Another Year of Fireworks

Except for the fireworks show over Alamitos Bay July 3, a Queen Mary pyrotechnics display July 4 and other public presentations to mark Independence Day, fireworks remain illegal in Long Beach.

Despite the ban, people still set off firecrackers, launched rockets, lit sparklers and the like to celebrate the holiday. Loud explosions scared some humans and animals.

However, the number of fireworks related calls to Long Beach’s dispatch center was lower this year compared to the amount of calls made last year, according to data released by the city manager’s office.

“From July 1 through July 5, there were 979 fireworks related calls to the city’s dispatch center, whereas last year there were 1,227 fireworks related calls; this represents a 30 percent decrease in fireworks related calls,” states a press release provided by Diana Tang, manager of government affairs.

However, calls in general to 9-1-1 and the non-emergency line skyrocketed on the fourth.

“For the 24-hour period of July 4, the dispatch center handled 3,246 calls (9-1-1 and the non-emergency line), and 1,419 calls-for-service. In comparison, on an average day, the dispatch center will handle approximately 2,379 calls (both 9-1-1 and the non-emergency line), and nearly 820 calls-for-service which represents more than 35 percent increase on Independence Day,” the release stated.

The dispatch center received 408 combined calls during the peak time between 8:30 and 9:15 p.m., averaging nine calls a minute.

Meanwhile, staffing at the dispatch center from 7 to 11 p.m. was augmented by 40 percent in preparation for the increased volume of calls.

The Long Beach Police made 26 felony and misdemeanor arrests on July 4th as well as issued 32 fireworks and misdemeanor citations.

Prior to the holiday, the LBPD – through a firework enforcement investigation – located several thousand pounds of illegal high-powered fireworks on June 20. The street value was approximately $250,000.

“These fireworks were confiscated by the Long Beach Fire Investigations Team and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) Arson Unit Task Force for safe disposal through the State Fire Marshal’s Office,” the release stated. “Separately, three other investigations resulted in one arrest, one citation, and the confiscation of approximately 3,000 lbs. of fireworks, narcotics, a handgun, magazines and ammunition.”

The city launched a public information campaign through digital street signs and social media posts warning against lighting fireworks.

Long Beach’s Animal Care Services (ACS) – formerly known as Animal Control – which in addition to Long Beach, serves four other cities, saw an increased kennel intake for July 4. Seventeen dogs and cats were taken in on the holiday, according to data released by ACS Manager Ted Stevens.

The figure was the same for 2017 but significantly lower than the 36 in 2016.

Asked if pets were reunited with owners after the 4th, Stevens responded via email: “Between July 4th and 8th 22 dogs and five cats were reunited with their owners.

Animal Control also received 42 calls from the public on Independence Day, down from 65 last July 4th. In 2016, 56 calls went in to ACS, according to the data.

Meanwhile, if anyone spots an injured or dead animal, whether it be a cat, dog, raccoon, opossum, or any animal, they can call ACS 24 hours a day at 562-570-7387 and a field officer can respond to the situation.

Stevens explained: “After normal business hours, calls are routed to an automated message directing the caller to make choices. Non-emergency calls will be directed to a voicemail option to be serviced during the next normal work shift. Emergency calls are routed to the Fire Department dispatch center and are expedited accordingly. FD dispatch can and will contact field officers to respond to emergencies. This practice of having FD dispatch handle ACS after-hour calls has been in place for many years and has not changed.”

kirt@beachcomber.news