Police and chamber warn against illegal Halloween fireworks

Police and the Burgenland Chamber of Commerce are warning people not to use illegal fireworks this Halloween, ORF reports. Many children and teenagers are expected to go door to door in Burgenland on Saturday night, and fireworks and firecrackers are also used in some places.

Police spokeswoman Viktoria Krojer said there had been no particular incidents involving firecrackers in Burgenland in recent years, although Halloween can lead to minor pranks. She said it was important to distinguish harmless pranks from conduct that could have administrative or criminal consequences.

Pyrotechnic products are divided into categories according to their power. Only the lowest category, F1, is permitted in built-up areas. Examples include sparklers and snap pops.

The Chamber of Commerce warned against buying pyrotechnic products abroad, saying items sold in neighbouring countries are not automatically legal to use in Austria. Police also said fireworks must carry the appropriate CE marking and display certain safety information. Violations of the Pyrotechnics Act can result in fines.