Tshwane emergency services encourages firework safety
The department reminded residents that discharging fireworks on private premises is prohibited, and permits must be obtained from the Chief Fire Officer to discharge fireworks in designated areas.
Fireworks can be an exciting and beautiful way to celebrate this festive season, however, they can also be dangerous and disruptive, and require the necessary permits.
The Tshwane emergency services has called on residents to celebrate the festive season responsibly regarding dealing in and discharging fireworks.
“The Tshwane emergency services would like to remind residents that discharging fireworks on private property is prohibited within the boundaries of Tshwane,” said spokesperson Deputy-Chief Charles Mabaso.
Fireworks may only be discharged at designated areas after approval has been granted by the chief fire officer in line with Section 38(3) of the Tshwane fire brigade by-law published in local authority notice 267 dated 9 February 2005.
The following regulations make the discharging and handling of fireworks illegal:
– Regulation 9.18(d) of Government Gazette 1604 of 8 September 1972 – The selling of fireworks to a person under the apparent age of 16.
– Regulation 19.9 of Government Gazette 1604 of 8 September 1972 – Permit that children under the age of 16 handle fireworks without adult supervision.
– Regulation 10.34(c) of Government Gazette 1604 of 8 September 1972 – The use of fireworks in a public place without the permission of the local authority.
– Section 38(3) of the Tshwane fire brigade by-law published in local authority notice 267 dated 9 February 2005 – The use of fireworks without the permission of the chief fire officer.
“The Tshwane emergency services would like to inform persons wishing to deal in fireworks and the display thereof to apply to the chief inspector of explosives of the SA police service for authorisation,” said Mabaso.
He explained that according to the Explosives Act, 2003 (Act 15 of 2003), no person may deal in fireworks unless:
– that person holds the required firework licence in terms of the Explosives Act, 2003 and
– has the written authority of the chief fire officer.
“Subsection (1)(b) of the Explosives Act, 2003 compels any person who wishes to deal in fireworks to obtain the written authority of the chief fire officer to deal in fireworks.”
The SA police service application form can be obtained at the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, in Pretoria CBD.
Mabaso said that applications could be forwarded to the following stations:
– Region 1 and 2, Rosslyn fire station, marlanem@tshwane.gov.za, 012 358 9966
– Region 4, Centurion fire station, sandym@tshwane.gov.za, 012 358 3510
– Region 3 and 6, Central fire station, mmapulam@thswane.gov.za, 012 358 5107
Mabaso said that residents could help to ensure a safer festive season by bringing contraventions of the above to the attention of City of Tshwane law enforcement units at the following numbers:
– Disturbance of peace: Tshwane metro police – 012 358 7095/7096
– Fire hazard at premises: Emergency Services – 012 310 6300/6400 or 012 310 6200 between 08:00 and 16:00
– Animals in distress or cruelty to animals: SPCA Tshwane, Waltloo or Centurion branch – 083 453 3863 or 082 807 5671 respectively
For fire or rescue emergencies, dial 107 toll-free and for ambulance services, dial 112.
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