As the festive season rapidly approaches, community members are requested not to use fireworks during the holiday period.

“During the last two festive seasons our campaign was very successful and the majority of residents heeded our call to desist from using fireworks,” said Romano van der Spuy, chairman of the Hartbeespoort community policing forum. “The use of fireworks is strictly prohibited unless a special permit is obtained from Disaster Management. Fireworks create a serious fire hazard to thatch roofs and to open grasslands and are extremely harmful to both domestic animals and wild animals, including birds. Animals become disorientated and can injure themselves or run away,” he said.

Fireworks can cause serious injury to people iand disturb the peace. Please consider your environment, community members and animals by not detonating fireworks this festive season.