
maximize available staffing. Each Division will additional personnel dedicated to
responding to fireworks and shots fired calls.
• Supplemental Funding: Strategic Operation Funds (SOF) are utilized to supplement
normal patrol operations during this historically high call-volume period.
1. High-Visibility Patrol
• Conduct directed patrols within designated hotspots.
• Execute targeted traffic enforcement.
• Initiate offender-focused warrant roundups.
2. Response Teams
• Focus Areas: Illegal fireworks, gunfire, and street takeovers.
• Tactics:
o Utilize Undercover (UC) officers as spotters.
o Monitor surveillance cameras and social media for pop-up events.
o Disperse large, unauthorized gatherings.
3. Covert Enforcement
• Deploy and monitor surveillance cameras in key areas.
• Conduct UC surveillance
• Execute buy/bust operations targeting illegal fireworks sales
For questions regarding this information, please contact André Smith, Police Deputy Chief at
817-392-3264.
Jesus “Jay” Chapa
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS