FDNY Warns of the Hazards of Using Illegal Fireworks this July 4

Mayor Michael Bloomberg describes the dangers of illegal fireworks. (L to R) Chief Fire Marshal Robert Byrnes, Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta, Mayor Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Ray Kelly.

Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta joined Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Ray Kelly to warn New Yorkers about the dangers of using illegal fireworks this July 4.

“Fireworks in the hands of amateurs are not family fun, they are accidents waiting to happen,” said Mayor Bloomberg during a press conference at Macy’s in Herald Square on July 2.

So far this year, fire marshals have arrested 23 people in relation to illegal fireworks. They also have confiscated 339 cases of fireworks - valued at $30,000 - and seized two vehicles.

“The point is not only are fireworks illegal, they also are extremely dangerous,” said Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta.

Twenty years ago, the FDNY reported more than 1,000 structural fires on July 4 and in 1999, less than 200 were recorded. The number continued to decline in 2008, when 128 were reported, and so far this year, there have been only five structural fires related to fireworks.

One supervisor and four fire marshals seasonally are dedicated to investigating illegal fireworks transportation, storage and usage, augmented by the FDNY’s Special Investigations Unit. They combine their efforts with the NYPD’s Vice Enforcement Division.