When it comes to setting off firecrackers, safety should always be the top priority and therefore residents in Tshwane who want to celebrate Christmas and New Year's Eve with explosives need to get permission first.
This is according to the emergency services department spokesperson Lindsay Mnguni, who warned that discharging fireworks without permission from the Tshwane Emergency Services Department is against the law.
To avoid breaking the law Mnguni informed those wishing to use fireworks during festive season to apply from the chief of emergency services.
“The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department would like to wish the public a happy and safe festive season, including Christmas and the New Year’s Eve celebrations. We would also like to inform all participants that private firework displays need to be approved by the Tshwane Emergency Services Department,” he said.
To obtain permission for private fireworks discharge in Tshwane, one of the key conditions is that the fireworks must be discharged at least 100 meters away from buildings, roads and railway lines.
Mnguni also said according to safety guidelines, the area where fireworks are discharged should be at least 20 metres away from telephone lines, telegraph lines, power lines, trees, and overhead obstructions .
“An area extending 50 metres from the front and to the sides of the point at which the fireworks are to be discharged is to be clear of persons. The area to be kept clear for falling residue that is expected to drop from aerial fireworks must extend for at least 100 metres to the rear of the discharge point,” he said.
Mnguni said a written approval for the private discharge of fireworks will be given if it takes place on sports fields, agricultural holdings and other suitable open areas.
He urged the public to help to ensure a safer festive season by bringing contraventions of fireworks displays to the attention of the City law enforcement units.
He also said the public can report animals in distress or cruelty to animals to Waltloo or Centurion SPCA at 083 453 3863 or 082 807 5671, respectively.
“To report any fire or rescue emergency incident, please call 107 toll-free or alternatively call 012 358 6300/6400,” he said.
Pretoria News