Flemish Animals Minister Ben Weyts (N-VA) has again asked all mayors in the region to issue a local fireworks ban before New Year's Eve. The lack of a region-wide ban means the decision is in the hands of local governments.
The end-of-year period is, for many people, synonymous with the setting off of fireworks. However, doing so without proper equipment can carry many risks: last New Year's Eve, around 140 victims in Belgium suffered injuries from fireworks.
"The loud bangs and blinding flashes are also a scourge for animals: every year, frightened animals break out, get injured or even die," Weyts said. In Brussels, there is a region-wide ban on fireworks: the possession, transport and use of fireworks in public spaces is subject to fines and even imprisonment.
However, in Flanders, it has been up to local councils to decide whether ordinary citizens can organise private fireworks displays since the Constitutional Court annulled the Flemish fireworks decree.
Not the Wild West
A recent survey by Oscare, the research centre for people with burns and scars, showed that almost half of the Flemish municipalities will still allow fireworks next New Year's Eve. Weyts has therefore sent a letter to all Flemish mayors asking them to ban fireworks locally.
"Mayors can choose to leave it to professionals and ensure fireworks will be limited to well-chosen places and well-defined moments," he said. "But it is not a good idea to let amateurs play with fireworks inexperienced and injudiciously as well. Especially not on New Year's Eve, when a lot of alcohol also flows."
Many of the Flemish mayors are new this year, elected following the local elections on 13 October, meaning they will be managing a New Year's Eve for the first time.
"I ask every mayor to issue a local ban and to communicate this well too, so that every resident is informed. Flanders must not be the Wild West: you cannot run the risk of having an arrow whizzing past your ears everywhere here. The suffering for animals and people is just too great."
