The South African National Parks has warned against the use of fireworks - particularly in areas near the Table Mountain National Park - during New Year’s Eve celebrations.

In a statement, they said: “The fynbos ecology at Table Mountain National Park is prone to fires that can spark uncontrolled wildfires in the park.”

“This means fireworks could be a cause of fire due to its nature when ignited.”

They appealed to locals celebrating New Year’s Eve at locations near or by TMNP to do so “responsibly” by avoiding practices that could lead to fires.

“SANParks appeals to members of the public not to set off fireworks along the Park, especially around Signal Hill and Tafelberg roads,” SANParks said in their statement.

People are also not allowed to set off fireworks within 200 metres of any hospital, clinic, petrol station, old-age home, nursing home, or animal welfare organisation; inside any building or on a public street; in any other public place or recreational area, unless you have valid permission to do so.

Members of the public are reminded that they can be fined for setting off fireworks without a permit, selling fireworks to anyone under the age of 16, or allowing a person younger than 16 to handle fireworks without adult supervision, said the City of Cape Town.

The City’s enforcement departments are gearing up for a busy New Year’s Eve, with more than 35 000 people expected at the Waterfront’s fireworks celebration.

Motorists are advised to expect congestion on many of the city’s roads.

“I want to urge residents to celebrate responsibly especially if they will have children along and to take cognisance of their own safety and those around them. Our staff will be going the extra mile to ensure safety across the city,“ said the City’s Mayco Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith.

Meanwhile, many locals have called for fireworks to be banned completely, mainly due to the stress many pets have to endure during this time.

Jessica Swanepoel wrote in a post on social media: “Fireworks are the most ridiculous thing and such a waste. No point in telling us to consider hospitals and old age homes, but you cannot consider the trauma many of pets have to suffer from long after the fireworks are done.”

A Sea Point resident expressed his shock at hearing about the City’s “U-turn, when at one stage, fireworks were banned in consideration of the many animals being affected”.

“We used to have all these sites going up with all these safety measures in place, but then the animal-loving community spoke up and fireworks were stopped. So why are we turning around now and allowing it? Because a rich powerhouse like the Waterfront perhaps paid a few extra dollars, now it’s okay?”

While acknowledging the concerns, Mr Smith said: “Despite the trauma and stress caused to pets and neighbourhoods, there are still those who delight in setting off fireworks.”

That said, however, he added: “Annually, we receive numerous calls of fireworks disturbances and injuries caused by these mini explosions. We encourage residents to supervise children and to celebrate responsibly.”

In terms of Chapter 11 of the Community Safety Amendment By-law (2007), you must apply for a permit at least 14 days before the day you intend to display the fireworks. This means it’s too late to get a fireworks permit for your New Year’s Eve event.

If you have a fireworks permit, it must be available on your premises for inspection at all times. Fireworks must be used in approved areas only. Never use fireworks in a crowded area, and make sure that your pets and your neighbours pets have been well secured before you explode any fireworks.

To report the illegal use of fireworks, criminal activity or any other emergency, you can phone the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone and 107 from a landline.

#firefighter

Call to use fireworks responsibly - and only if you have a permit

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