New York Residents Still Buy Illegal and Dangerous Fireworks for the Fourth of July Weekend

As the 4th of July holiday approaches, Connecticut fireworks vendors are reaping the benefits of the Empire State's ban on these items. Fireworks are illegal in New York, but that doesn't keep residents from crossing the border to buy them. 

However, Yorktown police advises people not to buy any explosives, not only because summons will be issueed and arrests could be made, but severe injuries could result if fireworks are not used with proper precaution. 

The use of fireworks is strictly enforced in Yorktown, Lt. Soravilla said. If police find more than $50 worth of such devices, it is considered "with intent to sell," which is a crime, he said. The Yorktown Police Department expects to receive hundreds of calls about fireworks over the holiday weekend. 

Lt. Soravilla said there have been no serious injuries in town due to fireworks related incidents over the years, mainly because people have been lucky. 

A new  Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)  study indicates that in 2009 there were two deaths and nearly 9,000 emergency room visits for injuries resulting from fireworks related incidents. Most fireworks injuries occurred to consumers younger than 20 and resulted in the loss of a limb in many cases. Injuries to younger children included burns as a result of using sparklers.

"Consumers need to heed our warning: fireworks related incidents, especially those involving illegal fireworks, can be fatal," said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum in a press release.

One tent, set up at the intersection of Copps Hill Road and Danbury Road in Ridgefield, CT, was stacked with an array of sparklers and fountains, which emit showers of colorful light lasting up to two minutes. Several cars with New York plates were parked at the tent to purchase fireworks. 

The non-explosive devices are legally available for purchase in CT for those over the age of 16. 

"We've had a lot of customers come in from New York," salesman John Tumminello said.

On display were a small pack of neon sparklers for $3 and a large pack of 20 for $8, a fountain called the Big Foot, which shoots out color sprays from its toes, going for $25, and the top-selling Purpalicious, a fountain emitting a shower extending 15 feet into the air.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns people of thousands of injuries related to sparklers, firecrackers, and aerials. Consumers are advised if they purchase legal fireworks to take the following safety precautions according to the CPSC:

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
• Avoid buying fireworks that come in brown paper packaging, as this can often be a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and could pose a danger to consumers.
• Adults should always supervise fireworks activities. Parents often don't realize that there are many injuries from sparklers to children under five. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.
• Never have any portion of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move back to a safe distance immediately after lighting.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully functioned.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Light one item at a time then move back quickly.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• After fireworks fully complete their functioning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding to prevent a trash fire.