Fireworks in Cape Town this Guy Fawkes could cost you up to R1,500

There is nowhere in Cape Town where you may legally set off your own fireworks this Guy Fawkes, Diwali or New Year's Eve. The City of Cape Town confirmed on 24 October that it has no designated fireworks sites for any of the three, and fines run from R200 to R1,500.

Complaints are already climbing. The City's emergency centre logged at least 49 complaints about fireworks being set off and at least 13 about illegal sales in the first three weeks of October, up from six and three in the same period of September, according to the City.

Where are you allowed to set off fireworks in Cape Town?

Only at a permitted public display. The Explosives Act makes it illegal to discharge fireworks anywhere not specifically designated for it, and the City has designated no sites for Guy Fawkes on 5 November, Diwali or New Year's Eve. That rules out your garden, the street, the beach and parks.

What are the fines?

Under the Explosives Act, as listed by the City:

• R200 for setting off fireworks in a building or on a public road or pavement
• R300 for selling fireworks to anyone under 16
• R300 for letting a child under 16 handle fireworks without adult supervision

Under the City's Community Fire Safety By-law:

• R1,500 for selling or storing fireworks without a fireworks certificate
• R1,500 for running a display or using pyrotechnics without a permit
• R1,500 for supplying fireworks to someone without a valid certificate or permit
• R1,000 for not having the fireworks certificate on the premises for inspection

Which areas are hotspots?

The City named Manenberg, Eastridge, Beacon Valley, Atlantis, Heideveld, Hanover Park, Belhar and Bonteheuwel, and says law enforcement will step up deployments in areas that were hotspots in past years.

Mayoral committee member for safety and security JP Smith said illegal fireworks are "a source of absolute terror for domestic pets and communities plagued by gun violence", and also cause fires and injuries, in the City's statement.

How do you report illegal fireworks?

Call the City's Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone, or use the Safety and Security feature on the City app, the City says. It is asking for tips on people selling fireworks illegally.

Can you host a legal fireworks display?

Yes, but you need a permit. Send your application to SAPS at [email protected]. If SAPS approves it, the local Fire and Rescue Service's Fire Life Safety Section must inspect the site, and you need permission from nearby residents and businesses, according to the City. Events expected to draw more than 200 people, or that need infrastructure built, also need a City events permit.

The City's permit page says applications must be submitted at least 14 days before the display, so anyone planning a Guy Fawkes show is already short on time.