Law enforcement cracks the whip on fireworks

GEORGE NEWS - Municipal law enforcement officers made sure the message of "no fireworks in George" hits home with a visit to over 95 shops in the George municipal area over the past week.

Posters on the ban on fireworks were secured at various venues and warnings and fines were issued to a number of shop owners.

Law enforcement officers Roland Hardnick, Daniella Laws and Verona Botha have confiscated fireworks to the value of R1 120 at different shops and have written out three fines of R4 500 each.

"We remind the public that due to the high fire risk, the setting off and possession of fireworks, firecrackers, flares, paper lanterns and other such paraphernalia in the George municipal area is not allowed," said media liaison officer Debra Sauer.

"The fireworks confiscated by our law enforcement officers will be handed over to the police for disposal. Confiscation notices are issued to the offending shops."

Thomas Azano of Meliano shop in Rosemoor with Roland Hardnick of George Law Enforcement with the fireworks poster outside his shop.

No fireworks areas

George has strict firework legislation. No fireworks areas have been made available in George. Should someone be caught discharging a firework, a flare, or lighting a Chinese lantern, an immediate fine of R1 000 is applicable, as well as a potential charge of arson.

"Setting off marine rocket flares for fun is hugely dangerous and irresponsible. NSRI is compelled to log and investigate every incident in case it is a real emergency which of course takes up their time and valuable resources and could detract from genuine flare sightings. It is also hugely dangerous for those setting off the flares, as they are quite costly, and sometimes also out of date," said Sauer.

"Marine guidance notes explain that all old flares need to be disposed of correctly. Rocket flares degrade with time and there have been cases where the rocket propellant separates from the parachute. [This renders the flare uncontrollable and it can] come back down and hit the person who has fired it off."

She stressed that George Municipality will firmly enforce the applicable by-laws and additional law enforcement officers will be deployed at various areas and beaches over the festive season to attend to fireworks complaints.

"This will hopefully assist in reducing the noise levels and allow people (and their pets) to plan for 'noisy' periods, thus allowing for a quieter, safer environment for all concerned. For some pets, especially dogs and cats with particularly noise-sensitive ears, the sound of fireworks can cause intense fear responses.

"Some pets will go to extremes to hide, others get startled and run away, and general anxiety caused by unexpected loud sounds can have long-lasting effects on animals."

Report the illegal setting off of fireworks on 044 801 6350 or after hours on 044 801 6300. Report the illegal trade in fireworks on 044 801 6350 or after hours on 044 801 6300. For all fire emergencies, phone 044 801 6311.

Daniella Laws of George Law Enforcement puts up a fireworks poster at a local shop.