DailySun
Pretoria – Residents who adhere to the law can contribute to a safer festive season by reporting unlawful fireworks usage and disturbances to the City of Tshwane’s law enforcement teams.
To report such occurrences, residents can reach out to the following numbers:
- Disturbance of peace: Metro Police at 012 358 7095/6
- Fire hazard at premises: Emergency Services at 012 310 6300/6400 or 012 310 6200 during office hours (08:00 to 16:00)
- Animals in distress or animal cruelty: Waltloo or Centurion SPCA at 083 453 3863 or 082 807 5671, respectively
For any fire or rescue emergencies, please dial 107 toll-free or alternatively contact 012 358 6300/6400.
When reporting an emergency:
- Remain calm,
- Speak clearly,
- Know your location to provide the exact address,
- Provide your accurate contact number in case the operator needs to return your call.
The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department stated: “We also want to notify all participants that private fireworks displays need to be approved.”
The department outlined the following conditions that must be satisfied before the Fire Safety Section will review an application for the private use of fireworks on a property:
- The site for fireworks must be at least 100 m away from buildings, roads, and railways.
- The fireworks area must be at least 20 m away from telephone lines, telegraph lines, power lines, trees, and overhead obstructions.
- The area within 50 m of the front and sides of the fireworks discharge point must be free of individuals.
- The area must remain clear of falling debris expected from aerial fireworks, extending at least 100 m behind the discharge point.
The following criteria relate to these applications:
- A sketch plan (scale 1:500) of the location where the fireworks will be discharged, detailing:
- a) The positioning of the following concerning the fireworks discharge area: – the nearest buildings – the nearest road – the nearest railway line – the nearest telephone lines – the nearest telegraph lines – the nearest power lines – the nearest trees – the nearest refreshment area – the storage site of the fireworks prior to discharge
- b) The direction in which the fireworks will be discharged, noting the wind direction
- c) Spectator area
- d) Area to be kept clear for falling debris from the fireworks
- e) Location of all buildings within 200 m from the discharge site
- f) Location of all trees within 200 m from the discharge site
- g) Location of all telephone or telegraph lines within 200 m from the discharge site
- h) Other overhead obstructions near the discharge site
- i) Position of chemical or hazardous materials on the property
- j) Locations of all entrances/exits on the property
- k) Locations of firefighting equipment on the property
- l) Locations of service stations at or near the site
- Submit the application form, diagram, and approval letter to the Office of the Chief of Emergency Services.
- Arrange for a fire safety inspection to be carried out on the premises by the Fire Safety Section.
- Be present during the fire safety inspection.
- Receive written approval or disapproval for the private discharge of fireworks.
Applicants must submit their requests to the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality at:
Chief of Emergency Services
PO Box 440 Pretoria 0001 or
Emergency Services Station 1 (Bosman Street)
Fire Safety Section
Cnr Bosman and Minnaar Street Pretoria
Criteria for issuing written approval for private fireworks discharge:
- Written approval for private fireworks use will be granted if it takes place in sports fields, agricultural holdings, or other suitable open spaces.
The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department extends wishes for a joyful and safe festive season to the public, encompassing Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
