As the July 4 holiday week begins, Americans across the country are preparing for Independence Day festivities.
This year’s celebration falls on Saturday, July 4, 2026, giving many people who work a Monday-to-Friday schedule the chance to make the most of the long weekend.
For some, that means gatherings and cookouts. For others, fireworks will be part of the plans.
Officials continue to recommend attending organized public displays, but some people still choose to light fireworks at home.
Anyone planning to do that should be aware that the rules differ depending on where they live.
In Long Beach, New York, city officials have issued a warning to residents ahead of the holiday after the City Council approved a tougher fireworks ordinance in June.
People caught breaking the fireworks law could now be hit with penalties of up to $15,000 or 15 days in jail.
Across New York state, including Long Beach, using, possessing, or selling fireworks is illegal unless they are part of a public display handled by licensed professionals. New York law allows permits for fireworks displays, but those permits require a written application, advance approval, and a certified pyrotechnician in charge of the firing.
Previously, fines in Long Beach for a single fireworks offense ranged from $5 to $250. However, a recently approved City Council measure sharply increased the maximum punishment, taking it to a level 60 times higher than before. The ordinance was approved on June 2, 2026, and takes effect immediately.
The city says enforcement will be active in the weeks and days leading up to and including the Fourth of July. Officials have also warned that anyone who “hosts” a fireworks event — including property owners, tenants, landlords, property managers, or anyone else in charge of the activity — could face additional liability for response costs that can exceed $20,000.
Acting City Police Commissioner Richard DePalma told press:
“Fireworks are dangerous. We’re inundated with complaints about fireworks.
“These increased penalties, they give us a stronger tool to deter dangerous and reckless behavior before somebody gets seriously hurt.”
DePalma added:
“We’re seeing little stuff and we’re also seeing the big stuff now. These mortars and these high-powered fireworks are becoming more prevalent.”
He also said that Long Beach becomes especially crowded around Independence Day when summer weather draws more people outside.
“We’re less than 4 square miles and people live right on top of each other,” DePalma added.
“With these high-powered fireworks, not only is it dangerous for the people setting them off, it’s dangerous for the people surrounding it because there is potential for fire, there’s potential for damage, there’s potential for injury.”
According to ABC7, some Long Beach residents support the tougher approach, including local man Anthony Daleo.
“I think if you’re really looking to stop people, I think that’s the way to do it,” he said.
“I think a $100 is a slap on the wrist and basically people are going to do it and pay the fine.”
For anyone thinking about setting off fireworks there this weekend, the message from authorities is clear. Long Beach says all personal fireworks are prohibited in the city, and residents who want to celebrate legally are being directed to the city’s official public fireworks display, scheduled for Friday, July 10, 2026, at dark.