Protection zone for Braunschweig's old town: ban on firecrackers under discussion!

Protection zone for Braunschweig's old town: ban on firecrackers under discussion!

New Year's Eve is approaching and with it an intensive discussion about a possible ban on firecrackers in Germany. A broad alliance of over 55 organizations, including German Environmental Aid, police unions and animal protection organizations, has currently submitted a petition for a general ban on private New Year's Eve firecrackers. The initiators are calling on the Conference of Interior Ministers to take appropriate measures to protect people, animals and the environment. news38.de reports that discussions have already been initiated in cities like Braunschweig.

The Greens in Braunschweig in particular are campaigning for a protection zone in the city center in order to defuse dangerous situations and relieve the burden on emergency services. This regulation is intended to help protect the old town and its historical buildings. A specific proposal envisages establishing a safety zone around the Okerum flood, which is supported by the police and public order authorities. Despite these efforts, a corresponding motion was rejected in the administrative committee, which prompted the Greens to call for a public debate. It is currently unclear whether and how the protection zone will actually be implemented.

Growing support for a ban

In recent years, the discussion about a ban on firecrackers in Germany has intensified significantly. According to the German environmental aid Around 60% of Germans are already in favor of such a ban. The initiative is particularly supported by recent developments in the Netherlands, which will completely ban private New Year's Eve firecrackers from 2026. This example could set a precedent and increase pressure on German interior ministers to rethink the firecracker from both a security and environmental perspective.

The security situation is tense: five people were injured on New Year's Eve last night, and hundreds sustained injuries, mostly due to improper handling of fireworks. Children are often particularly affected. During emergency services operations, there are more and more incidents in which emergency services are attacked. The time emphasizes that shock and fear caused by the loud banging noises can have a traumatizing effect, especially for refugees. Many animals also panic due to the New Year's Eve crashes.

Don't forget about environmental protection

Another explosive point is the environmental impact of fireworks. Every year in Germany around 2,050 tons of fine dust are released on New Year's Eve alone. This not only poses a health risk for many people, but also harms nature. The Federal Association for Pyrotechnics defends the tradition of fireworks; Nevertheless, arguments for a ban are becoming louder and louder. The combination of animal suffering, injuries and environmental pollution speaks for a rethink in society.

The discussion about New Year's Eve and fireworks is becoming more and more relevant. Will the signs in Braunschweig also indicate a ban on firecrackers, or will everything stay the same? One thing is certain: something is happening and the voices for a rethink are getting louder.