FASNY urges New Yorkers to play it safe, leave fireworks to professionals

While some fireworks are illegal in New York, FASNY says all fireworks are dangerous and advises caution as July 4th approaches

Submitted by the Firefighter’s Association of the State of New York

As we gear up for Fourth of July festivities, the Firefighter’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) is warning residents about the dangers of fireworks – both legal and illegal. FASNY urges New Yorkers to plan ahead and follow some key rules to avoid any unwanted accidents, fires and injuries.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) highlights that fireworks cause an estimated 19,500 reported fires in the U.S. each year. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an estimated 10,200 people were treated in an emergency room due to firework-related injuries in 2022. It is important to remember that, in many cases, the individual injured was not always the individual using the explosives.

Also, sparklers may look harmless, and almost toy-like, but they are incredibly harmful and can cause serious injury and fires. The U.S. CPSC reported that, in 2022, 600 individuals were injured due to sparkler use. The tip of a sparkler burns at a temperature of nearly 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which can cause severe third-degree burns. According to the NFPA, sparklers cause roughly 25% of all fireworks-related emergency room visits, the most of any type of fireworks device.

“As New Yorkers make plans to celebrate Independence Day with friends and family, we encourage everyone to take into account the dangers associated with both legal and illegal fireworks and review firework safety tips and have a preparedness plan,” FASNY President Edward Tase Jr. said. “The safest way to enjoy fireworks and avoid firework-related injuries this Fourth of July is at professional displays in your community. We hope all New Yorkers can make this a memorable celebration for all the right reasons.”

Tips from the NFPA and FASNY:

√ Attend a local, professional fireworks show;

√ Livestream a virtual fireworks show;

√ Use glow sticks instead of sparklers;

√ Resist the temptation to get close to the firing site – the best view of a professional fireworks display is from a quarter of a mile or more away;

√ Do not possess or shoot off illegal fireworks on your own. Besides risking injury to yourself and the crowd watching the demonstration, it is breaking the law. Fireworks, with the exception of handheld, ground-based effects, and sparklers, are illegal in the state of New York; and

√ Do not pick up or attempt to relight used or “dud” fireworks – they may still cause serious burns or injury.

More about FASNY 

Founded in 1872, the Firefighters Association of the State of New York represents the interests of the approximately 80,000 volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel in New York state. For more information, visit www.fasny.com.