Long Beach
Fire Department

     Long Beach Fire Department resources responded to a number of firework related incidents over the 4th of July weekend, including illegal firework enforcement, several structure fires, and a significant traumatic injury. 

     The LBFD Arson Investigation Unit seized over 500 lbs. of illegal fireworks from July 1st through July 4th, and issued a misdemeanor citation for the possession of illegal fireworks.  The offender may face a penalty of up to $1,000 fine and/or 6 months in jail.  The Arson Unit also responded to four significant structure fires in the city on July 4th, three fires involving garages and vehicles, the other a vegetation and tree fire.  All fires are still under investigation, but all indicators point to fireworks as the "probable cause" of the fires.  Property loss is estimated to be approximately $400,000 and there was one minor civilian injury resulting from one of the structure fires.  The fires were at the following locations:

*1400 Block of Gardenia Avenue (vegetation/tree fire)

*400 Block of E. Louise Street (garage fire/1 patient transported with minor injury)

*4600 Block of E. 14th Street (trash fire/garage fire)

*2800 Block of  E. 63rd Street (garage/2 sheds/parked vehicle/RV)

     Shortly after 10pm, in the area of 17th Street and Lemon Ave., Long Beach Fire resources responded to reports of a significant traumatic injury caused by fireworks.  Arriving units found a 17 year old male patient with portions of his right hand missing after a firework had exploded in his hand.  The minor patient was immediately transported by LBFD paramedics to an area trauma hospital in stable condition.