FORT WORTH, Texas — Fort Worth police say they seized 700 pounds of fireworks after they found a truck and flatbed trailer on a side street carrying multiple boxes Wednesday.
Initially, police said in a statement that they spoke with the owner of the truck and trailer, who said they intended to set off the fireworks at the popular Como block party. Upon further investigation, police say the owner intended to shoot off the fireworks outside Fort Worth city limits.
The fireworks were seized and stored in the Fort Worth Fire Department’s Arson/Bomb Squad Office, according to police. They include everything from simple bottle rockets to more intense fireworks like flash bangs and bullet bombs. When confiscating illegal fireworks, officers can use discretion when it comes to warnings and citations.
The owner was given a verbal warning, police said.
In Fort Worth, it’s illegal to possess or use fireworks and firecrackers in city limits. FWFD attributes fewer fireworks being confiscated so far this year to the holiday falling on a weekday as opposed to the weekend. People living in the City of Fort Worth who want to report the use of fireworks inside city limits are encouraged to avoid calling 911 and to use other methods set up by city leaders.
"The city has established multiple ways that you can report fireworks," Officer Jimmy Pollozani said, "One is the Fort Worth App. By clicking on an App, you can submit a violation of the fireworks through the webpage, or you can also call the non-emergency line 817-392-4444 and that is only for fireworks."
The city of Fort Worth can fine those caught in possession of fireworks up to $2,000, according to authorities. The Fort Worth Fire Department will hold the confiscated fireworks for at least 30 days. During that time the owner can petition the court for the fireworks to be returned, but that rarely happens according to FWFD officials.