In October 2008 came a ban on the private purchase and use of rockets in Norway. Neither is it allowed to distribute this type of firework to private consumers. What is still allowed is the use of safer types of fireworks such as batteries and sparklers. But if you want to buy these, your time is limited. Like last year, the sale of fireworks will be limited to two days.
New this year is that sales will only be open between 8am and 8pm, 30th and 31st December.
Sale for two days
"These sales times may become permanent in the future. The trial system that was started last year is considered to have been successful, and a decision has therefore been made that applies to Rogaland and Hordaland, that the practice of selling for two days is applicable," says Inge Grødem, section leader in the fire prevention department of the Fire Department in South Rogaland.
According to the statistics from the Directorate of Civil Defense and Emergency Planning, 27 people were injured by fireworks in Rogaland last year. Since 2002, as many as 121 injuries have been registered, 3 fires and 51 threatening situations and other damages in the county.
Most injuries in Rogaland
If we compare these figures with those in other counties, we find that Rogaland has a clear lead on registered injuries. According to statistics, there have only been 75 firework-related injuries in Oslo between 2002 and 2007.
But since reporting has been voluntary, and been organized differently from county to county, Grødem thinks that we should take these statistics with a pinch of salt.
"I admit we have had injuries, but I still don't think that these figures are correct," he says.
The section leader is nonetheless glad about the measures that are being implemented in order to limit damage and injuries.
In addition to the ban on rockets and limited access to other fireworks, there is a lot to suggest that illegal use will lead to steep fines.
7000 kroner fine
Last week, Dagsavisen wrote that you will have to fork out 7000 kroner to the state if you light a rocket with a direction stick in Oslo. And according to the chief of police in Hå, Oddvar Tengesdal, it will not be much cheaper in Rogland.
"I think one can expect a similar reaction here," says Tengesdal, who still has not received the authorized guidelines for breach of the new fireworks law.
The mayors in Hå and Randaberg are satisfied with the total ban on rockets, and hope that people respect it for the sake of their own and others' safety and health.
"There have been a few dangerous situations that we absolutely don't want. But I trust that people will respect this law. This has been done in order to avoid accidents," says the mayor of Hå, Terje Mjåtveit to Aftenbladet.
"I think that less access will lead to fewer injuries. In Randaberg there have always been a lot of rockets, but this year, I think people will buy batteries that are legal," says Tone Tvedt Nybø in Randaberg.
None of the mayors wish to speculate as to whether the new regulations could lead to more home-made bombs, such as Gaute (16) tried his hand at - without luck.
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