Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Dwight Williams (212) 788-2972
"Last night's fire was a senseless tragedy," said Mayor Giuliani. "A family almost lost their home because of the use of illegal fireworks. For anyone who has ever doubted the destructive and dangerous nature of fireworks, last night's fire should serve as a wake-up call. No form of firework is safe, not even those that seem harmless. Perhaps, this fire will serve as a lesson to all New Yorkers -- Fireworks can be deadly. We can avoid other such tragedies on the Fourth of July."
Commissioner Von Essen said, "We have been emphasizing the physical dangers of illegal fireworks witnessed all too often by our emergency medical bureau staff. Last night's incident reminds us of the danger to our homes and property as well. We look forward to continuing to work with the Police Department on the task force that the Mayor has established."
Last night's fire occurred at 86-14 Forest Parkway in the Richmond Hill section of Queens. 21 Fire Department units -- 105 firefighters -- fought for nearly an hour to bring the blaze under control. Despite their efforts, the fire caused extensive fire damage to the top two floors of the Queen Ann style wood frame house and extensive water damage to the first floor.
The New York City Police Department and the New York City Fire Department have joined forces to crackdown on the sale and use of illegal fireworks. As of today, a total of 6,800 cases of fireworks have been seized; 64 arrests have been made; six summonses have been issued; 13 vehicles have been seized and two search warrants have been executed. During the course of the Task Force's operations, seven guns and 1340 cartons of untaxed cigarettes have been recovered. One business has been shut down under the Nuisance Abatement Law for selling fireworks.