As the Mother City prepares for Guy Fawkes and Diwali, which are just days apart , the City has designated 11 public open spaces for the legal discharge of fireworks on November 5 and 7 as well as New Year’s Eve.

Locals looking to celebrate Guy Fawkes on November 5 and the Hindu Festival of Lights, Diwali on November 7, will have access to 11 sites for firework celebrations.

The discharge of fireworks on these days will only be allowed by the City at the following sites:

– Athlone Stadium parking area (Eastern side), Klipfontein Road, Athlone

– Wesfleur sports field, Reygersdal Drive, Atlantis

– Bishop Lavis sports field, Lavis Drive, Bishop Lavis

– Metropolitan sports grounds, Melkhout Street, Bonteheuwel

– Blue Downs sports field, Sunset Glen

– Delft Central sports grounds, Main Road, Delft

– Macassar Beach parking area, Macassar Road

– Swartklip sports complex, Swartklip Road, Mitchells Plain

– Sarepta sports complex

– Strandfontein Pavilion

– Tourism Centre, Athens Road, Table View beachfront

Each designated fireworks area will be patrolled by City Law Enforcement and Metro Police as well as a fire inspector to ensure the safety of all residents.

The discharge of fireworks will only be allowed until 23:00 on Guy Fawkes and Diwali, with New Year’s Eve being the exception.

Residents should ensure to take the following safety precautions:

– Only fireworks bought at an accredited shop should be discharged according to the instructions on the package

– Fireworks may only be discharged at the designated sites and out of range of structures or vehicles

– Children must be supervised at all times when around fireworks

– Do not light fireworks inside any type of container

– Never discharge fireworks while under the influence of intoxicating substances

– The Community Fire Safety By-law prohibits the use of Chinese lanterns

In terms of Section 30 of the Explosives Act of 1956, the use or detonation of any fireworks in any building and public thoroughfare is liable to a R200 fine. Selling fireworks to a child or anyone under the age of 16 is liable to a R300 fine, and allowing a child or people under the age of 16 to handle fireworks without adult supervision is liable to a R300 fine.

Children and animals are often the victims of fireworks-related injuries and this year residents should focus on reducing the number of injuries to these vulnerable groups during Guy Fawkes.

Parents are advised to keep a watchful eye over their children and to ensure that they are supervised at all times. Pet owners are urged to keep their furry-friends indoors as they are left traumatised, particularly by the illegal discharge of fireworks in residential areas,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security; and Social Services, JP Smith.

“Just yesterday, Law Enforcement officers confiscated illegal fireworks at a shop in the Pelican Park Centre. A fine of R1 500 was issued for selling fireworks without a permit and I’m sure they’ll confiscate more fireworks in the next few weeks. I want to remind the public once more to please be our eyes and ears and to blow the whistle on the illegal sale of fireworks,” said Smith.

Members of the public with information relating to the illegal sale or use of fireworks are encouraged to report to the City’s Public Emergency Call Centre on 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 from a cellphone; or to the South African Police Service on 10111.

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