Police and Fire helped residents Celebrate Safely over 4th of July weekend

The City of Mesquite Police and Fire departments proactively helped residents enjoy safe celebrations on Independence Day and over the weekend following.

Both departments conducted specialized patrols regarding illegal fireworks and Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) concerns. Extra personnel were dispatched to areas with historically high call volume on the Fourth of July in previous years.

Mesquite Police Officers responded to 174 calls for service for fireworks and 32 calls for service for sounds of gunfire. More than 83 pounds of fireworks were confiscated, and 15 firearms were seized. Officers made 25 DWI arrests.

Additionally, the Police fireworks hotline fielded more than 300 calls and entered them on a "heat map" when callers did not know the exact location of the fireworks. This helped to reduce the number of calls going to the 9-1-1 communications center and kept phone lines open for emergency calls.

Mesquite Fire responded to six calls related to fireworks. Three calls were for miscellaneous open-area fires, one grass fire caused by fireworks, one trashcan fire caused by fireworks, and one roof fire on a residential structure caused by fireworks. No injuries were reported because of fireworks or gunfire.

"Our community's commitment to safety continues to grow each year," said City Manager Cliff Keheley. "We are grateful to the Police, Fire, Dispatch, and Call Center teams whose hard work and dedication over the holiday weekend helped keep Mesquite safe."