Police urge residents not to call 911 for firework noise

INDEPENDENCE DAY

The Seal Beach Police Department is deploying additional officers throughout the Independence Day holiday.

All fireworks are illegal in Seal Beach—no exceptions. Municipal Code §7.20.065 prohibits the sale, possession, or discharge of any fireworks, including so-called “safe and sane” varieties. Violations are a misdemeanor and may result in arrest or a citation carrying fines up to $1,000, plus the cost of seizing and disposing of the fireworks.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recorded eight deaths and an estimated 9,700 injuries nationwide in 2023 alone—nearly half involving burns to hands, face or ears.

Seal Beach police officers will be patrolling neighborhoods, parks, and beach areas specifically to deter illegal fireworks activity.

Seal Beach police urge residents not to call 911 to report fireworks. “911 is reserved for lifethreatening emergencies. Please help us keep emergency lines clear,” the police said in a press release. “Do NOT dial 911 just because you hear booms in the distance.”

Residents should only call the police if they personally witness someone lighting fireworks or any other dangerous act. To report dangerous activities, call 562-594-7232; only call 911 solely for imminent threats to life or serious injury.

“Our officers are fully aware that fireworks complaints spike on July 4 and have already saturated the city in search of violators,” the police press release said. “Every noise-only call with no suspect in sight diverts limited patrol units and dispatchers from true life-ordeath crises—seconds that can literally save lives. Your restraint keeps critical resources focused where they’re needed most.”