Bill Covers Demolition
Must Tell Fire Cos. If Using Explosives

By ARI PAUL

Mayor Bloomberg approved a bill Dec. 31 strengthening regulation of the use of explosives in building demolitions, which includes a provision that local fire companies must be informed in advance of nearby demolitions and excavations.

MAYOR BLOOMBERG: Involves fire companies.

"While construction in this city is a good sign of economic growth, we want to improve and expand the city's infrastructure without disturbing the quality of life of New Yorkers," the Mayor said in a signing statement. "Therefore, it is vital to the safety and security of all residents, visitors, and workers, that explosives are used in the safest manner possible."

Added Training Needed

He continued, "The use of explosives is an important component of many construction and demolition projects and their use in blasting operations in this city is unlike anywhere else. New York's high population density, complex infrastructure, and unique urban geography make conventional construction and demolition training inadequate. For these reasons, the use of explosives in New York City is highly regulated. In fact, our city's regulations regarding blasting are some of the most stringent in the nation."

Uniformed Fire Officers Association Treasurer Edward Boles said when City Council Member Melissa Mark Viverito began pushing for the bill, she wanted Community Boards and City Council Members to be informed in advance of building demolitions and controlled explosions. The union then asked that local fire companies also be notified.

"We were just taking it purely from the perspective of our members," he said in a phone interview.

Calling the new law an improvement in procedure, he said that if fire companies were aware of the use of explosives in demolitions in advance and they were called to the scene in the event of an emergency firefighters would be better prepared to handle the situation.

"It's a safety issue for our members and the public," said Mr. Boles, who is the chairman of the union's City Council committee. "They're told ahead of time, so if they get a run for an explosion then they'll have a heads-up."