During the Fourth of July celebration, the Long Beach Police Department will be strictly enforcing the ban on ALL fireworks, including sparklers, within the city. If you are found using any type of fireworks in Long Beach, you can be arrested and you may be fined $1,000, sentenced to jail for six months or both. The fines and penalties increase if you are found in possession of fireworks classified as dangerous.

The beaches located from Shoreline Drive to the end of the Peninsula will be heavily patrolled by the Long Beach Police Department. There will be amnesty bins located at various sites along the beach where you can voluntarily place your illegal fireworks and avoid the fine and/or incarceration.

The Long Beach City Ordinance, which was adopted 40 years ago, is stricter than ordinances in many adjoining cities. Fireworks sold in these cities are illegal in Long Beach.

Every year within the city, and across the country, citizens receive serious, often debilitating injuries because of the use of fireworks. Injuries can result in severe burns, scars and disfigurement that can last a lifetime. On a typical Fourth of July, fireworks cause more fires in the U.S. than all other causes combined. It is for these reasons that ALL fireworks, other than licensed and controlled professional public displays, are illegal within Long Beach.

We’re providing this information now so that you can make your Fourth of July plans in advance. Check your local newspaper for professional fireworks displays in your community. The elimination of the amateur use of fireworks will minimize injuries and save lives and property. You can make the difference.