Fire Department: Stop calling 911 about 'Pokemon Go'

EAST LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles County Fire Department said it has received nearly 100 calls about "Pokemon Go" since the game launched about a week ago.

Officials said the calls were regarding players getting access to fire stations where Pokemon characters have been spotted.

VIDEO: So what is Pokemon Go, really?

There are more installs of Pokemon Go on Android than Tinder, and players use the app more than WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook Messenger. So what's the big deal?

"Individuals that are playing the game are showing up to stations, knocking on the door, trying to gain access because they're characters inside the station that they're trying to get," Richard Licon with the Los Angeles County Fire Department said.

While firefighters were out responding to emergencies, players were calling 911 asking if the firefighters could come back to the fire station, according to officials.

"Actually tie up our dispatch trying to answer their questions in regards to the 'Pokemon Go' game instead of handling some of the EMS calls coming in," Licon said.

VIDEO: Armed robbers used Pokemon Go to target victims

"Pokemon Go" is a free mobile game app that allows players roam around the real world to capture fictional Pokemon creatures.

Within the first five days, the app was downloaded more than 7.5 million times, according to data from market intelligence firm Sensor Tower.

Related Stories

VIDEO: Animal shelter lets Pokemon Go fanatics volunteer to walk dogs

VIDEO: Woman credits Pokemon Go for boy's rescue

A woman says she was in a park at just the right moment due to the Pokemon Go app

VIDEO: Police say Pokemon Go players risk getting shot

'Pokemon Go' players should be aware of several risks

VIDEO: Pokemon Go takes Houston by storm

Pokemon GO craze takes Houston by storm.