Joburg EMS sends stern warning to unlicensed fireworks merchants

JOHANNESBURG - Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) has sent a stern warning against shops selling fireworks without a licence.  

The city’s EMS and other law enforcement agencies are conducting raids at firework shops in the inner city.  

ALSO READ: New Year's celebrations: Joburg EMS advises residents to be responsible with fireworks

The setting off of fireworks to usher in the new year is something that is practised all over the world.  

However, while fireworks usually signal celebration, they are highly flammable and can cause a disaster when not properly stored.  

Acting chief of Johannesburg EMS Clement Masinga said there are stringent requirements for how shops should store their fireworks.  

“They need to apply through SAPS [South African Police Service], through the Explosives Act, and they need to have a valid licence before they can store and distribute such fireworks.”  

A couple of shops have already been closed for non-compliance on Tuesday.  

At least ten shops have been closed down by the City of Johannesburg for not properly storing their fireworks.

Johannesburg Emergency Medical Services is currently conducting compliance raids in the inner city. 

The raids are targeting shops that are selling fireworks, which are a famous commodity during the last day of the year. 

Johannesburg EMS spokesperson, Nana Radebe-Kgiba, said that stores selling fireworks must comply with the country's Explosives Act.

"We have seen going around that more shops are now coming into the effect of complying, they have the right glass storage in terms to store fireworks and some do have the licence which is required but the main issue does become storage. They have more than what they are allowed to keep and do not have the right fire fighting equipment in their shops."