AS everyone sets their sights on 2023, police and CFA are reminding people not to let illegal fireworks ignite tragedy this New Year’s Eve.

As celebrations across the state return to normal after two years of COVID-19 restrictions and people celebrate the end of 2022 surrounded by family and friends, authorities are urging people not to put the health and safety of others at risk by allowing unlicensed people to use illegal fireworks.

Hamilton Police senior sergeant, Gerard Kelly said it is a crime in Victoria for anyone other than a licensed pyrotechnician to use or possess fireworks, which are all classed as a type of explosive under the Dangerous Goods Act.

“Clearly when it comes to illegal fireworks there’s a risk to people’s personal safety with injury with them not being handled correctly,” he said.

“In addition, there’s the risk of creating fire in high fire prone areas.

“There are quite substantial fines applicable to those who are not complying and who decide they need to use illegal fireworks.”

17 people presented at hospital emergency departments with fireworks related injuries in the 2021-22 financial year, compared to 16 in the previous period, according to the Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit at Monash University.

Of the 169 people treated for fireworks-related injuries since July 2015, 79 per cent were male and a quarter were aged 20-24, with five aged four or under and eight older than 55.

CFA District Five commander, Robert Howell echoed Sen Sgt Kelly’s thoughts and said illegal fireworks are a concern at this time of year due to the danger they can cause.

“They pose risks to life and property, and they can start fires,” he said.

“Which if they do, it can then place an unnecessary burden on emergency service crews and then draw them away from other incidents that can occur.

“A statistic from a couple of years ago said that at previous New Year’s Eve events almost 50 per cent attended by emergency services after 9.30pm were due to illegal fireworks.

“It could be possible the same things are present now.”

With District Five in a Fire Danger Period as of Monday, December 26, Mr Howell said everyone should take care around all objects that could cause a fire, including illegal fireworks and camping equipment. 

“I would advise people to be considerate with anything emitting sparks or flames and be conscious of your surroundings,” he said.

“If you’ve gone out into the bush to make your own fun, the further you get inland the drier the vegetation has become and there is a higher possibility of a fire starting, which may take longer to extinguish because of the resources to do so.

“Those fires are preventable if individuals are not letting fireworks off in an unsafe manner.

“The ‘Can I, Can’t I’ brochure available on the CFA website is worth a look if you’re going to have a barbeque or light a fire for warmth.

“I advise people to be cautious and I wish them all a safe and happy New Year.”

For anyone wanting to end 2022 with a bang, Sen Sgt Kelly encouraged them to enjoy tonight’s fireworks display organised by the Southern Grampians Shire Council. 

“I want to strongly promote that if you want to see some fireworks the Council have got their display on at about 10pm at Melville Oval,” he said.

“Get down there and enjoy the show put on by professional people for the public to enjoy and stay safe.”

The CFA ‘Can I, Can’t I’ brochure for Fire Danger Periods and Total Fire Bans is available at bit.ly/3PZbrqk

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 at: crimestoppersvic.com.au/report-a-crime/