Fireworks, torches are now banned!

Evaluating the ban on the sale and use of fireworks, flares, and torches in Istanbul starting July 16, Occupational Health and Safety Expert Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan reminded of past disasters and pointed out that unconscious use can lead to fatal consequences. Dr. Uçan, noting that explosive materials are extremely sensitive products, said, “Trained individuals must be employed in the storage and use of these explosives. These are not materials we can go to the market and buy like a watermelon or any other product and store. They must be kept under special conditions."

The Istanbul Governorship had announced an important decision to ban the sale and use of fireworks, flares, torches, and similar explosive/flammable materials between July 16 and October 28, 2026, due to the increasing risk of forest fires. 

Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan, Head of the Occupational Health and Safety Department at Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences, explained that the unconscious use of products like fireworks can lead to major disasters.

Wedding hall disaster provides important lessons

Dr. Rüştü Uçan stated that major fires in the past occurred due to similar neglects, adding that fireworks and similar products used indoors can lead to chain reactions of disasters.

Dr. Uçan noted the following:

"From an occupational health and safety perspective, past events provide us with important insights. Following an explosion in a wedding hall in Iraq, flammable materials such as curtains and decorations caught fire, causing approximately 200 deaths. The initial explosion alone wasn't the sole cause; the subsequent fire and panic created the major disaster. The event resulted in much graver consequences due to factors like inadequate escape routes, people trampling each other, and doors being unable to open."

Explosives can be affected by heat, even static electricity

Dr. Uçan emphasized that explosive materials are extremely sensitive products and should not be treated as ordinary consumer goods, stating, “Trained individuals must be employed in the storage and use of these explosives. Because firecrackers or similar explosives do not only work when the fuse is lit. Even a small spark, static electricity, or heat can cause the initial explosion. These are not materials we can go to the market and buy like a watermelon or any other product and store. They must be kept under special conditions. The individuals igniting them must also be trained. Military personnel or security officers working with explosives receive these trainings. However, any person buying and unconsciously using these products poses a great risk."

Helium balloons can also increase fire risk

Dr. Rüştü Uçan also drew attention to helium-filled balloons used in indoor events, saying, "Helium gas is used, especially in wedding halls, to keep balloons aloft. In such environments, these balloons can contribute to the spread of fire during an explosion or fire. Last year, a young girl sustained severe burns on her body when a balloon in her hand exploded."

If it is to be done, it must be under the control of experts!

Dr. Uçan stated that shows should only be carried out in controlled areas, saying, "If they absolutely must be done, they can be carried out like official celebrations over the sea. Because the people using explosives in these organizations are experts. They know where the explosives will scatter. Safety zones are created, traffic is stopped, and all precautions are taken." 

However, Dr. Uçan emphasized that it is not possible to ensure the same level of safety in individual celebrations, and continued:

"When we use these at weddings or celebrations, we face very great dangers. There should be no flammable materials within at least a 10-meter radius. There should be no balloons or decorations above. Frankly, the safest method is not to use them at all."

Underground production poses a greater danger!

Dr. Uçan, noting that unregistered production of explosive materials further increases the risk, said the following:

"These materials are already explosive. Whether produced openly or underground, they can explode if not stored at the appropriate temperature. However, if an explosion occurs during production when they are produced underground, much greater disasters can happen. Production in factories, on the other hand, is more controlled due to certain safety standards.”

Torches used in stadiums also pose a great risk

Dr. Uçan stated that torches used in stadiums also pose a serious danger, saying, "Torches brought into stadiums can cause very large fires in environments with thousands, sometimes hundreds of thousands of people. Flammable materials that emit sparks, such as torches, should be evaluated within the same scope, and penalties related to them need to be increased."

Everyone who buys must sign, knowing their legal responsibility

Dr. Uçan stated that existing legal regulations could be made more effective, saying, "If sellers made everyone who buys the product sign a document stating, 'If an incident occurs due to this product, you may receive a prison sentence of 1 to 8 years. I have read and understood.', many people might abandon that purchase. Because we would prevent unconsciousness at the very initial stage."

Emphasizing that sales must be recorded, Dr. Uçan concluded:

"Firecrackers and similar products must be sold with an invoice. If a product is sold without an invoice, the responsibility should directly fall on the selling company. High monetary penalties can be applied, or they can even be completely banned. However, even before reaching that stage, recording sales and clearly stating legal responsibility will provide a significant deterrent."