FASNY reminds New Yorkers to leave fireworks to professionals

Ahead of summer holiday festivities, FASNY highlights dangers of fireworks – and how to remain safe this summer

Firefighters Association of the State of New York press release

As Fourth of July festivities quickly approach, the Firefighters Association of the State of New York is advising New Yorkers about the dangers and hazards of fireworks and sparklers and discouraging their use by individuals. Instead, FASNY encourages New York residents and visitors to play it safe and celebrate by taking in a professional fireworks display. 

FASNY would like to remind New Yorkers that fireworks (firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, spinners, and aerial devices) are illegal to own or use by anyone other than licensed professionals and permit holders in New York – and want to emphasize the dangers of using them. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) conducted a special study of nonoccupational fireworks-related injuries between June 16 and July 16, 2023. Findings revealed that approximately 66% of the year's estimated fireworks-related emergency room visits occurred during this one-month period. 

The 2024 fireworks annual report by the U.S. CPSC also showed there were 11 reported deaths, and an estimated 14,700 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments due to fireworks during that year. Many incidents are caused by amateurs using professional-grade, homemade, or illegal fireworks and explosives, but even less powerful devices – such as small firecrackers and sparklers – can result in serious injuries. 

Sparklers and certain “ground-effects” devices, although legal in New York, are still considered very dangerous and are illegal in New York City. According to the New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, sparkling devices are also prohibited in Albany, Bronx, Columbia, Nassau, Orange (prohibited in the cities of Middletown and Newburgh only), Queens, Richmond, Schenectady, Suffolk, Warren and Westchester counties. 

“Every year, firefighters across New York respond to preventable fires and serious injuries caused by improper fireworks use,” FASNY President Gene Perry said. “The safest way to celebrate is to leave fireworks to trained professionals and enjoy a local display with family and friends. No holiday celebration is worth risking a life, a home, or a devastating injury.”

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) highlights that fireworks cause an estimated 19,500 reported fires in the U.S. each year and more than $100 million in direct property damage. Fireworks should never be used around children, trees, enclosed spaces and fixtures and there should always be a water source nearby.

Additional tips from the NFPA and FASNY:

•Do not possess or shoot off illegal fireworks on your own. Besides risking injury to yourself and the crowd watching the demonstration or risking causing a fire, it is breaking the law. 

•Attend a local, professional fireworks show.

•Livestream a virtual fireworks show.

•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.

•Use glow sticks instead of sparklers.

•Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away – preferably in a metal garbage receptacle.

•Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone.

•After fireworks complete their burning, to prevent a trash fire, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device – again, preferably in a nonflammable trash receptacle.

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