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For Immediate Release
June 26, 2018

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Asks New Yorkers to Handle Sparkling Devices Responsibly this Fourth of July

All other types of consumer fireworks, including firecrackers, bottle rockets, roman candles, spinners and aerial devices, remain illegal statewide

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services today urged New Yorkers to handle sparkling devices responsibly when celebrating the Fourth of July this summer. New York State Penal Law allows for the sale and use of a specific category of consumer fireworks known as sparkling devices.

 

Legal ground based or handheld sparking devices produce a shower of colored sparks or a colored flame, audible crackling or whistling noise and smoke. The devices do not launch into the air. As of today, these devices are legal in all counties except Bronx, Columbia, Kings, Nassau, the City of New York, Queens, Richmond, Schenectady and Suffolk.

 

All other types of consumer fireworks including firecrackers, bottle rockets, roman candles, spinners and aerial devices, remain illegal statewide.

 

“Sparkling devices can cause serious injuries since they burn at temperatures of nearly 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit,” said Commissioner Roger Parrino Sr.  “Always follow the directions on the packaging and remember that it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to buy or use sparklers in New York State. Use common sense when handling these devices.”

 

Sellers, manufacturers and distributors of sparkling devices must apply for a license from the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, pay an annual fee and follow other rules and conditions. A list of registered sparkling device vendors appears here.

 

“Each year there are thousands of reported injuries in the U.S. related to fireworks and sparklers,” said State Fire Administrator Francis Nerney. “Don’t become a fireworks injury statistic. It is always better to leave the fireworks displays up to the experts.

 

If sparkling devices are legal to purchase in your county, the Office of Fire Prevention and Control offers the following safety tips:

 

  • Purchase sparklers and novelty devices from New York State registered retailers only
  • Always follow the directions located on the packaging
  • Never allow young children to handle fireworks or sparking devices
  • All sparklers are for outdoor use only, never use indoors
  • Always wear eye protection when using sparklers
  • Never light more than one sparkler at a time
  • Never point a sparkler tube towards anyone or any part of your body
  • Keep sparklers and novelty devices in a safe secure location when not in use
  • Never use sparklers when under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Always keep an approved fire extinguisher nearby during a display
  • Douse malfunctioning and spent devices with water before discarding to prevent a fire
  • Store sparklers in a safe location away from young children
  • Keep unused sparklers dry and away from ignition sources

 

For more information on the sale and use of sparkling devices in New York State, visit the Office of Fire Prevention and Control website.

 

About OFPC:

The Office of Fire Prevention and Control delivers a wide breadth of services to firefighters, emergency responders, state and local government agencies, public and private colleges, and the citizens of New York. The office advances public safety through firefighter training, education, fire prevention, investigative, special operations and technical rescue programs. The timely delivery of these essential services enables the office to make significant contributions to the safety of all of New York State.

 

About DHSES:

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination and support for efforts to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorism and other man-made and natural disasters, threats, fires and other emergencies. For more information, visit the DHSES Facebook page, follow @NYSDHSES on Twitter and Instagram, or visit dhses.ny.gov.

 

 

 

 

 

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