State Fire Urges New Yorkers to Enjoy Safe Fourth of July Holiday

ALBANY, NY (06/27/2011)(readMedia)-- The New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) today urged all New Yorkers to follow State law by not using fireworks this Fourth of July holiday period and encouraged them to celebrate our Nation's birth by attending only those fireworks displays conducted by professionals.

Hospital emergency rooms treat an estimated 9,800 people for fireworks-related injuries each year in this country. Nearly two-thirds of fireworks-related injuries are caused by backyard fireworks, including sparklers, firecrackers and bottle rockets. The most severe injuries are typically caused by powerful fireworks, such as M-80's, rockets, and cherry bombs.

Direct marketing and quick easy access to fireworks is growing at an alarming rate, said Deputy State Fire Administrator John F. Mueller. Fireworks retailers are now aggressively marketing their products to New Yorkers through mail-order flyers and Internet sites, while vendors just across the state's borders are selling from roadside stands.

This easy access doesn't make fireworks any safer or any less illegal.

"There is a reason why fireworks are illegal in New York State – to prevent needless serious injury," said Deputy Fire Administrator Mueller, "People must refrain from using fireworks, not just to avoid arrest, but to ensure that everyone has a safe and accident-free holiday."

Secretary of State Cesar Perales, who oversees the Division of Consumer Protection, said, "As communities across the State celebrate the Fourth of July, let us remember that safety must be our number one priority. Fireworks can cause grave injuries and should only be used by trained professionals. Rather than risk harm to yourself or a loved one, we encourage all New Yorkers to leave the use of fireworks to the experts."

Chief Paul D. Martin, who heads the OFPC Bureau of Fire Prevention, said, "Fireworks may appear to be fun and harmless, but, unfortunately, all too often they cause serious injury. Each and every year, far too many people suffer life-long injuries, and far too many fires are caused by the use of illegal fireworks."

For many of us, Martin said, our homes symbolize a lifetime of hard work and we cherish nothing more than the well-being of our family. No one should risk losing what's most important to them because they didn't understand the dangers of fireworks. There are safer alternatives to using fireworks on the Fourth of July.

"This year, I urge people to avoid needless injuries and fire damage by leaving fireworks to the professionals," said Mueller. "Attending a public fireworks display is a safe, enjoyable and legal way to celebrate Independence Day."