As is the custom, Overstranders love to welcome the New Year with a bang. Given the volatile nature of the surrounds, though, Fire Chief  Lester  Smith  issued a special word of caution: Chinese lanterns and emergency flares should not be discharged at all since it is hard to predict where these might end up and the likelihood of a resultant fire, and possible loss of life can therefore, not be excluded.

In general, Smith urged residents to be cautious and considerate when using fireworks, pointing out that animals, in particular, ought to be considered: “As many pet owners know, fireworks and thunder storms can cause a great deal of stress for animals.

During celebrations, animals should be kept indoors; it is also advisable to close the curtains and to turn on television or radio to distract the pets,” he said.

Exceptions

In terms of sections 54 to 56 of the Municipality’s By-law relating to Community Safety, organised fireworks/pyro-technics displays are limited to traditional locations and will only be permitted with consent from the Chief Fire Officer. Thus far, only one such application has been approved, namely for Bir-kenhead House (Voëlklip beach).

The Fire Chief has approved designated places on beaches within the area where the release of fireworks will be permitted between the hours of 23:00 and 01:00 on New Year’s Eve. Residents, therefore, need not apply for permission to use fireworks on the following beaches:

* Grotto Beach east (near the lagoon mouth);

* Hawston beach (NOT the camping site or the parking area or the harbour);

* Uilenskraalmond beach;

* Stanford Bay beach (De Kelders), and

* Kleinmond’s main beach.

All rockets and airborne fireworks must be set off over the ocean to reduce the possibility of descending into fynbos and/or mountain areas.

Please pick up all the remains of fireworks and keep them out of children’s reach. Chief  Smith said that in addition, people should read the instructions provided with each firework: never hold or throw a lighted cracker; always stand well back; never return to fireworks once lit because they may explode in one’s face; always give fireworks plenty of room and time to explode; light fireworks in an open space.

Discharging fireworks from any other area (including your own backyard) and at any other time will result in a hefty fine. You can be assured that law enforcement agencies will take action against any person who acts irresponsibly or contravenes prescribed legislation.

Finally, be considerate!

If  everyone sticks to the designated areas and times, animosity between neighbours and the distress this custom causes for animals can be kept to a minimum.

Any special requests regarding fireworks displays and/or other enquiries must be directed to the Chief Fire Officer on 028 313 8980 during office hours.

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