Safety First: Dangerous July 4 Activities Won’t be Tolerated

As the City prepares to observe the Fourth of July holiday, safety officials want to remind the community that while this weekend is time for celebrating the nation's 250 th birthday, festivities can be dangerous if personal and public safety aren't taken seriously. Gun violence, the irresponsible use of fireworks, or impaired driving of both vehicles and boats can quickly turn any celebration into a tragedy.

Plan for Summer Safety Continues

Efforts to keep this weekend safe for Minneapolis residents and visitors are one more component of the coordinated, citywide Summer Safety Plan to prevent violence, respond to emergencies, and ensure everyone enjoys the many events throughout Minneapolis. The City continues to work with its law enforcement and community partners, prioritizing prevention, preparedness, and engagement on safety education through expanded community outreach.

"Our top priority remains the safety and well-being of everyone as Minneapolis prepares to celebrate the Fourth of July," said Community Safety Commissioner Todd Barnette. "Keeping Minneapolis safe is a shared responsibility, and we are grateful for the continued coordination among City departments, local, county, and state law enforcement agencies, first responders, and community partners who work together every day to prevent incidents, prepare for potential challenges, and engage directly with our residents. This collaborative approach strengthens public trust, improves our readiness, and helps ensure that everyone can celebrate responsibly and safely."

Violence won't be tolerated

Thanks to law enforcement partners and community engagement, instances of fireworks misuse and other crimes were significantly reduced last year.

For the first time in recent years, the City did not see widespread chaos involving groups recklessly firing fireworks at people and property during the 2025 celebration. While gun violence remains a serious concern and historically spikes during this week, the absence of dangerous fireworks activity clearly reflects the city, county and state's dedication to keeping Minneapolis safe.

"As you gather with family and friends to celebrate Independence Day, our message is simple: celebrate responsibly and put safety first," said Sheriff Dawanna Witt, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office. "My deputies will be out in full force throughout the holiday weekend both on land and on water, but public safety starts with personal responsibility. Plan ahead, never drive or operate a boat while impaired, supervise children around water, and make choices that ensure everyone gets home safely."

Gun Violence

Minneapolis police also responded to a significant increase in gunfire and other crimes over the holiday weekend. Over the past five years, gun-related incidents have tended to rise during the week of July 4. Specifically, in 2024 and 2023, calls related to gun crimes more than doubled that week compared with the monthly average.

However, last year crime decreased significantly due to effective partnerships and a commitment from community members who won't tolerate violence in their city. During the two weeks around July 4, the City saw the lowest crime rates since 2021, indicating that collaborative efforts are paying off.

"The Fourth of July is one of the busiest weekends of the year for first responders, and our goal is simple: we want everyone to enjoy the holiday and make it home safely," said Interim Chief Bill Peterson, Minneapolis Police Department. "Our officers will have a highly visible and mobile presence throughout Minneapolis. If you choose to engage in criminal behavior, we will respond quickly, enforce the law, and make arrests when necessary. For everyone else, we ask for your partnership, celebrate responsibly, look out for one another, and help make this a safe holiday for our entire community."

Fire and Injury Dangers

Irresponsible use of fireworks often causes fires, burns, and other injuries. Last year in Minnesota, 10 people were injured by fireworks, and since 1989, the State Fire Marshal's Office reports 875 fireworks-related injuries. Historically, fireworks injuries are underreported.

Hennepin County Medical Center's burn trauma unit typically sees about a dozen serious fireworks-related burns each year. Last year, doctors treated 18 patients, the most since 2020.

Properly Dispose Fireworks

Some fires can also be started by debris or improper disposal of fireworks. Even small embers can start a fire on dry grass, leaves, garbage bins, or any structure. Soaking used fireworks ensures they are fully out and do not start your garbage bin on fire.

Be sure to dispose of fireworks debris properly:

1. Put them in a bucket of water
2. Let them soak overnight
3. Bag them when wet and put them in your garbage bin

For more fire and fireworks safety tips, visit the City's fire safety page .

Fireworks Safety

• Legal fireworks: Only use legal fireworks.

• Follow directions: Read, understand, and follow directions before using fireworks.

• Adult supervision: Adults should be the only ones lighting fireworks. Children should use sparklers only when supervised.

• Choose a safe place to light fireworks: Light fireworks outdoors, away from buildings, storage tanks, grass, and materials that can easily start on fire.

• Avoid alcohol and drugs: Never use fireworks under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Proper storage: Keep fireworks locked away from children and store them in a cool, dry location.

Minneapolis Fire Department Summer Safety Tips for Fireworks Video

Understand Minnesota's fireworks laws

• Legal fireworks: Non-explosive fireworks are legal in Minneapolis. Examples include sparklers, cones, tubes that spark, snakes, and party poppers.

• Illegal fireworks: Any firework that explodes or flies is illegal. Examples include firecrackers, bottle rockets, missiles, roman candles, mortars, and shells.

• Firework use: It is illegal to use fireworks on public property, including streets, alleys, schools, and parks.

Learn what fireworks are legal and illegal in Minnesota

Reporting firework incidents

The Minneapolis 911 call center receives the most calls of the year during the week of July 4. Last year, it received 800 fewer calls because community members knew to keep 911 lines open for emergencies.

Help reduce 911 calls to allow priority emergency calls to be answered as quickly as possible. Call 911 when:

• Someone needs medical attention.

• Fireworks are directed at people or property.

• Fireworks start a fire or cause smoldering.

• Children are using fireworks unsupervised.

Use 311 for non-emergencies:

• Regular business hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

• July 3: Closed
• July 4: 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fireworks Viewing and Road Closures

MPD will again be working with the Minneapolis Park Police and other partners to keep the Red, White, and Boom fireworks event safe.

Fireworks should always be viewed from safe or designated viewing areas. Stopping on roadways, highways, or bridges to watch is dangerous and illegal. Spectators are urged to plan ahead, arrive early at official viewing sites, and never park on the I-35W bridge, in active traffic lanes or along the road shoulders.

List of road closures

Line up a Sober Ride

A little planning goes a long way. By choosing not to drive after drinking, we can keep our neighbors and loved ones safe. In the past year, there have been more than 1,750 DWI arrests and 240 crashes related to impaired driving.

Don't ruin your holiday. If you are caught driving impaired this Fourth of July, you can be sure that you won't be celebrating with friends and family. Be smart and line up a sober ride.

The booming sounds and flashing colors of fireworks can be terrifying and overwhelming for veterans, anyone who has experienced an explosion, young children, and animals.

Pets can also become disoriented and scared around loud noises. Minneapolis Animal Care & Control recommends keeping pets safe by:

• Keeping them indoors at home - ideally in a quiet, secure area during festivities.

• Giving them a distraction such as a treat, toy, or soothing music.

• Making sure they have an ID tag and/or their microchip information is up to date in case they do get loose.

• Walking them early in the day to help tire them out and prepare for the fact they may be too scared to go out later.

Be Prepared for Severe Weather

July 4 safety awareness also means preparing for severe weather - which could happen this weekend with high temperatures and a potential for storms. The City's Emergency Management Department provides continuous monitoring and interagency support, including opt-in safety alerts to maximize awareness for the residents and visitors of Minneapolis who will gather for fireworks and other outdoor events.

Be sure you receive these safety alerts by texting 'MPLSAlerts' to 77295 or by signing up online .