Fireworks!

Fireworks! The celebration of the birthdate of the United States, July 4, 1776, will be quickly upon us.

It is a time for barbecues, family fun, celebrations and often fireworks.

Can you use fireworks?
Can you even buy fireworks?
What, precisely, are fireworks that are legal in the State of New York?

For answers to these questions we turn to the New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.

Sparkers

“Sparkling devices are allowed to be sold and used in New York State though not in every part of New York State.” So what is a sparkling device? It is, technically, a “ground based or a hand held device that produces a shower of colored sparks and/or a colored flame, audible crackling or whistling noise and smoke.”Orange County, effective April 10, 2015, legalized this device.

They cannot be sold or used in the following counties: Bronx, Columbia, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond and Schenectady.

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

Dangerous Fireworks

Under Penal Law §270(b), the term “dangerous fireworks” means any firework capable of causing serious physical injury and which are firecrackers, sky rockets and rockets including all devices which employ any combustible or explosive substance and which rise in the air during discharge, roman candles and bombs.

In New York City, the term dangerous fireworks also includes sparklers more than 10 inches in length or chasers including all devices which dart or travel about the surface of the ground during discharge. New York City forbids even sparklers, as indicated above.

Orange County Fireworks

Different communities in Orange County have different provisions regarding the public display of fireworks.

For instance, the Town of New Windsor forbids any person from conducting a private fireworks display unless a valid permit has been issued by the permitting authority. At a minimum, such a permit must be requested at least 10 days in advance of the date of the fireworks display.

Likewise, the City of Middletown requires that a permit be issued for a public display of fireworks.

Safety

The Homeland Security and Emergency Services Department has even published sparkler safety tips. They include many which are based on common sense. For example, always follow the directions on the packaging and never use indoors. Never point a sparkler towards anyone or, for the matter, yourself. Keep an approved fire extinguisher nearby and douse malfunctioning or spent devices with water before discarding to prevent a fire.

According to the State of New York, sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Be safe, be smart and not only will you enjoy this holiday but many to come.

This is not intended to be legal advice. You should contact an attorney for advice regarding your specific situation.

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Robert M. Lefland is Senior Counsel and primary attorney in charge of Personal Injury at J&G. He can be reached by calling 866.303.9595 toll free or 845.764.9656 and by email . He is available by appointment on Saturday’s. If you need his immediate attention, you can reach him on cell.