NEW YORK—The nation’s largest fireworks display is set to spark off over the Hudson River Saturday night at 9 p.m.
The Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks will use up to 55 times the amount of fireworks of the average Independence Day celebrations. They'll be ignited over the Hudson River in recognition of the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s his first voyage.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg invited all New Yorkers to enjoy the show, which will be visible from almost any part of the city—an exception being north of 59th Street, west side.
Bloomberg, along with Police Commissioner Kelly and Fire Commissioner Scoppetta, also used the opportunity to caution New Yorkers about the consequences of using illegal fireworks.
“Fireworks in the hands of amateurs are not good family fun—they’re dangerous accidents waiting to happen,” Bloomberg said in a press release. “They also happen to be illegal. We urge all New Yorkers to report the sale, storage, transport or use of any illegal fireworks to 311.”
Frank Dwyer, a spokesperson for the New York Fire Department said the rules are common sense—you can lose an eye, start a fire, or injure someone.
“A lot of people just don’t listen,” he said.
Fireworks injure approximately 10,000 people nationwide, Dwyer said, but noted that in New York, serious injuries have largely decreased due to fire safety education seminars.
“The message is getting out there,” said Dwyer.
Police Commissioner Kelly thanked fire marshals for their efforts in keeping illegal fireworks off the streets of New York and commended the fire safety education unit for teaching people about the dangers of fireworks.
As for the consequences: anyone caught buying, selling or using fireworks in New York City without a permit is subject to arrest. In addition, a $750 penalty will be handed down to anyone using fireworks illegally.
“Even though we are getting fewer complaints this year about illegal fireworks, the Police Department is keeping up the pressure with more seizures of them and more arrests of those bringing them into the City,” said Commissioner Kelly in a press release.
The number of calls made to 911 and 311 about the use of illegal fireworks has decreased significantly. Since last year, over 55 arrests have been made with over 1,000 cases of fireworks confiscated by the police and fire department.
The Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks will use up to 55 times the amount of fireworks of the average Independence Day celebrations. They'll be ignited over the Hudson River in recognition of the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s his first voyage.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg invited all New Yorkers to enjoy the show, which will be visible from almost any part of the city—an exception being north of 59th Street, west side.
Bloomberg, along with Police Commissioner Kelly and Fire Commissioner Scoppetta, also used the opportunity to caution New Yorkers about the consequences of using illegal fireworks.
“Fireworks in the hands of amateurs are not good family fun—they’re dangerous accidents waiting to happen,” Bloomberg said in a press release. “They also happen to be illegal. We urge all New Yorkers to report the sale, storage, transport or use of any illegal fireworks to 311.”
Frank Dwyer, a spokesperson for the New York Fire Department said the rules are common sense—you can lose an eye, start a fire, or injure someone.
“A lot of people just don’t listen,” he said.
Fireworks injure approximately 10,000 people nationwide, Dwyer said, but noted that in New York, serious injuries have largely decreased due to fire safety education seminars.
“The message is getting out there,” said Dwyer.
Police Commissioner Kelly thanked fire marshals for their efforts in keeping illegal fireworks off the streets of New York and commended the fire safety education unit for teaching people about the dangers of fireworks.
As for the consequences: anyone caught buying, selling or using fireworks in New York City without a permit is subject to arrest. In addition, a $750 penalty will be handed down to anyone using fireworks illegally.
“Even though we are getting fewer complaints this year about illegal fireworks, the Police Department is keeping up the pressure with more seizures of them and more arrests of those bringing them into the City,” said Commissioner Kelly in a press release.
The number of calls made to 911 and 311 about the use of illegal fireworks has decreased significantly. Since last year, over 55 arrests have been made with over 1,000 cases of fireworks confiscated by the police and fire department.
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