NYC Rekindles Illegal Fireworks Task Force Ahead Of July 4

New York City NY

09 June, 2021

1:25 PM

Description

NEW YORK CITY — An explosion of illegal fireworks last summer still ringing New Yorkers' ears sparked a renewed city effort to snuff out the troublesome pyrotechnics. A multi-agency task force will crack down on the flow of illegal fireworks into the city around the July 4 holiday, Mayor Bill de Blasio said. He recounted how a 3-year-old Bronx boy suffered injuries last year after an illicit firework exploded outside his window. "Illegal fireworks are noisy, disruptive piece of neighborhoods, but they can also be dangerous," he said Wednesday. "We have to understand how important it is to ensure that illegal fireworks are confiscated so they can't do harm to people in communities." Early this morning, a 3-year-old boy was injured by fireworks while inside of his apartment. The victim was in a bedroom looking out of the window at the fireworks, when one of the shells entered the window striking him. pic.twitter.com/OGYCnE8Cq2— Chief Rodney Harrison (@NYPDChiefOfDept) June 24, 2020 Fireworks complaints boomed last summer as the city took its first tentative steps from sweeping coronavirus lockdowns. For some, setting off fireworks appeared cathartic. Others, rattled by the pandemic and still largely stuck inside, weren't as happy. Those frustrated New Yorkers lit up 311 lines and fired off 4,000 percent more fireworks complaints than the year before. De Blasio responded by cobbling together a task force to halt the flow of illegal fireworks. The group de Blasio announced Wednesday — consisting of NYC Sheriff, NYPD, FDNY, Port Authority and other agencies — rekindles that taskforce effort. Mayor Bill de Blasio on Wednesday announced the return of a multi-agency illegal fireworks task force. (NYC Mayor's Office) Sheriff Joseph Fucito said the group will be proactive against suppliers to prevent the same rise in illegal fireworks this year. "We're going to look to interdict these illegal fireworks as they come into New York City," he said.