Amateur fireworks shows continue in the Bronx, and in other parts of the City despite previous warnings from the FDNY that they were causing a disturbance, and were also hazardous. A video of a fireworks show was shot on 209th Street and Hull Avenue in the Norwood section of the Bronx on Friday, July 31.

 

Two cars initially blocked off 209th street causing a back-up of traffic, and once the fireworks display began, it was no longer possible to drive either through 209th Street or down Hull Avenue. Pedestrians were able to proceed on foot down 209th Street but in some cases, rushed for cover to avoid falling residue from the fireworks. Some of those setting them off also seemed to have a few close calls.

One long time resident of the block said that the fireworks were part of a birthday memorial celebration for another lifelong resident, James Wimmer, who would have celebrated his 45th birthday on Sunday, Aug. 1, had he not died at the age of 43 on May 25, 2018 of a heart attack. Despite the fact that it is illegal to set-off amateur fireworks, the display began at about 8.15 p.m., lasted for at least 45 minutes, and no police appeared on the scene.

It was not possible to tell how many young men were setting off the fireworks, as some would light a few, disappear, then others would light some more, and later return in a continuous flow.

 

A few teens aged approximately between 16 and 18 were present, but most of the group comprised young men in their 20s and 30s. A couple of children were also seen but were kept at their parents’ side in front of 1, Hull Avenue building.

 

One pair of residents on the other end of the block at East 207th Street said they were not happy with the noise. In May, elected officials had appealed to residents to desist from setting off fireworks out of respect for front line workers who were unable to sleep because of the persistent noise.

Meanwhile, at least one barbecue grill was set-up and lit for hotdogs and hamburgers on the same street as where the fireworks were being set off.

 

FDNY had no record of injuries for the reported location.

Norwood News reported last month that an 18-year-old male was accidentally struck in the chest by a lit firework in the early hours of Wednesday, Jun. 17 in front of 2410 University Avenue.

 

Also in June, NBC NY News reported that a 3-year-old in the Bronx was left with burns and stitches to his head after fireworks shot through a top floor apartment window.

 

Norwood News asked residents recently for their views on the recurring fireworks displays which appear to have subsided since July 4, but have not quite ended.