The Californer - City of Long Beach Experienced a 4% Decrease in Fireworks-Related Reports on July 4

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Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach saw a decrease in fireworks-related reports this Independence Day, with a total of 646 reports compared to 2024's 675. This is a 4% decrease and can be attributed to the city's efforts in educating the community about the dangers of fireworks and promoting alternative ways to celebrate.

The city launched its Celebrate Safely campaign last month, which aimed to educate residents about the hazards of fireworks activity, reporting options, enforcement, and safety tips. As a result, the Long Beach coastline was filled with visitors who enjoyed two professional fireworks shows on July 3 and July 4.

According to data provided by the city, there were a total of 549 reports submitted via Go Long Beach, with 209 being submitted on July 4 alone. The City's Communications Center received 1,503 calls related to fireworks activity, with 422 being submitted on July 4 alone. Additionally, there were also 44 reports emailed to the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) patrol divisions, with 15 being submitted on July 4 alone.

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The City has been actively working towards decreasing fireworks activity through its Interdepartmental Fireworks Working Group and Fireworks Action Plan since last year. This comprehensive approach has resulted in a significant decrease in fireworks-related calls from an annual peak of 8,882 in 2020 to just 2,196 in 2024. This is a remarkable decrease of 75%, and it is the first time that calls have dropped below levels established in 2019.

To further address firework activity in Long Beach, the City Council approved $100,000 in structural budget appropriations as part of the Adopted Fiscal Year 2025 Budget. This funding will support ongoing coordination of enforcement efforts and outreach and education initiatives.

The City remains committed to decreasing fireworks activity and has expanded its liability and penalties associated with this illegal activity through the adoption of an enhanced fireworks ordinance in 2021. The Celebrate Safely campaign also continues to encourage the community to report fireworks activity and promotes alternative ways to celebrate Independence Day without fireworks.

For more information about the Celebrate Safely campaign, residents can visit longbeach.gov/fireworks. Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of Public Affairs and Communications at LongBeachMedia@longbeach.gov. The City's efforts in decreasing fireworks activity have been successful, and they will continue to work towards creating a safe and enjoyable environment for all residents during future Fourth of July celebrations.

Filed Under: Government, City

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