The Amarillo Police Department and the Amarillo Fire Marshal’s Office are reminding citizens of the city ordinance that prohibits the possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling and use of any firework within the city limits. This ordinance has been in effect for more than 30 years. Fines for violations are up to $2,000 for each occurrence.
The “Fireworks Amnesty Program” is still available for persons that would like to voluntarily have their fireworks safely disposed of. Residents may also request the disposal of small arms ammunition, primers, powder and propellants. The number for the 24 hour recorder is (806) 378-9092. The caller should provide a name, telephone number and address. An officer will contact the caller to schedule a pick up. All surrendered items will be properly disposed of in accordance with the City of Amarillo Fire Code and agency policy/procedure. Persons should not transport the items. An officer will provide pick up of items at their current location.
*The goal of this program is to safely and properly dispose of explosives and hazardous substances. The prevention of injuries to both residents and firefighters is a priority. Amnesty from Fire Code violations is available for the voluntary surrender of these items.
**The novelty items (pops, snaps, poppers and other noisemakers that are activated by string) are not fireworks. They are packaged by fireworks companies so they look just like fireworks assortments. In years past we have found actual fireworks in some of these packages, so we inspect them every year.
The Amarillo Police Department and Fire Marshal’s Office will have strict enforcement on any violation found within the city limits. The Police Department will have extra officers on duty through directed patrol as well as the additional officers on hand at the public display at John Stiff Park.
For 2013 APD issued 27 citations for fireworks violations. 17 for Possession, 10 for Discharging.
For 2014 APD issued 22 citations for fireworks violations. 10 for Possession, 12 for Discharging.
