The Fourth of July holiday is rapidly approaching, and with it, the annual fireworks shows. Although sparklers and similar items can be bought and sold in much of New York State, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) urges New Yorkers to leave these devices to trained professionals, and attend one of the many professional fireworks displays offered throughout the area.
All fireworks, including sparkling devices, are extremely dangerous. Despite their toy-like appearances, sparklers can seriously harm their users. The tip of a sparkler burns at a temperature of approximately 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, which can cause severe burns. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), sparklers cause roughly 25 percent of all fireworks-related emergency room visits, the most of any type of fireworks-like device. Furthermore, fireworks start roughly 16,000 fires each year.
“Sparklers and fireworks are not toys,” said FASNY President Steven Klein. “Fireworks and sparkling devices can cause serious bodily harm, and even death, to those using them, as well as others in the vicinity. Only professionals who have undergone training and certification should handle these types of devices, and FASNY strongly urges New Yorkers not to purchase or use them. Avoiding sparklers and fireworks may well save both lives and property alike.”
A 2018 report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission shows that in 2017, fireworks were involved in an estimated 12,900 injuries. Children under the age of 15 accounted for 36 percent of these injuries. Sparklers accounted for an estimated 1,200 emergency department-treated injuries.
“FASNY warmly wishes all New Yorkers a happy, safe Fourth of July holiday. Should any emergencies arise, do not hesitate to dial 9-1-1. New York’s brave volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians will be ready to respond, as they always are,” said Klein.
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