Q&A
Enforcement efforts and challenges in NYC parks
0:50:28
ยท
132 sec
Council Member Ariola discusses enforcement efforts against prohibited activities in parks and challenges with specific areas like Gateway Preserve and Spring Creek Preserve. Chief Esposito explains FDNY's proactive approach to enforcement and education.
- FDNY proactively reminded people in parks about the barbecuing and open flame ban
- Information was disseminated through social media and fire safety education events
- Specific challenges noted in natural preserves with phragmites and illegal fishing
- FDNY's quick response to fires in these areas was acknowledged
Joann Ariola
0:50:28
And given what happened, do you think that there is a reason for increased enforcement efforts against such activities from the Department of, Parks and Recreation, FDNY, or or the police department?
John Esposito
0:50:43
So we did the fire department did proactively go out into parks to remind people of the barbecuing and open flame ban.
0:50:50
We did put it out on the social media.
0:50:53
Our fire safety education was out talking about it.
0:50:56
We did events in all 5 boroughs.
0:50:59
I believe that there was great benefit to that, and that that's something we should continue, to get that word out.
0:51:05
We similar to the lithium ion battery, public safety education that we've done, we've seen we've seen pretty good results, with with with that and and the education that we've done.
0:51:20
Getting that message out.
Joann Ariola
0:51:21
And and the parks department mentioned phragmites.
0:51:24
And many people may not know about what phragmites are, but in natural preserves like Gateway Preserve and Spring Creek Preserve, which is very large and and goes through Brooklyn and Queens, there are tons of phragmites.
0:51:40
And they oftentimes go on fire because we have people who are who are going up and fishing there, and it it is illegal to fish up there, and enforcement is difficult.
0:51:53
And I wanna
Vickie Paladino
0:51:54
thank you for your assistance to the National
Joann Ariola
0:51:54
Park Service when those fire assistance to the National Park Service.
0:51:58
When those fires do happen, the fire department responds right away, and and the the the fire is put out expeditiously.
0:52:07
So thank you for that.
0:52:08
You're welcome.
0:52:09
Just a couple of questions for the parks department.
0:52:14
First, I wanna say that you're very lucky both of your your departments have amazing commissioners and 1st deputy commissioners.
0:52:22
And they really do work well.
0:52:24
And and your board commissioners, like, every everybody wants to do the right thing and I appreciate that.
0:52:30
So, years ago, there was, a lot of signage in parks.
0:52:36
And I'll go back to Smokey the Bear.
0:52:39
Right?
Vickie Paladino
0:52:40
I see
Joann Ariola
0:52:40
that too.