Fireworks have long been a central part of New Year’s celebrations, but rising concerns over their environmental impact and the stress they cause to animals are increasingly influencing regulations worldwide. And Czechia is no exception.
Photo: Zuzana Jarolímková, iROZHLAS.cz
Under the new rules introduced earlier this month, more areas across the country are now off-limits. New protection zones have been established around hospitals, nursing homes, day-care centres, animal shelters, zoos, and livestock facilities, where firework is prohibited. Veronika Krejčí, spokesperson for the Ministry of the Environment, explains:
“There is now a strict ban on fireworks within 250 metres of these locations. This regulation helps reduce noise and air pollution, as well as the risk of injuries and fires.”
Jana Tichá, founder of the animal welfare association Zvířátkov, based on a farm in Horní Moštěnice, welcomed the changes. In the past, fireworks could be set off close to her animal enclosures, which disrupted the animals.
Photo: Andrea Strohamierová, Czech Radio
“Horses are especially vulnerable because they can panic and injure themselves. There are no barriers that can contain them when they get scared. You try to plan ahead, but when there’s a new animal, someone from the team has to stay here for New Year’s, ready to react immediately if anything happens.”
Individual towns are now updating maps of restricted areas to reflect the new regulations. Residents can check where fireworks are prohibited on a new interactive map on the Ministry of Agriculture’s website.
Another significant change in pyrotechnics regulations concern the sale of fireworks. Market stalls and temporary stands are now allowed to sell only the lowest category of pyrotechnics, F1, which includes party poppers, sparklers, and ground spinners. Buyers must be at least 15 years old to purchase these products.
Photo: Zuzana Jarolímková, iROZHLAS.cz
For higher-category F2 fireworks, which include small rockets or firecrackers, Jakub Korec, a representative from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, explains:
“The sale of these products at market stalls, temporary booths, and similar setups is now prohibited. Sales are restricted to specialised shops, where age limits and technical competences can be better checked.”
The minimum age to purchase F2 fireworks is 18, as it is for F3 products, which include more powerful and multi-part displays. From July next year, F3 pyrotechnics will only be available to those with certified technical qualifications.
So, if you plan to buy fireworks this New Year’s, be prepared to show proof of age and check that your chosen location is not listed as a off-limits zone on the Ministry of Agriculture’s map or your local council’s website.