Long Beach illegal fireworks crackdown: Enforcement numbers & reporting (no 911)

Long Beach’s Illegal Fireworks Action Plan Status Report (dated June 30, 2026) gives residents a citywide snapshot of illegal fireworks enforcement—plus practical guidance for reporting incidents without clogging emergency lines.

Among the report’s key takeaways: fireworks-related calls for service fell from 8,882 in 2020 to 2,069 in 2025—a 76% decrease from peak levels.

What the report says about calls for service (and where they cluster)

The city reports that total fireworks-related calls decreased from 2024 to 2,069 in 2025, and it notes that the origin of calls appears most frequently in clusters in Downtown, Central, and North Long Beach. It also says the major sources of calls for service are clustered in Central Long Beach and Downtown.

2025 enforcement outcomes (per the city’s table)

The status report also lists 2025 enforcement metrics, including:

• Misdemeanor citations: 10
• Misdemeanor arrests: 8
• Felony arrests: 0
• Search warrants: 0
• Criminal cases filed: 8
• Total illegal fireworks seized: 577 pieces

Social-host liability and penalties under Long Beach’s Chapter 8.81 ordinance

The report explains that the City Council adopted an ordinance adding Municipal Code Chapter 8.81 on June 8, 2021. Under that framework, the city says fire department, law enforcement, and code enforcement personnel can hold the owner or person in charge of real property—or the person conducting an illegal fireworks event—responsible for city costs incurred to respond to or investigate illegal fireworks activity. The report also says hosts can be held liable if a host aids or abets the discharge of illegal fireworks in the adjacent public right-of-way.

On penalties and cost recovery, the report states that the City Council approved adding fees to the Master Fees and Charges Schedule on June 15, 2021. It lists:

• Administrative penalties: $1,000 per violation
• Plus $250 if fireworks need to be disposed of by the Fire Marshal
• Response costs: the violating party may be liable for 100% of the actual costs, which could exceed $20,000 for a large fireworks activity requiring seizure and multi-department investigation

The city’s fireworks guidance also notes that anyone cited or arrested for fireworks violations may be faced with a $1,000 fine, sentenced to jail for six months, or both (Municipal Code Chapter 8.81).

How to report illegal fireworks without calling 911

Long Beach encourages residents to use non-emergency reporting channels—especially the Go Long Beach app.

• Use the Go Long Beach app (recommended): The city says reports are most helpful when they include the exact location, date and time, a description of individuals involved, and supporting photos, videos, or witness information.
• Call the City Communications Center (non-emergency): (562) 435-6711.
• Email the appropriate LBPD patrol division: include addresses, videos, license plates, photos, and other information that can be investigated—and include your name, address, and phone number so the city can contact you if needed.
  • LBPDNorth@longbeach.gov
  • LBPDSouth@longbeach.gov
  • LBPDEast@longbeach.gov
  • LBPDWest@longbeach.gov

When 911 is appropriate (and when it isn’t)

The city’s fireworks guidance is explicit: call 911 for emergencies ONLY. It says people should not call 911 to report fireworks unless the fireworks have caused an injury or fire.

Bottom line: If you see illegal fireworks, report through the city’s non-emergency channels and include the specific details investigators need—then save 911 for true emergencies.

Sources

• City of Long Beach — 2026 Illegal Fireworks Action Plan Status Report (June 30, 2026) (PDF)