Fireworks companies suffer €2 million in financial setbacks due to restrictive measures
The Portuguese Association of Pyrotechnics and Explosives Manufacturers (APIPE) has criticised the government's nationwide fireworks ban, labelling it an overly broad, unfair "blind ban" that is causing significant financial losses for the pyrotechnics sector.
According to APIPE's president, Carlos Macedo, numerous fireworks shows have been cancelled, with estimates suggesting that over a hundred cancellations are expected by Thursday. The ban, which was decreed under a state of alert and extends until Thursday, involves a "blind ban" on the use of fireworks throughout the country.
APIPE argues that the ban ignores lower-risk contexts, such as displays over water, reservoirs, rivers, or in city centres, and prevents safely planned, permitted shows. The association accepts the government's intent to protect forests but contends that the application of the ban is disproportionate and not tailored to actual risk.
The immediate financial losses for companies in the sector are estimated to be around €2 million over five days, with dozens of shows cancelled on the first day. The ban is causing substantial economic and reputational strain for businesses that follow safety permits and precautions, creating sector-wide frustration.
The criticism comes in the context of the government's national alert and restrictions, which include a ban on bonfires, fireworks, and certain equipment, issued to reduce wildfire ignitions during extreme heat and elevated fire risk. The government and officials say the restrictions have helped lower ignition points and are intended to protect highly vulnerable forested areas.
However, APIPE is particularly critical of the ban's lack of consideration for exceptions for events taking place on water or in risk-free locations. The association's statement indicates that they accept the government's decisions as unfair.
The report about this issue was published by Jornal de Notícias.
[1] APIPE's statement (Portuguese) - https://www.jornaldenoticias.pt/pt/noticias/portugal/2021-07-20/apipe-critica-medida-do-governo-que-proibiu-os-espetaculos-pyro-por-todo-o-pais [2] Government's alert and restrictions (Portuguese) - https://www.portugal.gov.pt/noticias/alerta-nacional-de-incendios-forestais-extendido-para-o-terceiro-dia-de-semana [3] Fire risk in Portugal (Portuguese) - https://www.portugal.gov.pt/noticias/alerta-nacional-de-incendios-forestais-extendido-para-o-terceiro-dia-de-semana [4] Wildfire prevention measures in Portugal (Portuguese) - https://www.portugal.gov.pt/noticias/alerta-nacional-de-incendios-forestais-extendido-para-o-terceiro-dia-de-semana [5] Fire safety advice from the Portuguese government (Portuguese) - https://www.portugal.gov.pt/noticias/alerta-nacional-de-incendios-forestais-extendido-para-o-terceiro-dia-de-semana
- The financial losses in the pyrotechnics industry, due to the nationwide fireworks ban, are estimated to reach €2 million over five days, highlighting the significant economic impact on businesses in the sector.
- Despite the government's efforts to prevent wildfires by imposing a ban on fireworks and other activities, the Portuguese Association of Pyrotechnics and Explosives Manufacturers (APIPE) has criticized the lack of consideration for exceptions for events taking place on water or in low-risk locations within the industry.
