METRO Police spokesman, Senior Superintendent Parboo Sewpersad has urged residents to be considerate and mindful of the City’s by-laws when lighting fireworks.

In a statement on Friday, Sewpersad said fireworks could only be lit from sunset on the days of Diwali until midnight.

He warned however that those lighting fireworks must be considerate and not become a nuisance – which carries a R1 500 spot fine.

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These are the by-laws governing the lighting of fireworks:
• Low-hazard fireworks, such as fountains, lawn lights and sparkles can be lit in private homes.
• Fireworks such as air bombs, supersonic bangs, sound shells, fountain whistles and screeches are prohibited as they cause a disturbance and are a nuisance to neighbours.
• The bylaw also called for children under 16 years of age to be properly supervised by an adult when letting off fireworks.
• No person shall ignite, discharge or explode any fireworks on any public road, residence, or private dwelling without the knowledge and consent of the occupant or owner of the property.
• No person shall light or detonate fireworks in any place where animals are kept.
• No person may terrify, cause stress or endanger the life of any animal with fireworks or by any other means.
• Residents are also reminded that fireworks cannot be recycled and therefore they need to be disposed appropriately, in the black bin bags.

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The municipality urges residents not to dispose fireworks in the orange refuse bags as this is deemed unsafe since fireworks cannot be recycled.

Sewpersad urged pet owners to ensure that their pets are fitted with a collar with an identification tag on which states their home address and telephone number.

For emergencies contact 031 610 000.

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