I, Uh, Ran Into A Wall

The only thing worse than losing three fingers in an ill-advised fireworks experiment is having to lie about it later:

An off-duty firefighter lost at least three fingers on his right hand when he lit a powerful firecracker in the kitchen of his Brooklyn home — and it blew up as he tried to toss it out a window, a police source said yesterday.

But Michael Decker of Ladder Co. 118 insisted he accidentally cut himself and refused to discuss the nature of his injury.

The police source said Decker, 33, lit an illegal “blockbuster” firecracker in his home Saturday night. The explosive is banned in the United States.

The source said it was not clear if he’d face criminal or departmental charges for possessing illegal fireworks. In cases where a person has been maimed, criminal charges usually are not filed, the source added.

A shotgun was also found in the firefighter’s house, the source said.

Decker left Lutheran Hospital yesterday with his hand heavily bandaged to the wrist.

“I cut myself,” he said. “It hurts.”

Asked about the firecracker allegation, he insisted, “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” but acknowledged, “There are a lot of fireworks in the neighborhood.”

He did not respond when asked if he’d lost fingers — only raising his bandaged hand in front of his face.