Maiden’s Cove has been approved as one of the official fireworks discharge areas by the City of Cape Town for Guy Fawkes, Diwali and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The list of locations was approved in consultation with the various sub-councils and in accordance with the City’s by-laws and announced last week.
The City’s Mayoral Committee member for safety and security; and social services, JP Smith said all designated fireworks areas would be patrolled by City law enforcement and Metro police as well as a fire inspector to ensure safety.
He reminded residents that no person under the age of 16 was permitted to discharge fireworks and that the cut-off was at 11.30pm, with the exception being on New Year’s Eve.
“The City calls on members of the public to use these designated sites responsibly and to refrain from discharging fireworks in areas not designated for the purpose,” he said. “We devote significant resources to ensuring that these events are incident-free, but it is not just the City’s responsibility. Everyone needs to play a role.
“I call on fireworks enthusiasts to respect the rights of those who choose not to partake in these activities. Apart from policing the designated areas, the City’s enforcement services will also confiscate illegal fireworks and issue fines to individuals found to be contravening the relevant by-laws.”
General emergencies can be directed via the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline. Members of the public with information relating to the illegal sale or use of fireworks can report this to the Metro Police Call Centre on 0860-POLICE (765 423) or to the South African Police Service on 10111.
Mr Smith added: “We further remind the public that the use of Chinese lanterns is not permitted. The Community Fire Safety By-law clearly states that a person may not cause or permit a flame-emitting device, such as a candle, lantern or torch, to be used in a manner which is likely to create a fire hazard or other threatening danger. The designated fireworks sites allow us to supervise such activities in a controlled environment which beats the alternative of a free-for-all, but Chinese lanterns increase the risk of fire or incident as they’re left to float into the air and could land just about anywhere. Given the water situation, we can ill afford such actions so I call on the public to think before they act.”
Below is a list of safety tips for the discharging of fireworks:
Only discharge fireworks that are bought at an accredited shop
Only discharge fireworks at the designated sites;
Only use fireworks as directed by the instructions printed on the package;
Children must be supervised at all times when around fireworks;
Do not discharge fireworks indoors;
Make sure that you discharge the fireworks out of range of spectators and any other structures or vehicles;
Do not try to re-ignite a ‘dud’ as it could explode near your hands or face;
Only light one firework at a time;
Do not make your own fireworks;
Do not light fireworks inside any type of container;
Never discharge fireworks while under the influence of intoxicating substances;