Police and fire officials told the City Council how they will staff and enforce public‑safety measures for Independence Day events, and they urged residents to report illegal fireworks through the MyHB app or the city’s designated hotline rather than calling 911.

Fire Department staff described rules for permitted fireworks booths, including required attendance at a safety meeting, 24‑hour on‑site security and daily fire department inspections. Officials said only “safe and sane” fireworks may be sold at permitted booths and listed areas where fireworks are prohibited: the beach, wetlands and all oceanside areas of Pacific Coast Highway, city parks and public property, within 100 feet of gas stations and within 300 feet of a fireworks stand.

Police described a maximum deployment for the holiday, proactively working with undercover and uniform teams and sending targeted letters to addresses with a history of illegal fireworks. Lieutenant Toby Archer said enforcement is difficult because people often light illegal fireworks and retreat into houses before officers can identify them. Archer advised residents to report persistent illegal fireworks to the MyHB app or the loud‑hotline so the department can prioritize known addresses.

Officials also advised safe disposal: soak spent fireworks in a bucket of water overnight, then wrap them before disposal, and bring suspected hazardous items to law enforcement or call the fire department for assistance. The Sheriff’s bomb squad will be used for explosive devices.

Council members thanked staff for the briefing and asked about video evidence and proactive outreach; staff said video can help identify violators but prosecution depends on whether a person can be identified.