Understanding firework by-laws
RANDBURG – Metro police spokesperson Wayne Minnaar breaks down the by-laws regarding fireworks.
With the passing of religious festivals and the current festive season, the by-laws regarding the use of fireworks and when using them is illegal needs to be broken down.
Metro police spokesperson Wayne Minnaar said that according to Chapter three of the Emergency Services by-laws for the City of Johannesburg, no person may use fireworks under the following circumstances:
- Fireworks cannot be used within 500 metres of any explosives factory, explosives storage place, petrol depot or petrol station
- Fireworks cannot be set off inside any building, on any agricultural holding, at any public place, on the grounds of any school, old age home or hospital.
There are also specific dates that certain celebrations and religious celebrations are allowed to set off fireworks at sanctioned times at private residences. They are:
- New Year’s Eve from 11pm to 1am
- New Year’s Day from 7pm to 10pm
- Hindu New Year from 7pm to 10pm
- Chinese New Year from 7pm to 10pm
- Human Rights Day from 7pm to 10pm
- Guy Fawkes Day from 7pm to 10pm
- Divali from 7pm to 10pm
- Christmas Eve from 7pm to 10pm
- Day of Goodwill from 7pm to 10pm.
Outside of these dates, no fireworks are permitted to be discharged. Fireworks should be discharged at least 100 meters away from buildings.
Regarding the distance, fireworks can be set off near schools, old age homes or hospitals Minnaar said, “The by-laws do not designate the distance to old age homes or hospitals when it comes to igniting of fireworks, it is what the reasonable person would consider too close.”
No person may light or ignite fireworks in any place where animals are present.
Regarding this by-law, Minnaar said, “The purpose of this bylaw, igniting of fireworks near animals, means intentionally igniting of fireworks near animals that can cause harm or scare animals. Any official may enforce this by-law at their discretion. Where animals are made safe, and an effort is done not to scare or injure animals, means that the person igniting the fireworks is not in contravention of this by-law.”
No person may allow any minor under his or her control to use, light or ignite fireworks.
A fine of R1 500 may be issued if these instructions are not followed.
