Filenews 7 January 2026 - by Angelos Nikolaou
The recent tragedy in Crans Montana, which resulted in loss of life and serious injuries following a fire caused by the use of fireworks inside a nightclub, brings the issue of compliance with safety rules to the fore in the harshest way. This incident underlines the need for full awareness of the possibilities and limitations of these products.
Speaking to "F", the director of the Mines and Quarries Service and head of the Explosives Sector, Stelios Michael, said that it is extremely important to clarify that there are low-risk fireworks on the market, which are designed for specific conditions. As he explained, there are products suitable exclusively for outdoor use, as well as specialized fireworks approved for indoor use. He noted that the Service is in coordination with all the co-competent services and is taking actions so that relevant instructions are given to the recreation centers for the proper use of fireworks.
He added that every legal product in circulation bears the mandatory CE marking, which guarantees that the firework meets European safety standards.
According to Mr. Michael, the existence of the CE makes it even more imperative for users and organizers to carefully read the manufacturer's instructions. Strict adherence to safety distances and the method of firing is not optional, but the only way to prevent such catastrophic events.
Safety in closed spaces, he noted, is not only based on the quality of the product, but mainly on the correct selection and adherence to the usage protocols set by the manufacturer, depending on the level of risk, use, noise and storage and access requirements.
''It is extremely important for those who have fireworks in recreation centers to point out that they are in a stable place and away from flammable materials, as well as to strictly follow the instructions according to the manufacturer and the CE marking", emphasizes the Explosives Inspector.
Asked whether there is a question of banning this type of sparklers in covered and enclosed spaces, Mr. Michael said that "the easiest thing is to say they are prohibited". However, he noted that this cannot be done since the categorization of fireworks in the European Union is strictly defined by law. Therefore, we are not allowed to proceed with a ban, but to ask for the faithful observance of the conditions."
In relation to the fire at the Le Constellation club in Crans Montana, Switzerland, which started with sparklers in a bottle of champagne, Mr. Michael underlined: It is very important to have the experts' report so that it becomes clear what it is about and so that we can draw safe conclusions and give clear instructions.
Regarding the issue of the use of fireworks in Cyprus, the amendment of the Explosives (Amendment) Law is in the final stage. The bill in question is being discussed in the parliamentary Committee on the Environment and is expected to take final decisions very soon and be taken to the Plenary for approval.
The purpose of the bill is to introduce regulations in order to strengthen compliance control regarding the storage and use of explosives and to tighten the legislative framework governing the illegal use of fireworks.
This legislation was reached after consultations between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Justice in the presence of the Chief of Police and the Director of the Mines and Quarries Service.
It is emphasized that the consultation regarding the assumption of responsibilities of an Explosives Inspector by the Police has occupied the ministries of justice from time to time in the last 10 years and with the passage of the legislation in order to promote public safety and crack down on the illegal use of fireworks, the role of inspector will be taken over by the Pyrotechnics Branch of MMAD.
The bill provides for a clear separation of responsibilities between the Police and the Mining Service, stricter penalties of up to €50,000, as well as an expansion of criminal liability for illegal fireworks at events such as weddings and christenings.
The Director of the Mines and Quarries Service retains responsibility for issuing permits and inspecting warehouses of explosives used for blasting.
The Chief of the Cyprus Police is now responsible for inspections of fireworks, gunpowder and ammunition warehouses, as well as for the fight against the illegal import, transport, storage, sale and use of explosives.
It is pointed out that the members of the Cyprus Police may make a report of illegal fireworks throwing either after their own finding of their commission or after receiving independent testimony. In the event that the throwing takes place outside the venue where the relevant event is held, there is a reasonable suspicion that the owner or manager or organizer of the event is involved in the throwing.
