New Year's Eve: Millions in Damages from Firecrackers and Rockets

By far the highest amount of damage occurs in Vienna, where costs amount to around 1.6 million euros annually. The insurance company highlighted damages caused by pyrotechnics such as firecrackers, rockets & co. in the release.

At the turn of the year 2024/2025, there was a particularly strong increase in the volume of damages in Burgenland and Tyrol. In Burgenland, the extent of damage increased by 82 percent, in Tyrol by 75 percent. The large increase in Burgenland was mainly due to a major fire damage, while in Tyrol many smaller damages accumulated. Styria, Lower Austria, and Salzburg recorded significant declines. This development suggests that local regulations such as firecracker bans are having an effect, analyzed the Vienna Insurance Group.

"Those who do not want to forgo pyrotechnics on New Year's Eve should act responsibly - be considerate of others and the environment and not endanger themselves," advises Vienna Insurance Group board director Doris Wendler. This includes observing prohibited zones, maintaining age and safety distances, purchasing only certified fireworks from specialist retailers, a stable launch device, and taking special care near children, clothing, and flammable materials. Additionally, a private liability insurance, which is usually included in household insurance, is recommended as well as a private accident insurance.

Seizures before New Year's Eve

In December, customs recorded 39 seizures, in which 4,714 pyrotechnic items such as rockets, firecrackers, crackers, fireworks batteries, fountains, or volcanoes were confiscated, which were illegally imported, stored, or distributed. The largest share of the confiscated items consisted of pyrotechnic products without any labeling, the Ministry of Finance also announced in a release on Monday.

Especially with unlabelled pyrotechnics, the potential danger is particularly high, as neither safety standards, origin, nor permissible use can be traced. Also, 320 fireworks of category F4, which pose a great danger and may only be used by persons with the appropriate expertise, were seized.

Purchase from local specialist retailers

The Pyrotechnics Specialist Retail Working Group of the Chamber of Commerce (WKÖ) appealed to buy fireworks exclusively from Austrian specialist retailers. Only here are items sold that meet safety standards, and the necessary advice is offered. Together with the police, the WKÖ has again this year emphasized the dangers of illegal fireworks. A major success is the tightening of the Czech pyrotechnics law. In particular, the sale of categories F2 to F4 at markets, stands, and mobile sales outlets has been banned in our neighboring country.

More on the topic of New Year's Eve

(APA/Red)

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