JMPD to enforce fireworks by-laws
Follow these fireworks guidelines to ensure a safe holiday season
Setting off fireworks to celebrate Christmas or welcome the New Year is not something new and yet, doing so still causes a lot of injuries and damage.
If fireworks are shot off irresponsibly, they pose many dangers by exploding in many different directions, striking people or igniting fires around their houses. The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s (JMPD) officers will be out in full force this festive season to enforce by-laws pertaining to the use of fireworks.
In the past, people have lost fingers and eyes, houses have burnt down and pets have been left traumatised as a result of reckless and unlawful use of fireworks. “The public need to understand there are rules and regulations they need to abide by when using fireworks,” said the JMPD spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar.
According to the City of Johannesburg’s by-laws, fireworks may be set off during the festive season, but only at certain times. These times are from 7pm to 10pm on Christmas Eve, 7pm to 10pm on the Day of Goodwill, 11pm to 1am on New Year’s Eve and 7pm to 10pm on New Year’s Day. Some of the other provisions in the by-laws pertaining to the use of fireworks, include:
– No person may deal in fireworks unless he or she holds the required fireworks licence in terms of the Explosives Act
– No person under age of 16 may use explosives without adult supervision
– Fireworks must not be used inside any building, on agricultural holdings, in public places such as schools, old age homes, hospitals, where animals are present, or within 500 metres of an explosives factory or storage facility, petrol depot or petrol station
– Fireworks must always be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Minnaar reminded residents that the JMPD officer are responsible for the enforcement of the by-laws, while the Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) responds to injuries and fires caused by fireworks.
“When fireworks are ignited outside of the allowed times and the JMPD receives complaints of noise, the guilty parties will receive a fine of R500. Should a minor be allowed to set off fireworks a fine of
R1 500 will be issued. Should a big fireworks display be held without obtaining permission from the EMS first, there will be a fine of R1 500,” said Minnaar.
The JMPD is appealing to everyone celebrating this festive season by using fireworks, to be responsible and use fireworks safely. The safety of children and pets should be kept in mind at all times and residents are urged to keep their pets indoors during fireworks displays.
Minnaar urged the public to report the setting-off of fireworks not in accordance with the by-laws to the JMPD. “If the public does not report these case, the by-laws cannot be enforced. They can report any firework-related complaints to our control room on 011 375 5911,” Minnaar said.
He concluded by urging the public to behave in a responsible manner in order for everyone to enjoy the festivities without major incidents.
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