THOMASVILLE — E-911 began getting calls, and police began getting dispatched when fireworks frightened some residents during the Memorial Day holiday.

Calls began Saturday and Sunday nights and increased on Monday night about fireworks in several areas of the city, said Whitney Hopkins, E-911 director.

“We always get calls, especially if it’s late,” Hopkins said.

Fireworks scare animals and people with post-traumatic stress disorder, she added.

“Our calls for service drastically increases,” said Maj. Wade Glover, Thomasville Police Department public information officer.

Some callers fear gunfire has taken place in their neighborhoods, Glover said, adding that some people do discharge firearms into the air on New Years’ Eve and on July 4.

People have a right to set off fireworks at certain times and locations, the officer said.

Georgia law states fireworks can only be set off between 10 a.m. and 11:59 p.m.

Fireworks cannot be set off within 100 yards of a:

• Water-treatment plant

• Gasoline station

• Electric plant

• Waste-water treatment plant

• Refinery

• Hospital

• Helipad

• Nursing home or other health care facility

• A park, historic site or recreation area

• Electric substation

• Jail or prison

One must be 18 or older to purchase fireworks in Georgia.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820