Think twice before buying fireworks
Fireworks are governed by strict by-laws and can cause serious burns, eye injuries, lost fingers, fractures, other traumatic injuries, and even death in children.
Fireworks can be incredibly dangerous, especially to children.
Discharging them can also be very stressful to animals and some people, and can be bothersome to some in the neighbourhood that do not appreciate loud bangs late at night.
Fireworks can cause serious burns, eye injuries, lost fingers, fractures, other traumatic injuries and even death of children.
Fireworks are governed by strict by-laws. Pretoria residents are urged to familiarise themselves with the by-laws, and to report any infringements to local police.
Captain Dave Miller of Lyttelton police station told Rekord that discharging fireworks without authorisation is illegal and can get the offender in trouble.
“The ad hoc discharging of fireworks by individuals in a built area can constitute a criminal offence, notwithstanding the danger of personal injury or potential damage to property.”
Pretoria’s by-laws mean that:
– Unless special council authorisation has been applied for and granted, there are only 11 days annually when residents are allowed to discharge fireworks. These days include special occasions where fireworks are traditionally part of the celebrations.
– Fireworks on these days can only be discharged between 19:00 and 22:00, with an exception for New Year’s Eve.
– No person may discharge fireworks in any place where animals are present. This includes domestic homes.
– No person may allow any minor to use fireworks. There are no exceptions to this rule.
– No person may use fireworks on any agricultural holding, school or senior citizens’ residence without special Council authorisation. This authorisation must be sought well in advance of the intended day.
– No person can use fireworks within 500m of any petrol depot or filling station without special Council authorisation.
– No person or organisation can present a fireworks display unless authorised to do so by the Council – at least 14 days’ notice before the display is required by Council to consider such an application. Authorisation is also required from the Civil Aviation Authority and the chief inspector of explosives.
– A pyrotechnist and police explosives expert must be present at all times at firework displays.
– No person may deal in fireworks – sell or make available – unless they hold a fireworks licence in terms of the Explosives Act as well as the written authority of the chief fire officer.
Transgression of the by-laws can result in hefty fines and, often, multiple fines.
Miller said the appropriate authority will only give permission under strict regulations where all procedures were followed and adhered to.
“Requirements must be adhered to before an application is considered by the fire safety section for the private discharge of fireworks in a built area.’’
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
