Illegal Fireworks Crackdown: Don’t Turn Celebrations into Tragedy

Victorian authorities are warning that illegal fireworks pose a serious risk to life, property and community safety, and must only be handled by licensed pyrotechnicians under strict controls.

In Victoria, fireworks are legally classified as explosives. This means it is an offence for anyone other than a licensed pyrotechnician to buy, sell, store or use fireworks, whether in a public place or on private property.

WorkSafe Acting Chief Health and Safety Officer Adam Watson said fireworks remain extremely dangerous in untrained hands and continue to cause serious injuries every year.

"Every summer, we see a spike in serious incidents involving the unlawful possession and use of fireworks, as people put property and loved ones at risk for a few moments of entertainment," Mr Watson said.

"Getting in trouble with the law, facing stiff penalties, and putting yourself or others at risk of death or serious injury is no way to spend the festive season."

Under the Dangerous Goods Act, anyone caught illegally selling, buying or using fireworks in Victoria can face thousands of dollars in fines and, in serious cases, imprisonment.

Data from Monash University's Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit shows fireworks-related injuries presenting to emergency departments have decreased over the past decade, with nine presentations in 2024-25 compared with 41 ten years ago. However, emergency services continue to respond to serious and sometimes fatal incidents.

Fire Rescue Victoria Deputy Commissioner Community Safety Joshua Fischer noted that these statistics include the tragic 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."

In 2024-25, CFA crews responded to 76 incidents across Victoria involving the unauthorised use of fireworks, firecrackers, flares and similar items.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the figures are a stark reminder of the dangers that fireworks pose, especially during a summer of heightened bushfire 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, 11,853 individual fireworks were removed from the community, either seized by Victoria Police or surrendered by members of the public, and WorkSafe has destroyed a total of 16,200 fireworks.

WorkSafe's specialist dangerous goods inspectors also seized 64,229 authorised display fireworks and other explosives in western Victoria that were being stored without a licence, highlighting the importance of robust WHS management systems and compliance with dangerous goods requirements.

Employers and event organisers are urged to ensure their work health and safety obligations are met by engaging only licensed pyrotechnicians, implementing appropriate WHS management systems, and using documented safe work procedures such as SWMS for any high-risk activities involving explosives. Resources to support compliant documentation are available at https://www.bluesafeonline.com.au/store/swms.

Information about the unlawful sale, storage or use of fireworks can be reported confidentially to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online via a crime report submission.

Media enquiries: media@worksafe.vic.gov.au or 0438 786 968.