New York State Law allows for the sale and use of Sparkling Devices. Sparkling Devices are ground based or handheld devices that produce a shower of colored sparks and or a colored flame, audible crackling or whistling noise and smoke. The law limits the type size and construction of sparkling devices and requires that these devices must be hand held or mounted on a base or spike and be limited in sizes that range from 1 to 500 grams of pyrotechnic composition.
Please Note – The Albany County Legislature adopted Local Law H of 2020; which prohibits the use and sale of sparkling devices in Albany County. All other types of consumer fireworks, including firecrackers, bottle rockets, roman candles, spinner and aerial devices, remain illegal statewide.
The Village of Green Island encourages everyone to celebrate our independence on the 4th of July. Fireworks and sparkling devices are illegal and dangerous, and your safety is important to us. If you find yourself in a situation where there are fireworks and/or sparkling devices please adhere to the following safety tips.
SAFETY TIPS:
• Always follow the directions located on the packaging
• All sparklers are for outdoor use only, never use indoors
• Always wear eye protection when using sparklers
• Never light more than one sparkler at a time
• Never point a sparkler tube towards anyone or any part of your body
• Keep sparklers and novelty devices in a safe secure location when not in use
• Never use sparklers when under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Always keep an approved fire extinguisher nearby during a display
• Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
• Douse malfunctioning and spent devices with water before discarding to prevent a fire
• Purchase sparklers and novelty devices from NY State registered retailers
FACTS:
• Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 F
• It is illegal to purchase and use sparklers in Albany County.
• It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to buy or use sparklers in NY State.
• In 2013 there were 8 deaths and 11,400 reported injuries in the United States related to fireworks. Sparklers accounted for 31% of these injuries. Many of these injuries were to people under the age of 18.
• Sparklers and certain novelty devices are the only consumer fireworks that are legal in certain parts of NY State. Learn more at: www.dhses.ny.gov/ofpc/news/sparklingdevices.cfm
Please follow the law and use common sense so that nobody gets hurt, and have a safe and happy 4th of July!