Fireworks are a highlight of many celebrations.
For many, the celebration of Diwali, New Year’s Eve and Guy Fawkes days are incomplete without a good fireworks display, according to William Ntladi from the Disaster Emergency Medical Services (DEMS).
“Before lighting up those crackers, it is important to remember that it is not a free-for-all, and there are laws that regulate the use of fireworks in South Africa. Failing to comply could result in a hefty fine or time behind bars, spoiling the festivities,” Ntladi said.
Fireworks, if incorrectly dispatched can:
• Cause fires
• Endanger lives of both people and animals, including polluting the environment, which has undulation effects in the end.
• Many have lost their homes to fire caused by firework accidents, and communities left devastated by wildfires caused by the unsafe discharge of fireworks.
The by-laws according to section 42 under “disturbance of the peace” states that:
“No person shall discharge fireworks without the prior written consent of the Council, and such written consent hereafter is called a ‘Fireworks permit’. Such ‘Fireworks permit’ should be readily available at the event of display and produced on request by an authorised officer. Any person failing to do so shall be found guilty of an offence.”
No fireworks may be sold by a street hawker or vendor at a flea market as this is in contravention of the Explosives Act of 1956.
Even though fireworks are beautiful and exciting to watch, they can cause great damage and bring misery to unsuspecting audiences.
In case of fire-related emergencies, contact the life-threatening call centre on 011 458 0911.
For ambulance services, contact Gauteng Provincial Ambulances on 011 564 2211/10.
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