Stay Safe This Summer: Don’t Use Illegal Fireworks

 

Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta, Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly and Health Department Commissioner Dr. Thomas R. Frieden joined on July 3 to remind New Yorkers about the dangers of transporting and using illegal fireworks.

“It’s simple - don’t buy or use fireworks, they are dangerous and illegal,” said Mayor Bloomberg during a press conference at City Hall.

One supervisor and two fire marshals seasonally are dedicated to investigating illegal fireworks transportation, storage and usage, augmented by the FDNY’s Special Investigations Unit.

So far this year, New York City fire marshals and police officers have made 46 arrests and confiscated 472 cases of fireworks.

“Simply stated, fireworks are explosives that can cause a great deal of harm,” said Commissioner Scoppetta. “People who possess fireworks, possess contraband.”

Since 1994, when the FDNY and NYPD began cracking down on illegal fireworks in the city, the number of injuries and fires related to these explosives has decreased dramatically.

Fires caused by illegal fireworks have dropped by 84 percent - from 1,063 in 1994 to 167 in 2007. The number of fireworks-related injuries also has decreased by 95 percent - from 56 reported injuries in 1994 to three in 2007.

There has been only one reported injury related to fireworks this year, which occurred when a 56-year old man mistook a Blockbuster firework as a candle when he lost electricity. He suffered severe lacerations on four fingers on his right hand and burns to his ear, face and chest.

“There are many, many ways to enjoy fireworks that are safe and legal,” said Commissioner Scoppetta.

Each year the FDNY Explosives Unit closely monitors and supervises 13 professional fireworks displays throughout the city, including the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks on the East River.

The Department stations additional ambulances and engine and ladder companies at every major fireworks site.