RESIDENTS in the Southern Grampians are being urged to stay away from unauthorised fireworks displays this summer, with Hamilton Police warning they can cause injury and unintentionally start bushfires.

Acting Sergeant, Kim Talbot said using illegal fireworks could spark bushfires, especially with the dry conditions at this time of year.

“The biggest concern we have about fireworks is causing fires, if it gets away it can be very difficult to control, especially with the weather being hot and dry,” she said. 

“That’s the main thing at the moment and especially with so many people camping.

“You only have to have one (firework incident) and we would be trying to evacuate a lot of people, which would be problematic.”

CFA District Five commander, David Ferguson agreed bushfires were a major concern that placed additional pressure on firefighters in an already busy period. 

“We find several fires started from people using illegal fireworks, often they use them in areas where there’s vegetation and no ability to supervise where they might go and where they might land,” he said.

“Every year across the state and in particular in tourist hotspots, we get called to fires started by illegal fireworks.

“They cause us issues with having to respond to damage to property and fires that are unnecessary.

“The other side of it is that illegal fireworks can cause harm to people and injure them.

“Firework burns are some of the most horrific burns people can sustain.

“Back in the day, people were often hurt by misused fireworks and that’s why they were made illegal.

“We would implore people to think twice before letting off crackers, rockets or other fireworks.”

Act Sgt Talbot said using illegal fireworks was a crime with serious consequences for those involved.  

“People can end up going to court but there’s also fines in relation to that, and if it were to cause a fire there would be the potential of jail time,” she said.

“If you’re aware of any illegal fireworks call the police.”

It is illegal for anyone other than licensed pyrotechnicians to use or possess fireworks, which are classed as a type of explosive under the Dangerous Goods Act.

In 2021, WorkSafe destroyed 731 kilograms of fireworks that had been seized or surrendered, compared with 626 kilograms in 2020.

Information about the sale or use of illegal fireworks can be reported to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or by submitting a confidential crime report to www.crimestoppersvic.com.au/report-a-crime.