As we welcome the New Year the public are advised to be more aware of the safe and proper use of fireworks.

The director for Lands and Minerals department Malakai Finau said not all fireworks were allowed to be sold due to the safety of the general public. The prohibited fireworks are; shell, spherical or cylindrical, firecracker (woodpecker, strikers, bangers, lady-crackers, flash-bangers, banger batteries, flash-banger batteries, pulling/string crackers), Aerial wheels, mine (bag mine, cylinder mine), Rocket and Rocket without stick(s).

The only fireworks that have been permitted with restrictions on size/weight/hazard classifications are Combination/ batteries, Roman Candles, ground mine), Fountain, Sparklers, Spinners, Low hazard fireworks, novelties, Wheels and Selection pack.

Under the Explosives Act (CAP. 189), Explosives (Fireworks) Regulation 2006, no person shall use or discharge any firework except between the hours of 5pm and 10pm.

The Act states all fireworks usage should be ceased by 10pm and as per the Act. Anyone going against it is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $400 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 6 months.

Edited by Paula Tuvuki

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