Contact: Sunny Mindel/Curt Ritter (212) 788-2958
Marilyn Mode (212) 374-4227 (NYPD)
Michael Mode (718) 999-2056 (FDNY)
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, joined by Police Commissioner Howard Safir and Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen, today reminded New Yorkers of the dangers of illegal fireworks and warned that the City's crackdown of illegal fireworks, which began in 1995, will continue throughout the Fourth of July weekend.
In 1995, Mayor Giuliani created the New York City Police Department/Fire Department Fireworks Task Force in a effort to eliminate the trafficking of illegal fireworks in New York City and educate New Yorkers on the dangers of fireworks.
"July Fourth is a special time of year for New Yorkers and all Americans to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy as citizens of this great country," said Mayor Giuliani. "Throughout the City's five boroughs, families and friends will come together to celebrate our nation's independence, but tragically, every year thousands of people across the United States are needlessly injured by fireworks. Following the creation of the City's Fireworks Task Force, fireworks related injuries declined 77 percent and thousands of cases of illegal fireworks have been taken off the streets. People interested in selling illegal fireworks in New York City are getting the message: if they do it, they'll be arrested and their fireworks will be confiscated, and it's just not worth it.
"New Yorkers need to remember that fireworks are not toys, they can kill and maim and our Administration remains committed to preventing illegal fireworks from reaching the hands of young people," the Mayor continued. "This Fourth of July weekend, New York's Finest and New York's Bravest will work to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers. I encourage all New Yorkers to take advantage of one of the safe and legal fireworks displays on the East River and in Staten Island and wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Holiday weekend," the Mayor concluded.
Police Commissioner Safir said, "As a result of our joint enforcement efforts, there has been a steady decline in the amount of illegal fireworks available on our City streets. Last year the Task Force confiscated 4,250 cases of illegal fireworks and so far this year the Task Force has confiscated 1,825 cases of illegal fireworks. We intend to continue this zero-tolerance approach to the sale and use of illegal fireworks. Our primary goal is public safety and we are calling on all New Yorkers to help us. I urge all New Yorkers to stay away from illegal fireworks, which can cause serious injuries and anyone who may have information about the sale of illegal fireworks to call the Fireworks Hotline at 1-800-FIRE-TIPS."
Fire Commissioner Von Essen said, "Thousands of Americans are needlessly injured, maimed or seriously burned each year as the result of illegal fireworks. The Task Force's successful enforcement efforts have been the crucial force in reducing the amount of fireworks related injuries being seen by Fire Department Ambulance personnel, as well as providing a dramatic reduction of fireworks related fires."
In 1998, the Fire Department Bureau of Emergency Medical Services treated 13 serious fireworks related injuries, a 77 percent decline from 1995 (56 injuries). As of June 29th of this year, the Fire Department reported one fireworks related injury, in the same period last year, there were 9 serious fireworks injuries.
New Yorkers with information about illegal fireworks are asked to call the Illegal Fireworks Hotline at 1-800-FIRE-TIPS or 1-800-347-3847. All calls will be kept strictly confidential.