A region-wide ban on the possession of fireworks in Brussels once again proved not to be efficient enough, with many people still putting on their private shows. The Brussels Fire Brigade is therefore calling for a ban at the European level.
In a move that some could see as the spoiling the New Year's Eve party, for several years now Brussels has banned the possession, transport and use of fireworks in public spaces during the end-of-year celebrations. Violators risk a fine and imprisonment for up to 14 days. However, the trading of fireworks remains legal.
As a result, the skies above most of the region on Sunday night were filled with colourful explosions and loud bangs. While these spectacles were enjoyed by many, there is a darker side to ending the year with a bang, which became evident after midnight.
The spokesperson for the Brussels Fire Brigade, Walter Derieuw, confirmed in the early hours of Monday that six people were injured by fireworks. This included a teenager who was wounded in the eye and a 7-year-old child whose hand was burnt.
Another victim lost his entire hand, pushing the fire brigade to circulate an explicit picture of this fireworks accident, noting that "words are apparently not enough", adding that the person will "carry a disability for the rest of his life".
More effective ban?
Derieuw told The Brussels Times that these incidents highlighted that a ban in Brussels alone is not effective and that the fire brigade is advocating for a complete, more widespread ban.
"Using fireworks is dangerous for the people shooting and also bystanders, but it also has a pernicious impact on animals. Some even die of fear when fireworks go off around them," he said.
Fireworks also disrupt the neighbourhood and peace in the district, as well as increasing fire risk. "We are sure that at least one of the New Year's Eve fires was caused by fireworks."
He argued that the ban in place in the region is minimal, and that a ban at the European level is needed. "A nationwide ban in Belgium will simply result in people buying the goods online or in neighbouring countries."
Aside from all the safety benefits this would have for citizens, Derieuw also noted this would better help protect emergency workers, who were once again shot at with horizontally fired fireworks and targeted with flares and other pyrotechnic projectiles during New Year's Eve. "It is just not normal that emergency workers cannot work in complete safety," he said.
However, an EU-wide ban would have major economic effects on the industry, bringing into question its feasibility.
