MAYOR GIULIANI WARNS NEW YORKERS OF THE DANGERS OF ILLEGAL FIREWORKS
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today outlined the successful efforts of the City's Police Department/ Fire Department Joint Fireworks Task Force at a demonstration of the dangers of illegal fireworks at the police firing range in Rodman's Neck. The Mayor was joined by Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen, Wilbur Chapman, Chief of Patrol, New York City Police Department and members of the Joint Task Force.
"The Fourth of July is a special time of year. All across the City, families and friends come together to enjoy the warm weather and to celebrate our nation's independence," Mayor Giuliani said. "Tragically, every year thousands of Americans are needlessly injured by illegal fireworks. Fireworks are deadly and too many children are maimed by this contraband . Thanks to the efforts of the Fireworks Interdiction Team, the emergency rooms of this City are seeing fewer and fewer fireworks-related injuries. Since I formed the Joint Task Force in 1995, fireworks confiscations have increased dramatically, injuries have been reduced and we have helped ensure that New Yorkers have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July holiday."
"We had far fewer fires and injuries last year as a result of illegal fireworks," said Commissioner Von Essen. "We believe that the Mayor's Joint Task Force is making things safer for all New Yorkers."
"Our City's Joint Task Force is an example of this Administration's commitment to ensuring that all New Yorkers, particularly our youngsters, have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July weekend," Chief Chapman said. "Illegal fireworks, which too often masquerade as toys can be harmful and potentially fatal. The Task Force's proactive enforcement strategies have resulted in the seizure of over 25,000 cases of fireworks, almost three times the amount seized in 1996. This effort has had a significant impact on the safety of our children, and we will continue to work together to ensure that New Yorkers have a safe and enjoyable holiday, and leave the fireworks to the experts."
At today's demonstration, members of the Task Force, including the New York City Police Department Bomb Squad, demonstrated the destructive potential of many seemingly harmless fireworks, including sparklers, M-80's, cherry bombs, blockbusters and mortars.
Mayor Giuliani formed the Joint Task Force in 1995 to eliminate the trafficking of illegal fireworks and to educate the public about the dangers of fireworks. For the third straight year, the Police and Fire Departments have come together in a comprehensive program aimed at eliminating the sale and use of illegal fireworks and explosives.
So far this year, the Task Force has seized 25,443 cases of fireworks, most of which were confiscated outside the City, including major seizures in Suffolk County, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. In addition to the seizures, which have an approximate street value of over $50 million dollars, the Task Force has made more than 55 arrests, executed twelve search warrants and confiscated ten vehicles involved in the transportation of illegal fireworks.
According the Fire Department's Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, the Task Force's successful enforcement efforts of led to a 32 percent reduction in fireworks-related injuries from 1995 to 1996 during the 4th of July Weekend, while Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan reported an 80 percent reduction in injuries during the same weekend. The Fire Department also responded to 345 fire calls last year as compared to 707 in 1995.
The Mayor urged New Yorkers with information about the sale or use of illegal fireworks to call the Fire Department's 1-800-FIRETIP hotline. All calls will be kept strictly confidential.
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