Pretoria – Law-abiding residents can contribute to a safer festive season by alerting the City of Tshwane’s law enforcement teams regarding illegal fireworks usage and disturbances.
Residents are encouraged to report such occurrences by contacting the following numbers:
- Disturbance of peace: Metro Police at 012 358 7095/6
- Fire hazard at premises: Emergency Services at 012 310 6300/6400 or 012 310 6200 during office hours (08:00 to 16:00)
- Animals in distress or cruelty to animals: Waltloo or Centurion SPCA at 083 453 3863 or 082 807 5671, respectively
For any fire or rescue emergencies, please dial 107 toll-free or 012 358 6300/6400.
When reporting an emergency, please remember to:
- Stay composed,
- Speak distinctly,
- Know your location to provide an accurate address,
- Provide a correct contact number for possible follow-up from the operator.
The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department has stated: “We want to remind all participants that private fireworks displays must obtain approval.”
The department outlined the conditions that need to be fulfilled before the Fire Safety Section can consider any application for the private use of fireworks on premises:
- The fireworks location must be at least 100 m away from buildings, roads, and railway lines.
- The site must be at least 20 m away from telephone lines, telegraph lines, power lines, trees, and any overhead obstructions.
- The area extending 50 m from the front and sides of the fireworks discharge point must be free of people.
- The area must remain clear of any falling debris expected from aerial fireworks, extending at least 100 m behind the discharge point.
The following conditions apply to these applications:
- A sketch plan (scale 1:500) of the fireworks discharge site showing:
- a) The positioning of the following in relation to the fireworks discharge area: – the nearest buildings – the nearest road – the nearest railway line – the nearest telephone lines – the nearest telegraph lines – the nearest power lines – the nearest trees – the nearest refreshment area – where the fireworks will be stored prior to discharge
- b) The direction of fireworks discharge, considering the prevailing wind direction
- c) Spectator area
- d) The area to be kept clear from falling debris from the fireworks
- e) Location of all buildings within 200 m from the discharge site
- f) Location of all trees within 200 m from the discharge site
- g) Location of all telephone or telegraph lines within 200 m from the discharge site
- h) Other overhead obstructions at or near the discharge site
- i) Placement of any chemical or hazardous materials on the premises
- j) Locations of all entrances/exits on the premises
- k) Locations of firefighting equipment on the premises
- l) Locations of service stations at or near the site
- Submit the application form, diagram, and approval letter to the Office of the Chief of Emergency Services.
- Schedule a fire safety inspection to be conducted on the premises by the Fire Safety Section.
- Ensure your presence on-site during the fire safety inspection.
- Receive written approval or disapproval for the private discharge of fireworks.
Applicants must apply to the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality at:
Chief of Emergency Services
PO Box 440 Pretoria 0001 or
Emergency Services Station 1 (Bosman Street)
Fire Safety Section
Cnr Bosman and Minnaar Street Pretoria
Criteria for granting written approval for the private discharge of fireworks:
- Approval for private use of fireworks will be granted if it occurs on sports fields, agricultural holdings, or similar open areas.
The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department wishes everyone a joyful and safe festive season, including Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
