Long Beach sees decline in fireworks related reports following Fourth of July celebrations across the city

Long Beach, California – The City of Long Beach announced that fireworks-related reports declined this Independence Day, marking another sign of progress in the city’s ongoing effort to reduce illegal fireworks activity through education, enforcement, and community outreach.

According to city officials, 587 fireworks-related reports were received on July 4, representing a 9% decrease compared with Independence Day in 2025. Officials also reported that fireworks-related calls to the City’s Communications Center dropped by nearly 18% from the previous year.

The results follow the launch of Long Beach’s Celebrate Safely campaign last month. The initiative was designed to educate residents about the dangers of illegal fireworks, explain how violations can be reported, promote enforcement efforts, and encourage safer ways to celebrate the holiday.

This year’s Independence Day celebrations also coincided with the nation’s 250th birthday, drawing large crowds to the Long Beach coastline where visitors attended professional fireworks displays at the Queen Mary and along the city’s shoreline.

Reports decline as enforcement remains active

City officials provided a breakdown of the different ways residents reported fireworks activity throughout the year and during the Fourth of July holiday.

A total of 561 fireworks-related reports were submitted through the Go Long Beach reporting system this year, including 212 reports on July 4.

The City’s Communications Center received 1,627 fireworks-related calls so far this year, with 348 of those calls made on Independence Day.

In addition, 52 fireworks-related emails were sent to Long Beach Police Department patrol divisions during the year, including 27 submitted on July 4.

Officials said additional information about public safety operations and outreach efforts surrounding the holiday is available through the city’s fireworks information website.

To help reduce illegal fireworks activity, the Long Beach Police Department increased patrols before and during Independence Day. Officers were strategically assigned throughout the city to discourage illegal activity, enforce fireworks laws, and respond quickly to incidents.

Those enforcement efforts resulted in the seizure of approximately 133 pounds of fireworks during June.

Between July 1 and July 3, officers confiscated approximately 61 individual fireworks pieces, while another 131 pieces were seized on July 4 alone.

Police also issued four fireworks-related citations between January 1 and July 3, followed by four additional citations on Independence Day.

During July 4 enforcement operations, officers made nine felony arrests and 21 misdemeanor arrests.

The Long Beach Police Department also used unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones, to assist with enforcement efforts. Officials said drones recorded footage of five fireworks-related incidents, and the evidence will be forwarded to the City Prosecutor’s Office for review. No arrests resulted directly from the drone observations.

City officials emphasized that reducing illegal fireworks remains a priority.

Since adopting an enhanced fireworks ordinance in 2021, Long Beach has expanded penalties and increased liability for individuals involved in illegal fireworks activity.

The city also continues promoting the Celebrate Safely campaign, encouraging residents to report violations while choosing safer ways to celebrate Independence Day without illegal fireworks.

Officials highlighted the long-term progress made since the creation of the Interdepartmental Fireworks Working Group and the Fireworks Action Plan in 2020.

When the city first established the coordinated strategy, Long Beach received a record 8,882 fireworks-related calls during 2020. By 2025, that number had fallen to 2,069, representing a 77% decrease from the peak.

To continue those efforts, the Long Beach City Council approved $100,000 in permanent funding as part of the city’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget to support ongoing enforcement, education, and community outreach. Officials said that funding remains unchanged through Fiscal Year 2026.

City leaders said they remain committed to reducing illegal fireworks activity through a combination of education, public engagement, and enforcement while encouraging residents to celebrate safely during future Independence Day holidays.