The City of Cape Town appeals to Capetonians to be cautious and sensible when participating in annual organised fireworks displays or discharging shop-bought fireworks on Saturday, 5 November 2011, when celebrating Guy Fawkes.
The City has identified and made available seven designated areas where members of the public may discharge shop-bought fireworks. These sites will be closely monitored by public safety authorities.
It is illegal to discharge fireworks other than at designated sites and law enforcement authorities will have a zero-tolerance approach to those who discharge fireworks illegally.
The City has designated the following areas for the discharging of fireworks:
- Bishop Lavis Sportsfield, Lavis Drive, Bishop Lavis
- Wesfleur Sportsfield, Reygersdal Drive, Atlantis
- Macassar Beach parking area, Macassar Road, Macassar
- Swartklip Sports Complex, corner Spine and Swartklip Roads, Mitchells Plain
- Maidens Cove parking area, Victoria Road, Camps Bay
- Athlone Stadium parking area (Eastern side), Klipfontein Road, Athlone
- Sunrise Beach parking area, Sunrise Circle, Muizenberg
The City’s Fire Safety Inspectors and Law Enforcement officials, together with the Explosives Unit of the South African Police Services (SAPS), will conduct inspections at fireworks display sites to ensure that all safety requirements are met.
All approved, organised fireworks displays in Cape Town are presented by licensed fireworks contractors who operate under the Explosives Act, Number 26 of 1956; the Explosives Regulations; and the City’s Community Fire Safety By-Law.
Members of the public who wish to attend these fireworks displays must follow safety instructions given by fireworks operators (pyrotechnists), event organisers and security personnel and keep behind safety barriers.
Members of the public should only purchase fireworks from authorised dealers and shops displaying the relevant permits from the SAPS. Informal traders may try to sell fireworks without a permit, but this is not allowed in terms of the Informal Trading By-law.
Fireworks are only permitted to be sold in sealed packages, as received from the suppliers. Children under the age of 16 are not allowed by law to purchase and/or discharge fireworks without adult supervision. Residents are reminded that anyone discharging shop bought fireworks at these sites do so at their own risk. The City will not be held liable for any claims for injury or damage that may occur from the use of fireworks.
Residents are encouraged to keep their pets safely indoors where possible. Animals are easily frightened by fireworks, and can become distressed or try to escape from their properties. Before you leave your home on Guy Fawkes, please ensure that your pets are safely secured on your property, in familiar surroundings and out of harm’s way.
Safety tips when fireworks are discharged
- Only discharge fireworks that are bought at an accredited shop
- Children must be supervised at all times when around fireworks
- Do not discharge fireworks indoors
- Only discharge fireworks at the designated sites
- 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 at a time
- Do not make your own fireworks.
- Only use fireworks as directed by the instructions printed on the package
- Do not light fireworks inside any type of container
- Never discharge fireworks whilst under the influence of intoxicating substances
The telephone number to call to report a fire is 107 from a landline and 021 480 7700 from a cell phone (enter the number on your cell phone as a speed dial)
Members of the public with information relating to the illegal sale or use of fireworks can report the information to the Metro Police Call Centre on 0860-POLICE (765423) or to the SAPS on 10111.
To obtain more information about the location of the designated sites, please contact the City’s Disaster Operations Centre on 080-911-HELP (4357).
