Be considerate this fireworks season

METRO Police has issued an appeal to all residents to be considerate during ‘fireworks season’ and to consider other residents as well as animals.

Durban Metro Police spokesman, Senior Superintendent Parboo Sewpersad said fireworks can 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. He said people who are caught not complying will be given a R1 500 spot fine.

By-laws governing the lighting of fireworks include the use of low-hazard fireworks, such as fountains, lawn lights and sparklers in private homes. Parboo said 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 calls for children under 16 years of age to be properly supervised by an adult when letting off fireworks. Fireworks should be detonated away from hospitals, clinics, old age or nursing homes, animal welfare and petrol stations. 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,” he said.

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The bylaw states that is is unlawful for any person to point or direct a firework at any person, animal, building or motor vehicle where the firework is in the process of exploding or detonating as this is dangerous. In addition, no person is to light or detonate fireworks in any place where animals are kept and 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 of appropriately, in black bin bags. The Municipality urges residents not to dispose of fireworks in the orange refuse bags as this is deemed unsafe since fireworks cannot be recycled. Residents are requested to be responsible and comply with the fireworks and waste bylaws,” he said.

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 please call 031 361 0000.

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