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Erfurt and Jena: New Year’s Eve without fireworks – citizens are challenged!
Erfurt and Jena are calling for people to avoid fireworks on New Year's Eve in order to reduce fires, fine dust and garbage.
Erfurt and Jena: New Year’s Eve without fireworks – citizens are challenged!
Shortly before New Year's Eve, an urgent appeal is made to citizens in the cities of Erfurt and Jena to avoid fireworks. This initiative was launched by the city authorities to address several pressing problems.
The main reasons for the call include the risk of fires, the overload of emergency rooms, high levels of particulate matter and the creation of tons of waste. Last year, Erfurt recorded a total of 61 fire operations and 153 rescue service operations on New Year's Eve. In Jena, it was found that fireworks generated around 33 cubic meters of waste on New Year's Eve, which resulted in additional disposal costs of 15,000 euros. Head of Security Ricarda Schreeg also emphasized the burden on people and animals caused by the New Year's Eve fireworks.
Bans and legal regulations
In Erfurt, firecrackers are largely prohibited in the old town due to the delicate half-timbered houses. In addition, there are other prohibited zones for fireworks in other parts of Thuringia, such as around Friedenstein Castle in Gotha. In general, lighting fireworks near timber framed buildings, churches, hospitals and retirement homes is prohibited by law in order to ensure the safety and protection of people and animals.
In addition to the calls in Thuringia, the health effects of fireworks are also an important issue. According to that Federal Environment Agency Fireworks release around 2,050 tonnes of fine dust (PM10) every year, of which around 1,700 tonnes are PM2.5. This corresponds to around 1% of total PM10 emissions in Germany. Air pollution with harmful fine dust is particularly high on New Year's Day, especially in the hours after midnight.
The regularly high PM10 values on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day illustrate the ecological and health problems associated with the use of fireworks. These developments highlight the need to consider alternative ways to celebrate the New Year.