A Warning Against Illegal Fireworks

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly and Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta warn New Yorkers of the consequences of transporting, buying, selling or using illegal fireworks. In New York City, all consumer fireworks are illegal and individuals caught buying, selling or using fireworks will be arrested. This year, motorists caught transporting fireworks into the city will have their vehicles seized by the New York City Police Department (NYPD).
So far this year, 769 cases of illegal fireworks have been confiscated by the NYPD Vice Enforcement Division in conjunction with the city’s Joint Fireworks Taskforce; more than 60 people have been arrested for possessing or trafficking illegal fireworks; and 31 vehicles have been seized. Last year, more than 2,300 cases of illegal fireworks were confiscated and 65 people were arrested. In July 2005, the mayor signed a law creating civil penalties for individuals using fireworks illegally. And, throughout the next month, the city will analyze last year’s 311 fireworks complaint data to more effectively deploy resources around the five boroughs.
In 1995, the Joint Fireworks Taskforce was formed with members of the NYPD, the New York City Fire Department’s Bureau of Fire Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and the Nassau and Suffolk County Police Departments. Over the past ten years, there has been a dramatic decrease in the number of fireworks-related injuries across the city. In 1995, there were 56 recorded injuries, compared to only 8 in 2005 — a decrease of 86 percent.
To date in 2006, there have been no injuries related to illegal fireworks. Fire activity on July 4th has also continued to decline from 706 fires in 1995 to 275 in 2005 — a 61 percent decrease.
Fireworks burn at extremely high temperatures and can rapidly burn through clothing and skin. Items such as sparklers are mistakenly thought to be safe, when in fact they can be very dangerous.
To report illegal fireworks activity, call 311.