Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Monday, July 2, 2001
Release # 234-01

Contact: Sunny Mindel/MatthewHiggins (212) 788-2958
  Tom Antenen (NYPD) (212) 374-6700
  Dave Billig (FDNY) (718) 999-2056


MAYOR GIULIANI, POLICE COMMISSIONER KERIK AND
FIRE COMMISSIONER VON ESSEN REMIND NEW YORKERS OF
THE DANGERS OF ILLEGAL FIREWORKS

City Reports an 91% Decline in Fireworks-Related Injuries
Since Creation of NYPD/FDNY Fireworks Task Force

New Yorkers Urged to Call 1-800-FIRE-TIP to Report Illegal Fireworks


Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, joined by Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik and Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen, today reminded New Yorkers of the dangers of illegal fireworks and warned that the City's crackdown on illegal fireworks, which began in 1995, will continue through the Fourth of July holiday.

In 1995, Mayor Giuliani created the New York City Police Department/Fire Department Fireworks Task Force in an effort to eliminate the trafficking in illegal fireworks in New York City, and to educate New Yorkers about the dangers of fireworks.

"This year's Fourth of July celebrations promise to be as wonderful as ever, as New Yorkers and visitors alike marvel at public fireworks displays throughout the City," the Mayor said. "While most New Yorkers observe our nation's independence safely and leave the fireworks displays to the professionals, every Fourth of July, illegal fireworks cause senseless tragedies. Fireworks are extremely dangerous, even types that some people mistakenly consider harmless, such as sparklers."

The Mayor continued, "Fortunately, fireworks-related injuries have declined by 89 percent and thousands of cases of illegal fireworks have been seized since the creation of the City's Fireworks Task Force in 1995. 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. I wish all New Yorkers a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July."

Police Commissioner Kerik said, "Each year, the Fourth of July holiday is accompanied by tragic stories of New Yorkers - most often children - seriously injured by illegal fireworks. Thanks to the efforts of the Fireworks Task Force, these incidents have been reduced substantially. The NYPD and our partners in the Fire Department will be working around the clock to continue that trend, and with a little cooperation, we can keep the July 4th celebrations in the parks and backyards and away from the emergency rooms."

Fire Commissioner Von Essen said, "Each year thousands of Americans are needlessly injured, maimed or seriously burned as a result of illegal fireworks. However, in New York City, the ongoing enforcement efforts of the Fireworks Task Force have played a crucial role in reducing the number of Fourth of July fires and fireworks-related injuries to record lows."

In 2000, EMS treated 11 serious fireworks-related injuries, an 80 percent decline from 1995 (56 injuries). In fact, since the Task Force was created, the number of fireworks-related injuries has steadily declined every consecutive year. As of June 29th of this year, the Fire Department reported five fireworks-related injuries, an 91 percent decline from 1995.

As of Friday, June 29th, the Police Department has made 11 arrests for selling illegal fireworks this year and has seized 1,663 cases of fireworks, with an approximate street value of more than $3 million. For comparison, the Police Department seized 27,697 cases of fireworks in 1997, reflecting the dwindling supply of illegal fireworks now coming into the City.

New Yorkers with information about illegal fireworks are asked to call the Illegal Fireworks Hotline at 1-800-FIRE-TIP or 1-800-347-3847. All calls will be kept strictly confidential.


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