Victorians warned to play safe, forego risky fireworks on NYE
Revellers planning to set off their own New Year’s Eve fireworks display have been put on notice, with police on high alert.
Victoria
Don't miss out on the headlines from Victoria. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Victorians are being urged to leave the pyrotechnics to the professionals even if they can’t get see New Year fireworks displays.
Fire and safety authorities have warned Melburnians they face police action if they are caught with fireworks.
WorkSafe Victoria has already confiscated 1270 illegal fireworks this year.
Fire Rescue Victoria deputy commissioner Michelle Young said people needed to put safety first.
“New Year’s Eve might look a little different this year but firefighters are calling on the community to still say goodbye to 2020 in the safest possible way,” she said.
Over the past five years, firefighters have responded to more than 120 fireworks accidents. Many of these emergencies resulted in severe injuries, significant damage to property, and even disruptions to the public transport network.
“Fireworks are dangerous, unpredictable and volatile items that can result in fires, including grassfires and bushfires, as well as cause property damage, serious burns and even death.”
More than 130 Victorians have attended emergency departments with injuries from fireworks in the past five years.
Almost three quarters of the injured were men and more than a third were in their 20s, with common injuries including burns and eye damage.
WorkSafe Victoria director Julie Nielsen recognised the importance of celebrating getting though this year but it needed to be done safely.
“The risks associated with fireworks just aren’t worth it,” she said.
“Not only do those caught with illegal fireworks face a prison sentence up to 15 years and thousands in fines, they’re also putting themselves, their family, friends and community in danger.”
The bushfire danger presented by illegal fireworks was also a concern, according to CFA chief Jason Heffernan.
“We’ve already had an incident in Mernda this month where CFA crews were called to a grassfire that is suspected to have been started by illegal fireworks,” he said.
“This season there has been exceptional grass growth across the state which has dried out in recent weeks.”
Originally published as Victorians warned to play safe, forego risky fireworks on NYE
Joel Selwood’s heartbreaking tribute to his brother
Geelong champion Joel Selwood has shared a devastating message about his brother following his tragic death last week.
Boycott: Victoria ranked second-worst home market of past 5 years
Melbourne has been ranked one of the nation’s worst markets by an influential property research group that blames the state government for the mire. But three Vic areas have bucked the trend.