Illegal fireworks warning as Victorian authorities report seizures
•BlueSafe Team•Source: WorkSafe VIC
Victorian safety and emergency authorities have warned of the risk of death, serious injury and fires from illegal fireworks. Anyone unlawfully selling, buying or using fireworks can face fines of thousands of dollars or jail under the Dangerous Goods Act.
Fireworks are classified as explosives in Victoria. Only licensed pyrotechnicians can legally buy or use them, with the restriction applying on private property as well as in public places.
WorkSafe Acting Chief Health and Safety Officer Adam Watson said fireworks were extremely dangerous when handled by untrained people and continued to cause serious injuries each year. "Every summer, we see a spike of serious incidents involving unlawful possession and use of fireworks, as people put property and loved ones at risk for a few moments of entertainment," Mr Watson said.
Figures from Monash University's Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit show nine fireworks-related emergency presentations in 2024-25, down from 41 a decade earlier. Despite that decline, emergency services are still attending serious incidents.
Fire Rescue Victoria Deputy Commissioner Community Safety Joshua Fischer said those incidents included the death of a 19-year-old man at Kalkallo on Christmas Day last year. "Christmas will never be the same for this young person's family," Mr Fischer said. "We cannot stress enough – fireworks are dangerous and should only be handled by professionals."
CFA crews attended 76 incidents across Victoria involving unauthorised use of fireworks, firecrackers, flares and similar items during 2024-25. CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the figures highlighted the dangers of fireworks, especially during a summer of heightened fire risk.
"With the fire activity we've already seen across the state, it's more important than ever for people to remain vigilant and avoid behaviours that could spark fires," Mr Heffernan said. "Safety is our number one priority and we want to keep our loved ones and broader communities safe during the New Year celebrations."
This year, Victoria Police seizures and public surrenders removed 11,853 individual fireworks from the community, while WorkSafe destroyed 16,200 fireworks in total. WorkSafe specialist dangerous goods inspectors also seized 64,229 authorised display fireworks and other explosives that were being stored without a licence in western Victoria.
Information about illegal fireworks sales, storage or use can be provided to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or through a confidential online crime report.