NYers Reminded That Fireworks Aren't For Amateurs

On Friday, Mayor Bloomberg, Police Commissioner Kelly and Fire Commissioner Scoppetta reminded the public that consumer fireworks are illegal and dangerous (watch the ones over the Hudson instead!) and urged them to call 311 to report fireworks. Bloomberg said, "This should be a time to celebrate. Something we look back on with nothing but good memories. How would you feel if one of your family members or friends was really badly injured or worse? The other thing is, how would you like to be arrested?" Staten Island is getting much of the attention, with the cops and fire department busting people who return from buying fireworks in Pennsylvania. S.I. Borough Commander Chief Stephen Paragallo told NY1, "The type of residences in the other boroughs, excluding Staten Island, generally play into not having these large shows, block party-type shows. Not to say they don't happen in the other boroughs, but not to the degree they happen here." Flashback: The 2007 fireworks fracas, which resulted in 19 arrests on Staten Island.

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By Jen Chung in News on July 4, 2009 9:48 AM

Comments [rss]

Matt Joyce

Fireworks should be legal. I think this nanny state bullshit is neither wanted nor acceptable. So dear bloomberg, fuck off a-hole.

MO

I know at least one fire last night was due to some fool who lit fireworks in his apartment (I talked to someone who was there). I hope that the neighbors sue the @$$ off the jerk for the costs of cleaning their homes from the smoke.

Have a good look at the newsmap from the last 24 hours. Most of the residential fires seem to have been between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m.--which says to me that alcohol could well have been involved. (I would bet big bucks that people were also injured.)

Yes, fireworks are dangerous. Idiots blow off body parts, cause expensive damage to their own homes and those of attached apartments or houses, and sometimes injure innocent bystanders.

rosweed

If I called 311 every time I heard fireworks in my neighborhood I'd never get off the phone. I despise the 4th now because of inconsiderate assholes who feel some need to set off fireworks all night long. It scares the hell out of my dog who barks and whimpers, making for a sleepless night.

Think2wice

Again with this crap!?

I thought we were over the fireworks crackdowns when Giuliani left. No wonder I didn't hear a single sound of a firecracker these last two days. Even as I type I'd normally hear the air rumbling and popping.

Fuck this! Does Bloomberg and Kelly really expect everyone to cram into the "Designated Fun Zones" to see any fireworks on any given July 4th!? Macy's must be paying them all off!