Unregulated use of firecrackers in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, carries a fine of 500 to 2,000 leva (up to 5,000 lei) for individuals, while for legal entities it will be 3,000 to 10,000 leva (up to 5,000 lei). The BTA press agency was informed about this in the municipality of Sofia on the eve of the New Year celebration.

Fireworks, firecrackers, bombs and any pyrotechnic devices of category F2 and F3 can be used only on New Year’s Eve until 2:00 a.m. on January 1 or after a request and prior permission from the local administration, Bulgarian agency BTA said, citing Agerpres.

Fireworks will not be used at the New Year’s Eve show “Stage Under the Stars” on Prince Alexander I Square, which is co-organized by the Sofia Municipality.

Uncontrolled use of pyrotechnics due to loud noise negatively affects small children, people with disabilities and animals, reminds the municipality.

In the city, there are more than 5,000 children on the autistic spectrum, thousands of people with health problems, babies and toddlers, pets and stray animals who suffer from the indiscriminate use of pyrotechnics. Every year, animals are injured or killed by loud noises that can shock them and cause severe stress. Fireworks also emit very high levels of harmful gases and pollute water and soil, authorities said.

No firecrackers between blocks

According to the new regulation, ten days before the event (family or other holiday) it is necessary to submit an application to the local administration, indicating when, where and which pyrotechnic products will be used.

The resolution prohibits the use of pyrotechnic products in inter-floor spaces, around medical centers, schools, kindergartens and churches.

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