Saudi Gazette report
JEDDAH – The Civil Defense of Makkah Region has started clamping down on firecracker dealers and the places they hide firecrackers, according to spokesman Col. Saeed Al-Sarhan, Al-Hayat daily reported. He urged parents to keep a close eye on their children and not allow them to use firecrackers because such products are dangerous.
“Most of the firecrackers pose great dangers to one’s life. A child usually is not aware of the damage firecrackers can cause to him and others,” Al-Sarhan said.
Some children get killed by firecrackers while others get burns or deformities if something goes wrong. Firecrackers account for most causes of home fires and different catastrophes, he stressed.
All types of firecrackers are prohibited regardless of how dangerous they are, he said, adding, that the fireworks events organized by the Jeddah Municipality are supervised by the Civil Defense.
A large number of firecracker lovers bought firecrackers online despite Civil Defense warnings. Badar Al-Harthy, a student, said he bought firecrackers online and they were delivered to his house by the seller.
Rami Al-Khaldi, a citizen, sells firecrackers. He is always on the alert for security officers who usually pose as customers. If he gets caught, he will lose a lot of money.
“Normally I stack up on firecrackers before the Holy Month of Ramadan and prepare well for the season. I charge double the original price. All my stuff comes from local suppliers who import the firecrackers from abroad and sneak them in somehow,” Al-Khaldi said.
Customers do not have any idea about the original price of a firecracker. This fact gives firecrackers vendors an opportunity to overcharge the customers and sometimes triple the prices.
The firecracker sales increase during Eid Al-Fitr, major sports events, the national day, and weddings, he said. Most products are made in China.
Meanwhile, Riyadh Civil Defense has warned the public against using firecrackers in Eid Al-Fitr holidays, stressing the dangerous effects of firecrackers such as loss of sight, fires, and amputation.
Some firecrackers are highly explosive and can go off any minute they touch hard surfaces or get exposed to high temperature.
