With Diwali celebrations at the end of October and Guy Fawkes a week later, the City reminded homeowners that no fireworks will be permitted without the proper authorisation and permit, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Also read: SPCA calls on pet owners to record animals’ reactions to fireworks
Despite a minor decrease in fireworks-related events and complaints in recent years, the subject remains contentious.
In 2019, the City of Cape Town discontinued designated firework locations for Diwali, Guy Fawkes Night, and New Year’s Eve.
This year will be no exception; anyone seeking to put on a fireworks display must apply for permission from the South African Police Service under the National Explosives Act.
If SAPS approves the application, the applicant must contact the Fire and Rescue Service’s Fire Life Safety Section in the region where the display will take place to arrange for a site assessment to determine whether the site is safe for a fireworks display.
Apart from ensuring that there are no fire hazards in the near vicinity, rigorous requirements must be followed prior to and during the fireworks display to reduce any potential harm to public health and safety.
If more than 200 people are expected to attend, or if any infrastructure is required, the applicant must also get event permission from the City.
Between October and November, complaints about fireworks rose, particularly in residential areas.
The public is reminded that they can face fines for setting off fireworks without a permit, selling fireworks to anybody under the age of 16, or allowing a minor to handle fireworks without adult supervision.
‘Although the popularity of fireworks has decreased in recent years, there remain those who find joy in setting off fireworks and terrorising their neighbourhoods and pets,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith.
‘The trauma and stress, particularly in communities wracked by gun violence, is something that we all can do without. It is also an incredibly difficult offence to enforce, since the locations can’t often be pinpointed, or the perpetrators disappear before staff are able to get to the scene. Ultimately, a national ban on fireworks is the best solution, but until then, we ask that residents report those selling fireworks illegally so we can try and reduce the supply on the streets.’
Residents are requested to report any incident, suspicious behaviour or criminal activity by phoning the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone and 107 from a landline.
Also read:
SPCA pioneers study on impact of fireworks on marine wildlife
Picture: DESIGNECOLOGIST/ Unsplash