Germany’s fire brigades brace for busy New Year’s Eve

Fire brigades in Germany are preparing for a busy New Year’s Eve, with increased callouts expected due to the use of fireworks.

Karl-Heinz Banse, president of the German Fire Brigade Association, told dpa on Tuesday that the use of fireworks would contribute to the heightened workload, but he rejected calls for a nationwide ban on private fireworks.

“I am in favour of those who say that fireworks should only be set off where it is not dangerous,” Banse said, adding that a ban could be appropriate near areas with half-timbered houses or buildings with thatched roofs, particularly in northern Germany.

Banse highlighted the dangers posed by the improper use of fireworks, noting incidents where people have shot rockets from their hands or used fireworks imported from countries with less stringent safety standards. Such practices can result in serious injuries, he said.

Since the official start of fireworks sales on Saturday, fireworks have already been going off vigorously with the onset of darkness in Germany’s capital Berlin.

It is only permitted to set off fireworks in Berlin on New Year’s Eve from 6 pm until New Year’s morning at 7 am. Violations risk a fine of up to €10,000 ($10,401).