The holiday season brings with it the annual excitement of New Year's Eve, and for many Germans, this includes the tradition of lighting fireworks to ring in the new year. Beginning December 28, firework sales are officially underway, with the German pyrotechnic industry anticipating significant activity this year. According to the Verband der pyrotechnischen Industrie (VPI), sales of fireworks are expected to increase by 15% compared to last year, buoyed by the sector's revenue hitting €180 million during the 2022 season.
Popular choices among celebrants include compound fireworks and firework batteries, which now account for about half of all sales. With the rush of eager customers, many stores across the country have stocked up on various firework types, from rockets to sparklers, to cater to the demand.
Despite the excitement, safety remains a primary concern. Many municipalities across Germany have designated specific areas as no-firework zones. These prohibitions are primarily aimed at preventing accidents and protecting public safety, particularly around hospitals, nursing homes, churches, and historical houses. For example, cities like Berlin are implementing strict enforcement of these regulations, especially at high-risk locations such as government buildings and crowded tourist areas.
Fire departments, first responders, and environmentalists have voiced their concerns over the dangers posed by fireworks, advocating for stricter regulations or outright bans. Recent statistics highlight the risks, with severe injuries and even fatalities recorded during previous celebrations. An 18-year-old tragically lost his life last New Year's Eve in Koblenz due to improper handling of fireworks, and another incident led to the death of a 22-year-old in Boxberg from the detonation of unauthorized explosives.
Officials are emphasizing the importance of purchasing only certified fireworks, which must bear the CE marking and have been tested by the Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung (BAM) or another official organization. This year, consumers are advised to check for proper certification when buying their fireworks to avoid the dangers associated with unregulated products. Illegally imported fireworks can often be significantly more hazardous, with cases of premature explosions leading to serious injuries.
To promote safer practices during celebrations, the BAM advocates for specific tips, like maintaining safe distances when using fireworks. For rockets, they recommend keeping at least eight meters of distance, and for smaller fireworks, at least one meter. Ensuring proper stability when launching fireworks, such as securing rockets within drink crates rather than loose bottles, is also recommended.
Fireworks, classified under differing categories, have restrictions on their availability based on their perceived risk level. Category F2 fireworks, which encompass the majority of traditional celebratory devices, can only be sold to adults and are restricted for use only on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. A firm emphasis is placed on ensuring the safety of minors, as younger individuals are permitted only to use less dangerous F1 category fireworks, such as sparklers.
Aside from safety, social attitudes toward fireworks are shifting, with increasing numbers of Germans choosing to forego traditional displays due to environmental and welfare concerns. The Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) has garnered public support for reducing the practice, citing the adverse effects on wildlife and air quality associated with the heavy use of fireworks.
The sales period, beginning December 28, is marked not just by the bustle of eager buyers but also through heightened scrutiny from authorities. Governmental agencies have deployed inspectors to oversee compliance with regulations during the sales window, ensuring retailers adhere to safety standards and proper storage practices.
Local governments also regulate the areas within which fireworks can be ignited, responding to the growing public demand for maintaining safety during the celebrations. Certain cities like Bielefeld have already announced specific fireworks-free zones to prevent accidents and public disturbances.
Statistics from the past few years reveal significant injuries resulting from firework-related incidents, with males comprising approximately 97% of all reported victims. Many of these injuries are more serious than superficial burns, resulting from improper handling or the detonation of homemade explosives. Emergency room data reveals surges of injuries around the New Year's holiday, with hospitals often overwhelmed with cases of burns and organ damage connected to pyrotechnic devices.
Despite the risks and potential injuries, the allure of lighting fireworks remains ingrained within German New Year's culture. Local communities and families prepare for the countdown, and stores ready their products to entice buyers, all under the watchful eye of safety guidelines aiming to promote enjoyable, yet cautious, celebrations.
While this holiday season may see increased firework sales and possibly thrilling displays lighting up the night sky, the emphasis on safety cannot be understated. By adhering to regulations and choosing certified products, the public can aim to enjoy the tradition of fireworks, allowing for memorable celebrations without compromising safety.
