Release #049-99

Contact: Colleen Roche/Jennifer Chait (212) 788-2958

"We are all in agreement about public safety," Mayor Giuliani said. "The Police and Fire Departments have met with community leaders and organizers of the Chinese New Year celebration, and approved the necessary applications for a pyrotechnic display that will allow a tradition to continue while ensuring public safety. I look forward to a wonderful celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year this year. I want to thank both commissioners and Assembly Speaker Silver for their efforts in assisting the City and community to come to agreement on this sensible plan."

Unless used by a licensed pyrotechnics expert, the sale and use of fireworks of any kind is illegal in New York City. Each year the Fire Department receives and reviews hundreds of applications for legal fireworks displays. After careful review of the application submitted by the Committee to Celebrate the Lunar New Year a plan was developed which will enable pyrotechnic experts from the Fire Department's Explosives Unit and Zenith Pyrotechnology of Deer Park, to provide a safe, controlled demonstration of precision theatrical fireworks.

The Chinese New Year Celebration marks the start of the year 4697, The Year of the Rabbit. The fireworks, along with dragon dances, will take place at Columbus Park, located between Baxter and Mulberry Streets on February 16th from noon to 4:00 pm. This year's display will consist of approximately 192 pre-loaded red confetti effects and 192 sound flashes that accompany the colorful display. Because these are theatrical fireworks they do not produce a spark, reducing any chance for injury.

State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, whose district includes Chinatown, said, "New York City has a proud history of tolerance, appreciation and respect for the many cultures that make up this great city. This agreement proves that by working together, we can find ways to balance the cultural traditions that are so important to us with the need to keep our residents safe."

Police Commissioner Howard Safir said, "We are pleased that an agreement was reached where we can allow a tradition to continue while still making public safety our main priority. Fireworks can cause serious injuries, including the loss of fingers, hands, and vision. We intend to continue our zero tolerance approach to the sale and use of illegal fireworks."

Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen said, "The Fire Department has worked closely with the leaders of the Chinese-American community and the Mayor's Office to ensure that any pyrotechnic display that takes place during this celebration, is done in the most safe and careful manner possible."

Jan Lee, Co-Chair of the Committee to Celebrate the Lunar New Year, said, "The Chinese community has worked over the past two years with the Mayor's Office, Police Department and the Fire Department and we are pleased that the celebration is coming together with the use of fireworks."

Tragically, each year thousands of Americans are needlessly injured, maimed or seriously burned from the use of fireworks. As a result of the efforts of the Mayor's Joint Fireworks Task Force, which was formed in 1995 to prevent needless injuries, New York City has seen a dramatic decrease in the amount of fireworks-related injuries and burns at events such as this one.