Authorities Prepare to Keep Esplanade Secure

Officials in Boston are asking residents to be safe while celebrating the Fourth of July this holiday weekend.

In the air, on the water and on land, police, fire and other emergency officials in the city of Boston are preparing to make the Fourth of July weekend as safe as possible.

"It's a collaborative effort, the Boston Police Department will be working with the Massachusetts State Police and the MBTA to secure all key areas," said Boston Mayor Marty Walsh.

One of those key areas will, of course, be the Esplanade, where the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular will wow the crowds Saturday.

The National Guard was on hand, with explosive sniffing dogs, bag checks and security checkpoints.

Fourth of July revelers necn spoke with didn't seem to mind.

"It's very intense, probably the safest place in Boston right about now."

Lenny Lindsay of Milton has been coming for years.

Four or five years ago there was no security, you just walked in but now it's complicated."

Boston Police Commissioner William Evans says even with the concerns about an ISIS-inspired attack in the U.S., the security there will be at the same elevated levels it's been since the marathon bombings two years ago.

"There's nothing geared at this particular event other than it would be an attractive target, there is no threat, people should feel secure coming down," Commissioner Evans said.

In fact, Commissioner Evans says he will have just as many officers patrolling the neighborhoods as people celebrate Independence Day with barbecues and other parties.

"My most concern isn't on the Esplanade, it's in my neighborhoods, making sure I don't have young kids getting shot in the neighborhoods," Evans added.

Boston Fire Commissioner Joseph Finn also cautions against setting off fireworks in the city.

Commissioner Finn said, "Every year we do seem to suffer tragedy around the Fourth of July related to fireworks. Fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts, leave it to the professionals."

Officials also reminded residents that gas grills are illegal on second floor and above porches.