Helsinki to prohibit fireworks in downtown squares on New Year’s Eve

Ban will also extend to areas around several shopping malls

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Rescue Chief Kari Lehtokangas from the City of Helsinki Rescue Department intends to restrict the setting-off of fireworks on New Year’s Eve and overnight.
     
It is planned that the use of fireworks would be forbidden in downtown market squares as well as in the immediate vicinity of certain shopping malls.
      The proposed banned areas outside the city centre would include shopping malls in Oulunkylä, Pihlajanmäki, Kontula, and Itäkeskus, as well as squares in Oulunkylä, Ala-Malmi, Ylä-Malmi, Tapulikaupunki, and Töölö.
     
One of the reasons for the ban on fireworks is the aim to improve security. At the same time, attempts are made to prevent damage to buildings and other property.
      In addition, Helsinki officials would like to decrease the amount of noise and smoke from fireworks, as well as the rubbish left behind.
      The Helsinki Rescue Department is to handle the matter next Tuesday.
     
Online responses to the proposals have been broadly positive.
      Some called for a complete ban on sales to individuals, with public displays replacing the millions spent each year on fireworks. Other posters noted that the move might only encourage people to fire off rockets in the street instead.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  City of Helsinki would increase organisers´ liability for post-event clean-up (9.9.2008)

Helsingin Sanomat