PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - The City is encouraging everyone to safely enjoy the 4th of July holiday, and takes seriously the job of enforcing the Long Beach Fireworks Ordinance. All personal fireworks, including those labeled Safe and Sane, are prohibited in the City of Long Beach.

Fireworks 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, particularly those that are unexpected, can trigger flashbacks for veterans and gun violence survivors experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder. The noise also creates panic for many animals, and shelters fill with runaway pets every year.

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

• Submit a fireworks complaint, orupload photos and video 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 thepatrol 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
• For emergencies, dial 9-1-1.

The professional fireworks shows, such as the Big Bang on the Bay and the firework show over the historic Queen Mary, will not occur this year, due to the ongoing health emergency and to prevent large gatherings that are prohibited under the State order. Block parties will also not be permitted for similar reasons. Events like fireworks shows and block parties encourage large gatherings, and such gatherings are not permitted, per the State of California.

City Health officials continue to advise residents to practice proper preventative measures while celebrating safely. If participating in outdoor activities, maintain at least a six-foot distance from other individuals not in the same household, wear a mask when in close contact with others when physical distancing cannot be achieved, wash hands frequently and sanitize high-touch surfaces.

Media inquiries can be directed to the City of Long Beach Joint Information Center, 562.570.NEWS (6397), jic@longbeach.gov.

For the latest information on COVID-19, with details on all that the City of Long Beach is doing to keep our residents safe, visit: longbeach.gov/COVID19 and follow @LongBeachCity on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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