MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Mossel Bay Municipality strictly prohibits the discharge of any fireworks in the municipal jurisdiction.
Fireworks may only be discharged if permission was granted beforehand through an application and providing the municipality granted a designated area for the purpose.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to adhere to the regulations to avoid prosecution.
Guy Fawkes
The Mossel Bay municipality warns that fireworks are also disallowed in the greater Mossel Bay area on Guy Fawkes night, 5 November.
"A general ban on fireworks will be strictly enforced," municipal spokesperson Colin Puren has confirmed.
The public's co-operation to take action against offenders in the form of affidavits to use as evidence in the courts would be appreciated.
The municipal law enforcement officers can only act if they observe the fireworks being detonated.
They are extremely busy on New Year's eve when the most transgressions occur and, as they usually have to travel some distance the officers often find that the offenders have already left the scene or have stopped the fireworks by the time they arrive to attend to the complaint.
Fireworks, firecrackers, flares, paper lanterns and other such paraphernalia are considered a major fire risk and are not allowed in public or private spaces in the municipal area this summer, or at any other time.
The selling of fireworks is also illegal without a permit issued by the SAPS.
No designated sites
In Mossel Bay, there are no designated sites for fireworks.
Paper lanterns hold duel concern. In addition to the risk of blowing and dropping out of sight and catching fire in the dry veld conditions or on flammable material before it is extinguished, paper lanterns also waste resources when rescue services are incorrectly alerted to an ‘emergency flare.
New Year's eve
Similarly, it is illegal to set off fireworks or signal flares on New Year’s Eve.
Be fire-aware
Any kind of spark or heat holds a threat – while fireworks, flares and lanterns are highlighted, the appeal is for responsible, fire-aware action throughout.
Please exercise extreme caution always, make fires only in protected and designated areas, and dispose of cigarette butts safely.
The Mossel Bay Municipality urgently appeals to residents and visitor to respect the fireworks ban. We thank you in advance for your cooperation and support.
Please report the illegal trade and setting off of fireworks to 044 606 5000.
Please report any fires to 044 606 5000 or the Mossel Bay Fire, Rescue and Disaster Management Services on 044 691 3722.
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