Celebrate 4th of July safeLy

The City of Long Beach wants everyone to enjoy the holiday. And, in order to keep the City’s residents and visitors safe, all personal fireworks, even those deemed “Safe and Sane,” are illegal in the City of Long Beach. 

There are several ways to report illegal firework activity in Long Beach:

• Submit a fireworks complaint, or upload photos and videos of illegal fireworks activity, to the City Prosecutor's office.

• Call the non-emergency number at the Communications Center at (562) 435-6711 to report fireworks usage and/or sales.

• Email the patrol division where the activity is occurring and provide addresses, videos, license plates, photos, and any other information that can be investigated. Please include your name, address, and phone number so that you can be contacted if necessary:
  • LBPDNorth@longbeach.gov
  • LBPDSouth@longbeach.gov
  • LBPDEast@longbeach.gov
  • LBPDWest@longbeach.gov 

• Call 9-1-1 for emergencies.

The Police Department will make every effort to respond to reports of illegal fireworks, however, officers must witness the activity in order to make an arrest.  Community members who witness illegal fireworks activity also have the option to sign a private person’s arrest form which will allow officers to take action after investigating an incident.

MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 18.48.01. & 8.81
All fireworks are illegal. Now they can cost you as much as $20,000 in response costs plus fines. 

In a newly passed City ordinance, if you “Host” an event with fireworks, you could be held
responsible. “Host” includes property owners, tenants, property managers or anyone who
organizes or is in charge of the firework activity.

Anyone cited or arrested for fireworks violations may be faced with a $1,000 fine, sentenced to jail for six months, or both.

The Dangers of Personal Fireworks

Amateur fireworks, including sparklers, cause tens of millions of dollars annually in property damage, and result in many injuries, the majority of which are suffered by children. Fireworks set off in residential neighborhoods can trigger flashbacks for veterans and gun violence survivors experiencing PTSD. The noise also creates panic for many animals, and shelters fill with runaway pets every year.

Resources

Celebrate Safely Coloring Sheets
Celebrate Safely Flyer  (Spanish) (Khmer) (Tagalog)