As the nation prepares to celebrate its birthday this holiday weekend, Albany officials are issuing a stern warning.

“Celebrate Fourth of July with a good burger, good hot dogs, but not fireworks,” said General Services Commissioner Sergio Panunzio.

There is a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to sparklers and fireworks in the Capital City and beyond. They can’t be sold or used in all of Albany County.

“It creates lots of opportunities for there to be a really tragic outcome,” said Mayor Kathy Sheehan.

Still, it’s an issue fire officials and law enforcement are preparing for.

“Our calls for service go up dramatically during the period of time,” Police Chief Eric Hawkins said.

Most calls are related to quality of life, blocked roads and sidewalks, noise complaints and other safety concerns.

“Our response is consistent,” Hawkins said. “We want to make sure that we are responding to our residents and visitors in the city.”

While important, Hawkins worries those types of calls could interfere with the department’s response to more serious matters.

Despite the ban in Albany County, people still find firework stands in nearby Rensselaer County, making access easier than city officials would prefer.

“We literally spend hundreds of thousands of dollars in overtime in removal of garbage from people who use the fireworks in the parks,” Panunzio said.

Instead of creating a personal explosive celebration, city officials encourage people to leave it the professionals and attend fireworks at the Empire State Plaza on Monday.

“It is not worth it,” Recreation, Youth and Workforce Services Commissioner Jonathan Jones said. “And you are worth more to us to not use it this year.”