Everything you need to know about fireworks in SA this NYE

Cape Town – South Africans will be reeling 2015 in with a bang and greeting the new year with a fresh start.

For those who like to enjoy a good celebration – nothing beats a good firework display at the stroke of midnight with your friends and loved ones. 

Parts of the country have designated open spaces, waterfronts and beach fronts for members of the public to discharge fireworks.

If you would like to discharge fireworks, you may not do so within 500m of any explosives factory, explosives storage place, petrol depot or petrol station, and near any old age facilities and animal shelters.

By law, children under the age of 16 are not allowed to buy of discharge fireworks.

Fireworks on New Year’s Eve fall into the following category, and may be discharged provided members of the public stay within the prescribed accompanying laws:

Consumer or Recreational Fireworks – is a separate grade of fireworks used during cultural, religious  and other special days of the year, for example, Diwali, New Year, Chinese New Year and other special occasions.

This type of firework use requires control from a specific City’s point of view. The issues that need control are the use/abuse and misuse of fireworks preservation of life and prevention of injury to animals, noise and cultural or other days when fireworks may be used.

Fireworks should always: 
– Adhere to the bylaw for the control of fireworks.

– Strive for the preservation of life and prevention of injuries.

– Protect property from damage and noise.

– Adhere to the General Bylaws.

In terms of the Community Fire Safety By-law:
– Areas, where fireworks are to be discharged, must be at least 100 m from buildings, roads and railway lines.

– Areas, where fireworks are to be discharged, must be at least 20 m from telephone and power lines, trees or other overhead obstructions.

– Areas, where fireworks are to be discharged, must be at least 500 m from any petroleum depots, explosives magazine or gas cylinder.

– Vehicles must be parked at least 100 m away from the firing points.

If you would like to discharge fireworks in any location in South Africa, very strict laws and fines apply. Unless special Council authorisation has been applied for and granted, fireworks are not allowed to be discharged.

This is to ensure overall safety from fire and other safety risks, to protect injury and fatality and to ensure the protection of animals, children and the elderly.

Capetonians may discharge fireworks at 12 places, including Tourism Centre in Athens Road – Table View beachfront, the Blue Downs Sports Field, Athlone Stadium parking area (eastern side) in Klipfontein Road – Athlone and Maiden’s Cove parking area in Victoria Road – Camps Bay.

Metro Police Call Centre on 0860-POLICE (765 423) or to the South African Police Service on 10111.

Times: Fireworks may be set off from 23:45 on December 31 of each year until 00:15 of the New Year.

The City of Port Elizabeth has also allocated 12 areas for citizens to discharge fireworks, including the open area between Lovebird Street & Tiryville in Utinhage, the open area between Mqolomba- & Jabavu Road in Kwanobuhle and on Bluewater Bay Beach.

The Fire and Emergency Services can be contacted in case of emergency on 041 585 1555.

Times: Fireworks may be set off from 23:45 on December 31 of each year until 00:15 of the New Year.

EThekwini municipality has warned those at Durban beaches for New Year’s Eve parties not to light fireworks at the beach.
Times

The Fire Department & Metro Police can be contacted on: 031 361 0000.

Times:  Fireworks may be set off from 23:45 on December 31 of each year until 00:15 of the New Year.

A fine of R1 500 may be slapped on any person found violating these laws.

Lighting or igniting fireworks in any place where animals are present will incur a fine of R1 000.

NOTE: On New Year’s Eve alone, fireworks are only allowed between 23:00 and 01:00. Setting them off outside these times carries a R500 fine.

Fireworks are also allowed, within the City’s bylaws, on New Year’s Day from 19:00 to 22:00.

Emergency services number: 011 37 55 911 – City of Johannesburg Emergency Connect.