Fireworks

In Zoetermeer, there is no general ban on fireworks this year. However, fireworks-free zones have been designated. There is a national ban on banging fireworks, banging strands, flares, single-shot and fireworks from the F3 category (such as rattlesnakes and Chinese rolls). The ban on fireworks that bang and flares is strictly enforced. Anyone who does set off these types of fireworks risks a fine.

What may be sold and set off is:

  • Fireworks from the F1 category, sparklers, poppers and pull strings.
  • Fireworks from the F2 category, decorative fireworks.

Permitted fireworks may only be set off from December 31, 6 p.m. until January 1, 2 a.m. No fireworks may be set off within a fireworks-free zone.

Tips to avoid accidents

Fireworks cause accidents every year. The biggest risk group is young people aged 10 to 19. They are especially at risk of sustaining injuries to their faces and hands. Most accidents happen because people do not set off fireworks properly. Information on how to safely light fireworks can be found at www.brandweer.nl. At www.halt.nl you can find Bureau Halt's approach to safe New Year's Eve.

  • Store fireworks in a safe, dry place.
  • Do not wear synthetic clothing; it burns quickly and melts to the skin.
  • Never put fireworks in jacket or pants pockets.
  • Set off fireworks in an open area and make sure no one gets hit.
  • Before setting off, read the instructions for use.
  • Use a lighter fuse and wear safety glasses.
  • Keep enough distance when setting off fireworks, by taking 6 steps back, for example.
  • Make sure fireworks debris is cleaned up the next day.

Do not store fireworks at home or in the shed

'Consider your safety and that of your neighbors'. The municipality urges people not to store fireworks in their homes or in sheds. Recently the police found a large amount of fireworks in 2 sheds in Rokkeveen. The storage of so many fireworks in the middle of a residential area is life-threatening and irresponsible. In recent years, emergency services have noticed that things can go badly wrong. Even fireworks that are allowed can react explosively in case of fire in the storage. That means it goes up in the air all at once.

You may keep 25 kilograms of legal fireworks at home and not transport them in a regular vehicle. Banging fireworks and flares are prohibited anyway. The police warn about illegal fireworks from abroad. These have not been inspected and tested. They do not take out refusers and duds. Often there is too much gunpowder in them. Blasts can cause hearing damage, explosions and life-threatening situations.

If you suspect that fireworks are being stored, traded or transported in an unauthorized manner, please call the police at 0900-8844 or anonymously at 0800-7000.