Mauritius Fire and Rescue Services caution the public on fireworks

During this month of festivity, fireworks are very common. In this context, the Mauritius Fire and Rescue Services have released a communiqué related to cautionary measures for the general public as well as organizers on fire safety requirements for fireworks/pyrotechnic displays.

The following measures have been listed by the Mauritius Fire and Rescue Services:

1. The types of fireworks should be approved ones;
2. The fireworks display is to be held at approved locations;
3. The fireworks display is to be conducted at approved functions/events;
4. The fireworks are to be set up and discharged in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions/specifications;
5. A minimum safety distance equal to the furthest point of effect is to be maintained all around the firing points;
6. For fireworks discharged indoors, the furthest point of effect of the fireworks shall not be less than 1.5 m from any surrounding structure (whether it is permanent or temporary) or any living body;
7. For fireworks discharged outdoors, the furthest point of effect of the fireworks shall not be less than 6m from any surrounding building or any living body;
8. All combustible materials are to be removed from within the safety area to prevent any accidental ignition during the fireworks display;
9. The safety area is to be cordoned off to prevent unauthorized entry;
10. The plan approved by the authorities showing the firing points and the safety radius is to be displayed on site during the fireworks display;
11. A minimum two 9 kg ABC dry chemical powder fire extinguishers are to be provided at each firing point for outdoor fireworks displays. The fireworks company is to determine the total number depending on the type and number of fireworks to be discharged;
12. Sufficient numbers of fire extinguishers of the 2.5 kg ABC dry chemical powder type (depending on the size of the safety area) are to be provided to fight any incipient fire that occurs in the safety area;
13. The fireworks company is to provide a team of personnel trained to fight incipient fires on site;
14. Platforms or supporting structures, if used for the firing points, are to be of non-combustible material;
15. Firecracker displays are to be conducted in an open area on non-combustible surface; and 
16. The furthest point of effect of the firecrackers shall not be less than 1.5 m from any surrounding structure (whether it is permanent or temporary) or any living body.