Illegal fireworks an incendiary issue
( 2002-01-28 11:31 ) (1 )

Some 300,000 yuan (US$36,280) have been awarded to those who reported illegal fireworks in the city, said a leading officer from Shanghai Fire Department.

With the Spring Festival approaching, police have tightened inspections and control of fireworks.

So far this month, local police have confiscated 7,000 boxes of substandard and illegal fireworks valued at 1.5 million yuan (US$181,380), said Chen Hangen, deputy director of the department. Ten suspects have been caught, and three have been put on to a reeducation-through-labour house.

On January 7, police raided a storehouse in the Pudong New Area after receiving a tip, and discovered 2,048 boxes of substandard fireworks.

"Many of them are life-threatening. We found that some of them could rise about 280 metres high and form a circle with 350 metres in diametre after its explosion," Chen said.

Police also found that the transportation of illegal fireworks has a well-organized network.

"Some even have a special car to clear the way," Chen added.

Local police will provide 251 standard fireworks with a mark of quality to 1,200 stores for six evenings of fireworks, beginning New Year's Eve.

Police have also issued a notice on the fireworks locations. Fireworks in areas within the Inner Ring is forbidden, and some other important places and their surrounding areas such as business streets, ports, schools and hospitals are also prohibited.

In some big cities around the country, fireworks have been forbidden for several years. However, Hangzhou, in East China's Zhejiang Province, lifted the ban this year, while Chengdu in Southwest China's Sichuan Province and Wuhan in Central China's Hubei Province still insist on the prohibition.

"This year's prohibited areas in Shanghai is the same as last year," said Zhang Linsheng, deputy director from the fire department. "The restrictions let people enjoy an auspicious and safe traditional festival."

Meanwhile, the bureau will strengthen its work on fire prevention by increasing its watch positions from 4 to 13.

Some 27 temporary offices will also be placed throughout the city and 284 vehicles will be out on patrol, Zhang said.