Firing rockets and setting off fireworks entails enormous risks. An expert from the fire brigade explains this and has useful tips.
Although lighting fireworks in the area and in the immediate vicinity of large gatherings is prohibited without explicit permission from the municipality, it is not just the corks that pop on New Year’s Eve.
“Burns, hearing damage, torn fingers or even limbs occur again and again,” says Andreas Braunstein from the fire prevention office of the Burgenland State Fire Brigade Association. “And unfortunately sometimes there are even deaths to mourn.”
Increased risk of field and forest fires
Fireworks also regularly cause fires on terraces, roof trusses, hedges and meadows. This year, the expert fears an increased risk of field and forest fires, because there is no solid snow cover and no rain is expected.
If, despite the risks, you do not want to do without fireworks, you should definitely follow a number of behavioral measures. Before you start shooting, it is advisable to have a bucket of water, a fire extinguisher or a fire blanket ready in the vicinity of the shooting location. “You should pay particular attention to a stable launch device,” advises Braunstein. “In principle, shooting is only allowed outside and never in closed spaces!”
Extreme caution should be exercised when handling unexploded bombs
Burgenland Fire Prevention Bureau also explicitly warns against unexploded bombs. “If a pyrotechnic object does not ignite, you should stay away from it for at least ten to fifteen minutes to be on the safe side. The same, of course, applies to fireworks and firecrackers,” explains Braunstein, who has already witnessed a lot of suffering. “Unfortunately, it happens time and time again that people approach supposedly unexploded bombs too early and then hold the rocket in their hand as it explodes.”
Source: Krone
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