Fireworks industries suffer €2 million in financial setbacks due to imposed restrictions
In a state of alert declared by the Portuguese government due to the high risk of wildfires amid a severe heatwave, fireworks displays have been banned between Sunday and Thursday [2][3]. This decision, aimed at protecting forests and limiting fire outbreaks, has resulted in a significant financial loss for the Portuguese Association of Pyrotechnics and Explosives Manufacturers (APIPE).
According to APIPE, the ban on fireworks displays has led to an estimated financial loss of approximately €2 million over the five-day period [1]. This loss is due to the cancellation of dozens of fireworks shows across the country, including events in city centers and on water bodies, which are typically considered risk-free locations.
APIPE's president, Carlos Macedo, has expressed his outrage over the ban, particularly its application to ocean waters, reservoirs, rivers, and city centres [4]. He criticized the government’s approach as a "blind ban" that did not differentiate between high-risk and low-risk locations.
Macedo predicted that more than a hundred fireworks shows will be cancelled by Thursday, with dozens having been cancelled on Sunday alone [1][5]. He also expressed concern about the unfairness of the fireworks ban decisions made by those in power.
Despite this, Macedo did not express any opposition to the fireworks ban for the purpose of protecting the forest. He acknowledged the need for preventive measures during this critical period of extreme heat and drought.
Sources:
- Jornal de Notícias
- Público
- RTP
- Lusa News Agency
- SIC Notícias
The financial loss estimated by APIPE, the Portuguese Association of Pyrotechnics and Explosives Manufacturers, is approximately €2 million due to the cancelled fireworks shows over the five-day period. This financial loss is predominantly from the cancellation of events in city centers and on water bodies, which are normally considered low-risk locations.
