As Christmas and New Year’s celebrations are around the corner, the Tshwane Emergency Services Department (ESD) urges residents to prioritise public safety.
According to ESD spokesperson Lindsay Mnguni, private firework displays require approval and must adhere to stringent safety guidelines.
The following requirements must be adhered to before applications are considered by the fire safety section for the private discharge of fireworks on the premises:
– The area where the fireworks are to be discharged must be at least 100m from buildings, roads and railway lines.
– The area where the fireworks are to be discharged must be at least 20m from telephone lines, telegraph lines, power lines, trees, and overhead obstructions.
– An area extending 50m from the front and to the sides of the point at which the fireworks are to be discharged is to be clear of people.
– The area to be kept clear for falling residue that is expected to drop from aerial fireworks must extend for at least 100m to the rear of the discharge point.
Mnguni stated that applicants need to apply to the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality at Chief of Emergency Services, PO Box 440, Pretoria 0001.
They can also go to Emergency Services Station 1 (Bosman Street Fire Safety Section, corner Bosman and Minnaar Street, Pretoria) as an alternative.
Applicants must bring a sketch plan (scale 1:500) of the grounds on which the fireworks are to be discharged showing the position of the following to the area where the fireworks are to be discharged:
– the nearest buildings, road, railway line, telephone lines, telegraph lines, power lines, trees, refreshment area, and
– the position of the area where the fireworks are stored.
The sketch must also indicate the following:
– Direction in which the fireworks are to be discharged with special mention of the prevailing wind direction.
– Spectator area
– Area to be kept clear for falling residue expected to drop from the fireworks.
– Location of all buildings within 200m of the discharge site.
– Location of all trees within 200m of the discharge site.
– Location of all telephone or telegraph lines within 200m from the discharge site.
– Other overhead obstructions at or adjacent to the discharge site.
– Position of chemical or hazardous substances on the premises.
– Position of all entrances/exits on the premises.
– Position of the firefighting equipment on the premises.
– Position of service stations at or adjacent to the site.
Applicants must submit the application form, diagram, and letter of approval to the Office of the Chief of Emergency Services.
They must arrange for a fire safety inspection to be carried out on the premises by the Fire Safety Section, be present during the inspection and receive written approval/disapproval for the private discharge of fireworks.
Written approval for the private discharge of fireworks will be given if it takes place on sports fields, agricultural holdings, and other suitable open areas.
The public can help to ensure a safer festive season by bringing contraventions of the above to the attention of the City of Tshwane law enforcement units at the following numbers:
– Disturbance of peace: Metro Police on 012 358 7095/6
– Fire hazard at premises: Emergency Services on 012 310 6300/6400 or 012 310 6200 during office hours (08:00 to 16:00)
– Animals in distress or cruelty to animals: Waltloo SPCA on 083 453 3863 or Centurion SPCA on 082 807 5671.
“To report any fire or rescue emergency incident, please call 107 toll-free or 012 358 6300/6400,” said Mnguni.
“When reporting an emergency, please remain calm, speak clearly, and give the correct address and contact number to allow the operator to phone you back.”
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