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Fireworks fans will get a double dose in Long Beach, with the Big Bang on the Bay on Sunday, July 3, and a free show off the downtown waterfront on Monday, July 4.

But, as most know, there will be fireworks shot off all around the city as well — even though doing so is illegal.

For the last several years, the city has ramped up efforts to enforce the ban on all fireworks — even those classified as “safe and sane” — down to and including sparklers. Last year, the City Council passed an enhanced fireworks ordinance that expanded both the people liable for using illegal fireworks and the penalties involved.

As a preventative measure, Long Beach will conduct ongoing, citywide enforcement of illegal firework activity in the days leading up to and during the Fourth of July weekend, according to a city press release. Anyone cited or arrested for fireworks violations may face anywhere from a $1,000 fine to as much as $20,000 in response costs, be sentenced to jail for six months, or both.

Four firefighters were injured on Friday, June 17, while fighting a blaze at a Belmont Shore apartment building when a cache of fireworks exploded. The investigation is ongoing, with no information regarding possible charges yet available.

“As we celebrate our nation’s independence on the Fourth of July, it’s imperative that we do so in a manner that is safe and responsible to our community,” Long Beach Fire Department Chief Xavier Espino said in an email. “Fireworks are a significant cause to traumatic injury to civilians on the Fourth of July. In addition, they also contribute to starting fires when falling hot embers from fireworks land in open areas and on top of roofs throughout our city.

“Respect our veterans who have served our country who may be prone to episodic flashbacks and PTSD that can be caused by the loud explosions of fireworks,” he added. “Be mindful of our pets that are hypersensitive to the loud noises of fireworks. We see a significant increase in lost pets and injured pets that try to find safe refuge from the loud booms heard throughout the night.”

People can report illegal fireworks in a number of ways, including via the city’s Go Long Beach App, which has a dedicated spot for fireworks reports. Those complaints go directly to the city prosecutor’s office for investigation. There also is a Go Long Beach website, sforce.co/3HPNpKa.

Calls should go to 562-435-6711, the non-emergency number at the Communications Center. Or people can email Police Department divisions using a standard format; the North Division email, for example, is LBPDNorth@longbeach.gov.

Reports should include any available details — address, license plate information, videos or photos, even identifications if available. Despite the emphasis on fireworks enforcement, neither the police or fire departments has the resources to respond to all calls, particularly in time to see fireworks being shot off, so information for investigation is important, officials said.

“The city also reminds the community that ‘celebratory’ gunfire is considered an illegal discharge of a firearm and is very dangerous,” a city press release says. “Discharging a firearm for celebratory purposes could result in injury or death to anyone struck, and jail time for the offenders.”

Fireworks will fly over the Alamitos Bay Marina during Big Bang on the Bay at 9 p.m. Sunday.

The aerial show can be seen from the Boathouse on the Bay, Alamitos Bay beaches and the Peninsula area of Long Beach. There also is a block party sponsored by Boathouse on the Bay that includes entertainment, flyovers and more. Proceeds benefit several Long Beach charities. For more information, go to boathouseonthebay.com/big-bang.

The annual city fireworks show will start at 9 p.m. Monday, July 4, with fireworks launched from the Harry Bridges Events Park next to the Queen Mary. The show which the city, Long Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, Port of Long Beach and Harbor Breeze Cruises will co-host — will take place along the Long Beach waterfront toward downtown. And they can be seen from Rainbow Harbor, Shoreline Village and beyond.

City Hall and most other government offices will be closed on Monday, July 4. Parks will be open (except the El Dorado Nature Center), and trash pickup will continue as scheduled. The Police Department’s main desk will be open, as will the call center for water or natural gas emergencies.

Fire and lifeguard stations will be open and staffed, as will the Marine Bureau offices. The Police Department will have additional officers on patrol specifically to watch for people driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Regular mail delivery will take the day off, and banks and most other business offices will be closed. Restaurants and retail stores, on the other hand, typically staff up in hopes of a big day.

Officers will patrol the popular Bayshore Beach in Belmont Shore, and will check parking availability on the Peninsula, which ends with a parking lot at 72nd Street.

People will be turned away once parking on the Peninsula reaches capacity, according to the Third District City Council office.

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