Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Sunday, May 30, 1999

Release #203 -99

Contact: Sunny Mindel/Matthew Higgins (212) 788-2958


MAYOR GIULIANI JOINS FIRE COMMISSIONER THOMAS VON ESSEN, QUEENS BOROUGH PRESIDENT CLAIRE SHULMAN AND THE JOINT FIREWORKS TASK FORCE TO REMIND NEW YORKERS OF THE DANGERS OF ILLEGAL FIREWORKS

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today joined Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen, Queens Borough President Claire Shulman and Deputy Inspector Michael Brooks of the Fire and Police Departments' Joint Fireworks Task Force, to remind all New Yorkers of the dangers of illegal fireworks.

"While Memorial Day traditionally marks the unofficial start of summer, this holiday should not be synonymous with the beginning of numerous preventable fireworks-related tragedies," the Mayor said. "At one time, summer holidays in New York City were marred by reports of dozens of injuries inflicted by fireworks. Often, it was children who suffered the most. But thanks to the vigilant enforcement efforts of the Joint Fireworks Task Force, the number of fireworks-related injuries has steadily declined each of the last several years. I urge all New Yorkers to enjoy this summer free of dangerous fireworks and remind them that the Police Department will once again adopt a zero-tolerance attitude towards illegal fireworks."

Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen said, "Tragically, each year thousands of Americans are needlessly injured, maimed or seriously burned as a result of fireworks. As a result of the year-round efforts of the Joint Fireworks Task Force, which was formed by Mayor Giuliani, the New York City Fire Department has seen a dramatic decrease in the amount of fireworks-related fires, injuries and burns."

Queens Borough President Claire Shulman said, "Illegal fireworks maim individuals every year during this season when outdoor activities increase. This is why we all must continue to support the programs that have dramatically reduced the number of serious injuries resulting from these illegal explosives. I want to thank Mayor Giuliani, Police Commissioner Safir, Fire Commissioner Von Essen and all the members of the Fireworks Task Force for recognizing the importance of this issue and congratulate them for their combined efforts to reduce the number of injuries caused by illegal fireworks."

Mayor Giuliani formed the Joint Fireworks Task Force in 1995 to eliminate the trafficking of illegal fireworks and to provide for continuous education of the public on the dangers of fireworks. For the fourth straight year in New York, the Police and Fire Departments continue to provide a comprehensive program aimed at eliminating the sale, use and trafficking of illegal fireworks and explosives.

According to the Fire Department's Emergency Medical Command, the Task Force's successful enforcement efforts have played a major role in the reduction in fireworks- related injuries being seen by city ambulance personnel. In 1995, the EMS reported 56 fireworks-related injuries; in 1996, there were 38; in 1997, there were 20; and in 1998, the Fire Department's EMS Command reported 13 fireworks-related injuries.

The Mayor urged all New Yorkers with information about the sale or use of illegal fireworks to call the Fire Department's 1-800-FIRETIP hotline (1-800-347-3847). As always, all calls will be kept strictly confidential.

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