New Year's Eve is less than two weeks away and it appears that more and more municipalities are banning fireworks.
According to police spokesperson Frank Stolz, the legal framework sets out that standard for most Luxembourg municipalities is to ban fireworks. Stolz added that in theory, residents can only let off their own fireworks with the mayor's permission.
Many municipalities have been sending residents notices to clarify that private firework displays are not authorised in the town in question. The reasons cited are usually that fireworks disturb neighbours during the night as well as animals, both domesticated and wild.
Other municipalities simply put the information onto their websites. The municipal authorities of Schifflange sent a press release out on Tuesday confirming that fireworks will not be authorised for New Year's Eve. Erpeldange-sur-Sûre's municipal authorities posted notices in residents' letterboxes last week to inform them to not let off fireworks. The municipality of Sanem has asked its residents to avoid using fire crackers or fireworks, instead suggesting so-called light painting techniques as a way to celebrate the night.
The municipality of Sanem has recommended that residents use light painting techniques to celebrate the new year instead of letting off fireworks. / © Pixabay
If you are permitted to use fireworks in your local area, 112 emergency service head Christopher Schuh provided RTL with some guidelines to safely using fireworks. When purchasing fireworks, you should verify that the fireworks have a CE class 1 or 2 certificate.
As for where you decide to let off fireworks, the best locations should be dry and far away from any fires. Schuh also recommended paying attention to the weather, as strong winds could push your fireworks into an unwanted direction. Finally, he advised contacting 112 if any incidents occur, such as fires.
