Tartu to stop using fireworks at public events
Tartu City Government Press Release
28 June / The ban on the use of higher-category fireworks is included in the Guidelines for Organising Environmentally Friendly Events.
The Tartu City Government has decided to limit the use of fireworks in the city, to reduce excessive noise and environmental damage. In the future, category F3 and F4 fireworks, which pose a medium and grave danger, may not be used in public events in the City of Tartu. The same prohibition also applies to all events that have received support from the City of Tartu.
The procedure for using fireworks is added to the minimum requirements of the Tartu Guidelines for Organising Environmentally Friendly Events. The Guidelines must be followed by all organisers of public events and events that have received support from the city.
Sten Svetljakov, Head of the Department of Culture of the Tartu City Government, said that there are many good alternatives in the field of event management now available for making the visual designs of events enjoyable. ‘We mainly use a variety of technical lighting solutions and we will certainly be seeing more drone presentations to replace fireworks in the future. I believe that Tartu is setting a very good example with the amendment, that we should not stick to old things that can be harmful to the environment as well as to many smaller and larger residents of Tartu,’ said Svetljakov.
Fireworks of the highest category produce strong noise and significant light and air pollution. Substances emitted by pyrotechnic products are toxic and carcinogenic. In addition, the use of pyrotechnics also produces a large amount of waste, which is included in the list of hazardous waste but often finds its way into household waste due to the ignorance of people. The groups most at risk from noise and flashes of light are young children and the sick (epileptics and those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder). Animals are also sensitive to noise and light, along with birds nesting in and around the city.
Category F2 pyrotechnic products, which cause minor disturbances, can be used in the future; however, according to the Guidelines for Organising Environmentally Friendly Events, it is recommended that alternatives focusing on visuals be found. In private events on private land, fireworks of the highest category may continue to be used; however, for this purpose, it is necessary to request permission in advance from the city’s Department of Business Development.
The new rules will enter into force from autumn of this year.
Last changed 28.06.2023
