Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958
Dwight Williams (212) 788-2972
"This past Fourth of July weekend was the safest in memory, as New Yorkers and visitors from around the world enjoyed many of the wonderful activities and attractions the City had to offer," Mayor Giuliani said. "The City's continued crackdown on illegal fireworks has resulted in a 35 percent reduction in serious injuries when compared to last year — a 77 percent reduction since the joint Task Force was formed in 1996. Citywide, fireworks seizures by the Task Force were way down as were complaints to the Illegal Fireworks Hotline. Thanks to the efforts of the Police and Fire Departments illegal fireworks were no where to be found this holiday season.
Police Commissioner Safir said, "It is clear that the combination of enforcement efforts by the Police Department and the Fire Department together with increased cooperation and awareness by the public really made a difference this year. There were far fewer fireworks on the streets this year and as a result, very few injuries."
Fire Commissioner Von Essen said, "The figures released today show that the Mayor's Fireworks Task Force has once again been effective. Of particular interest to the Fire Department is the significant reduction in fires. Bottlerockets, Roman candles, and other types of illegal fireworks have traditionally caused fires and injuries. We can see that this initiative have resulted in far fewer incidents."
The Fire Department has reported the following serious fireworks injuries over the last four years:
| Year | Serious Fireworks Related Injuries | Percent Change Since 1995 |
| 1998 | 13 | -77 percent |
| 1997 | 20 | -64 percent |
| 1996 | 38 | -32 percent |
| 1995 | 56 | --------------------------- |
The joint Police/Fire Department Task Force confiscated 4,250 cases of fireworks compared to 27,697 cases seized during the same period in 1997. This year, through the Fourth of July, the Fire Department responded to 210 total fires compared to 467 fires during the same period in 1997 — a 55 percent decline. The Department has also recorded a 40 percent reduction in structural fires since last year. The Fire Department received 75 calls to the Illegal Fireworks Hotline (800 FIRETIPS) through July 4th, compared to 294 calls in 1997 and 1082 calls in 1996.