*
By Hola Nebraska
Lincoln Fire and Rescue handled more calls than usual during the holiday, including emergencies involving trash, dumpsters, vegetation and fireworks. The city has specific rules for disposing of debris, casings and unexploded fireworks.
Lincoln Fire and Rescue responded to 140 service calls on July 4, about 40 more than the 100 calls it typically handles in a day. Some of those emergencies involved fires in trash, dumpsters, vegetation and fireworks debris after Independence Day celebrations.
MJ Lierman, spokesperson for Lincoln Fire and Rescue, told 10/11 NOW that about 20 calls were fire-related. Crews handled four calls of that type on July 3, seven dumpster or trash fires tied to fireworks disposal on July 4 and eight similar calls on July 5.
On Sunday morning, firefighters responded to a confirmed house fire near 49th and Newton streets. A deck caught fire and the flames spread to the side of the home, causing an estimated $75,000 in damage. Lierman said the fire was caused by fireworks that had been improperly discarded in an outdoor trash can.
Lincoln saw more calls and fires after July 4 due to improper fireworks disposal
The increase in calls came after the days when fireworks sales and use are permitted within Lincoln. City ordinance allows approved fireworks from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 3 and from 8 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on July 4 each year.
City rules also prohibit shooting fireworks from or toward vehicles, streets, sidewalks, buildings, groups of people, other properties or near people. Lincoln Fire and Rescue has also asked residents to keep water nearby when using fireworks and not to try to relight a device that did not explode.
Bryan Medical Center told 10/11 NOW that it treated 16 patients with fireworks-related injuries on July 3 and 4 in the emergency rooms at its East Campus and West Campus. Most of the injuries were burns and cuts to the hands and face.
Cooled fireworks debris goes in the trash, not recycling
In Lincoln, cooled fireworks debris should be soaked in a metal bucket with water or in a bucket with sand before being placed in regular trash.
The city’s fireworks cleanup guidance also notes that debris can reignite if thrown away without being soaked, including inside a trash truck or at the landfill. The recommended process includes waiting for the debris to cool, soaking it for at least 15 minutes and then placing it in a bag before putting it in a trash can.
Cardboard tubes, wrappers and casings used in fireworks are not recyclable. Those materials should be treated as trash and sent to the landfill. Fireworks debris and packaging are not allowed at the city’s recycling drop-off sites or in curbside recycling bins.
Unexploded fireworks do not go in the trash
Unused or unexploded fireworks should not be placed in regular trash or recycling bins. That type of material can create a fire risk and can also damage collection trucks or containers.
Lincoln residents can request pickup of unused or unexploded fireworks by calling the Lincoln Bureau of Fire Prevention at 402-441-7521.
Guidance from Lincoln Transportation and Utilities and Keep Lincoln and Lancaster County Beautiful also connects post-July 4 cleanup with the safety of collection workers, landfill staff, waterways and public health.
Trash in the street can reach creeks and rivers
Cleaning up fireworks debris also has an environmental component. The city has noted that trash carried by storm drains can end up in creeks, rivers and lakes.
Materials left in the street after fireworks are used can affect water quality and aquatic life if they reach the stormwater system. Keep Lincoln and Lancaster County Beautiful has used the message “If you blow it up, clean it up. Protect our water. Prevent Litter. Clean up firework debris” as part of its holiday cleanup efforts.
Quick guide: how to dispose of fireworks
- Used fireworks debris: wait for it to cool, soak it in water or sand and place it in regular trash.
- Unexploded fireworks: do not place them in trash or recycling; pickup can be requested at 402-441-7521.
- Cardboard tubes and casings: place them in the trash, not recycling.
- Recycling bins: fireworks debris and packaging are not accepted.
- Allowed use in Lincoln: July 3 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and July 4 from 8 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
- Non-emergency reports: fireworks violations can be reported to the Police Department, with the address or description of the property.
- Emergencies: 911 is reserved for fires, injuries or other emergencies.
Stay informed about what’s happening in your community. Your source for inspiring stories: visit HolaNebraska.org for news, culture and community updates across Nebraska.