Stay safe this New Year: illegal fireworks use can lead to jail time warns Sol Plaatje

The festive buzz is in the air, but Sol Plaatje Municipality wants to keep things from blowing up - literally.

With the New Year just around the corner, officials are reminding everyone that firing off fireworks in public spaces is still illegal under the 2006 Fireworks By‑Law, and they’re not messing around.

Breaking the By‑Law could land you with a fine or even a stint behind bars, and there’s a good reason for the crackdown: fireworks aren’t just noisy party tricks.

They can cause severe burns, eye injuries, hearing loss and spark fires that threaten homes and dry vegetation.

And it’s not just humans who suffer - pets get terrified by the sudden bangs and flashes, often leading to panic, injuries from trying to flee, or long‑term stress.

Sol Plaatje emergency services including rescue operations, fire fighting, the illegal use and sale of fireworks,  and the enforcement of building compliance will be on full alert over the festive season.

If you spot anyone lighting up illegally, give the police a call on 10 111, or call emergency services at 053 832 4211 or 053 832 2222.

Let’s keep the celebrations safe, quiet and pet‑friendly this holiday season.