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No Fireworks Allowed in George and Surrounds

George Municipality reminds the public that, due to the high fire risk, the setting off and possession of fireworks, firecrackers, flares, paper lanterns, and other such paraphernalia in the George municipal area is not allowed.

Strict Fireworks Legislation
George has strict firework legislation, and according to the Bylaw on Community Safety, Section 58(13), no person may discharge fireworks outside a designated Fireworks Area. No fireworks area has been designated in George. If someone is caught discharging a firework, a flare, or lighting a Chinese lantern, an immediate fine of R1000 is applicable, as well as a potential charge of arson.

Confiscation Notices
Law Enforcement Services, together with other Role players, would start with the compliance campaign by conducting continuous inspections at shops in all areas.  Confiscation notices and Fines will be issued to non-compliant shops, and confiscated fireworks will be handed over to the SAPS Explosives unit for disposal.

Marine Flares
Setting off marine rocket flares for fun is hugely dangerous and irresponsible. NSRI is compelled to log and investigate every incident in case it is a real emergency, which, of course, takes up their time and valuable resources and, more seriously, could detract from genuine flare sightings. It is also hugely dangerous for those setting off the flares, which, as they are quite costly, we suspect are also probably out of date. Marine guidance notes explain that all old flares need to be disposed of correctly.

Rocket flares degrade with time, and there have been cases where the rocket propellant separates from the parachute, and you are left with an uncontrolled flare, which then comes back down and hits the person who has fired it off.

Enforcement
George Municipality will firmly enforce the applicable by-laws, and Law Enforcement officials will be deployed at various areas and beaches throughout the season to attend to fireworks complaints.

Pets and fireworks
This will hopefully assist in reducing the noise levels and allow people (and their pets) to plan for “noisy” periods, thus allowing for a quieter, safer environment for all concerned. For some pets, especially dogs and cats with particularly noise-sensitive ears, the sound of fireworks can cause intense fear responses. Some pets will go to extremes to hide, others get startled and run away, and general anxiety caused by unexpected loud sounds can have long-lasting effects on animals.

Other impacts of fireworks- did you know?
Bees become so disorientated that they don’t go back to their hives.
Birds have panic attacks at night, causing mass deaths.
Fish and other animals perish after ingesting fireworks debris.
Companion animals have anxiety and panic attacks.
Fireworks can also trigger post-traumatic stress Disorder in people.

Please report the illegal setting off of fireworks to 044 801 6350 or after hours at 044 801 6300.
Please report the illegal trade in fireworks to 044 801 6350 or after hours at 044 801 6300.

FIRE EMERGENCIES: 044 801 6311

TOLL FREE DISASTER NUMBER: (24/07) 0800 424 477
The Safer City Call Centre is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to receive and log safety-related complaints and incidents.

☎️ 24-Hour Safer City Call Centre Numbers:
044 801 6350
044 801 6310
044 801 6389
Residents are encouraged to report safety-related concerns through the Call Centre, where complaints can be registered and referred to the appropriate service for attention.

📱 Safer City WhatsApp Service
Residents may also submit complaints via WhatsApp.
When submitting a complaint via WhatsApp, please provide:
✅ Full name and surname (anonymous complaints cannot be accepted)
✅ Contact telephone number
✅ Brief description of the complaint or incident
✅ Full address or exact location of the incident
✅ Any relevant photographs or videos

Once all the required information has been received, the complaint will be logged and a reference number will be issued.

⚠️ Please note:
WhatsApp calls are not accepted and cannot be answered.
Voice notes are not monitored and cannot be processed.
All complaints must be submitted in writing via WhatsApp text message.
Complaints will be attended to as operationally feasible and according to operational priorities.
Matters falling under another Municipal Department will be referred to the relevant department.

🚨 FIRE AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

The Safer City Call Centre Calls and WhatsApp lines must be used for;
• Law Enforcement-Related Complaints
• Anti-Land Invasion Complaints
• Non-Emergency Safety-Related Complaints
• Municipal Service Delivery Complaints