On July 4th, Independence Day, a man on Long Island was arrested for allegedly allowing a child to ignite fireworks, causing two houses to catch fire. This incident serves as a reminder that New York State and New York City have strict laws regarding the sale and use of fireworks, and it is essential for the public to adhere to these regulations during festivities to prevent tragedies.
According to Nassau County police, 33-year-old Karamjit Singh provided fireworks to an 11-year-old child on the morning of July 4th and instructed the child to ignite them on Red Maple Drive North in Levittown. Unfortunately, a malfunction occurred when the child ignited the fireworks, causing a shed in the yard to catch fire. The blaze then spread to Singh’s and his neighbor’s homes, resulting in severe damage to both properties.
Singh was arrested later that morning and charged with arson, reckless endangerment, selling fireworks to individuals under 18, illegal possession, use, or ignition of fireworks, and endangering the welfare of a child. He appeared for a hearing on July 5th.
Currently, it is unclear what category the fireworks, which caused the fire, fall under.
Many individuals wish to celebrate major holidays by setting off fireworks but in New York State and New York City, there are specific legal regulations and restrictions regarding fireworks. Failure to comprehend these regulations may inadvertently lead to legal repercussions.
Under Article 270 of the New York Penal Law, possessing, igniting, selling, or providing fireworks to others constitutes illegal handling of fireworks and dangerous fireworks.
Fireworks in this context refer to firecrackers, bottle rockets, missiles, and other devices that contain more than 130 milligrams of explosive or chemical components capable of combustion, explosion, or detonation.
“Dangerous fireworks” encompass devices that can cause serious bodily harm, including items with over 50 milligrams of explosives.
New York State law permits the public to ignite a specific type of fireworks known as sparkling devices, such as sparklers, during designated time frames. These devices produce colorful sparks, a bursting sound, or smoke when ignited on the ground or handheld. However, they are not designed to shoot into the air.
Sales of these sparkling devices are strictly regulated. Certified permanent and professional retailers are only allowed to sell them between June 1 and July 5, as well as from December 26 to January 2. Temporary stands can only sell them between June 20 and July 5, and December 26 to January 2.
Furthermore, in New York State, it is illegal to sell fireworks to individuals under 18.
In contrast, in New York City, all consumer-grade fireworks, including sparklers, are completely prohibited for sale and use. The New York City Police Department vigorously enforces laws against illegal possession and ignition of fireworks, with violators facing fines of up to $1,000, and in severe cases, potential arrest.