Fireworks: safety tips and report nuisance

Many people in the city celebrate the new year by lighting fireworks. Read when you are allowed to purchase and light fireworks. And where you can report nuisance or illegal fireworks.

Rules for selling fireworks

Purchase fireworks on Saturday, 28 December, Monday, 30 December and Tuesday, 31 December at a certified sales point. On Sunday, 29 December no fireworks are allowed to be sold anywhere in the Netherlands.

Lighting fireworks

Fireworks may be lit only from 31 December starting at 18.00 hrs. until 2.00 hrs. on 1 January.

Always show consideration for other people. Do not set off any fireworks:

• around hospitals and other spots where vulnerable people live
• around children
• around pets, city farms and riding stables
• in parks and the nature areas in The Hague

Fire drums at New Year’s

Cosy fires (fire baskets and fireplaces) are permitted during New Year’s, but only if there is no risk of damage or nuisance.

Tips

Using cosy fires in the public space can cause damage and nuisance if no precautions are taken. The rules are:

• Always place the fire drum in an open spot, at a sufficient distance from homes and green areas (trees and bushes).
• Place concrete tiles or enough sand under the fire drum to prevent damage to the road or grass.
• Use flammable materials which fit in the fire drum and do not stick out. Do not place flammable materials against the fire drum. Do not use petrol or other fire accelerants.
• Always follow the instructions given by emergency services. Make sure that the fire drum does not block access to the road for emergency services.
• Make sure there is continuous supervision by an adult who can take proper action in the event of fire.
• Make sure that the fire drum is set up in a way that it cannot easily fall or be tipped over.
• Do not leave the fire drum before the fire is extinguished.
• There should be enough extinguishing agents close by the fire drum: 1 powder or foam extinguisher, or buckets filled with water (at least 10 litres) or sand.
• Never throw burning and/or smouldering remains away in rubbish bins or containers.

Report fireworks nuisance, damage and vandalism

You can report nuisance caused by fireworks in different ways:

• Call 112 if you have witnessed vandalism or in case of an emergency.
• Report a problem to the municipality if there is damage to items in the public space at Begin link: denhaag.nl/reportproblem, end link. .

The municipality will try to get compensation for any damage caused by fireworks from the offenders. To catch the offenders the police welcome tips from alert residents.

Illegal fireworks and approach to troublemakers

The police will deal severely with people who cause trouble on New Year’s Eve or damage municipal property. The mayor will hand out a restraining order against known troublemakers. The Public Prosecutor (OM) will carry out accelerated proceedings for people who commit criminal offences during New Year’s. Damage will be compensated by the offenders where possible.

Report any illegal activity to the police:

• Call the police on 0900 – 8844 to tip them off to any illegal fireworks activity.
• You can also call anonymously to Meld Misdaad Anoniem on 0800 – 7000.

Look for more information on the Begin external link: website of the police(External link), end external link..

When to call the fire brigade

Is there a big or dangerous fire or have you witnessed arson? Do not hesitate and call 112 right away.