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Firecracker ban on Föhr: environmental and animal protection come first!
A comprehensive ban on firecrackers will come into force on Föhr at the turn of the year 2025 in order to promote environmental and animal protection.
Firecracker ban on Föhr: environmental and animal protection come first!
On the popular North Sea island of Föhr, a new approach will be taken on New Year's Eve: for the first time, a comprehensive ban on firecrackers will apply. This ban is not only a sign of environmental and animal protection, but also a response to the ongoing discussion about the negative effects of fireworks. Under an agreement reached in March 2025 between the Föhr-Amrum office and local retailers, the sale and import of category F2 fireworks, including rockets and firecrackers, are prohibited on the island. Andreas Hansen, spokesman for the Föhr office, emphasizes that the measure is considered necessary due to the unique environment of the Wadden Sea UNESCO World Heritage Site. This initiative fits in with the existing regulations on the neighboring islands of Amrum and Sylt, where similar rules have been in place for many years.
The setting off of private New Year's Eve fireworks has been prohibited on Amrum since 1981, primarily due to the risk of fire to the thatched houses. And there has been a strict ban on fireworks on Sylt for over 40 years now, and failure to do so can result in fines of up to 50,000 euros. In St. Peter-Ording, private lighting of fireworks is also generally prohibited. These measures are aimed at ensuring the safety of residents and protecting the environment.
A nationwide issue
He is supported by the medical profession and other organizations in his call for regional solutions and a serious discussion of the issue. In the Netherlands it has also been noted that a ban on firecrackers was decided in 2023 and will come into full force from 2026. The measure is seen there as a response to too many injured people and overcrowded hospitals.
The balance of the firecracker
In Germany, the pyrotechnics industry has achieved record sales in recent years. According to current figures, sales of firecrackers and rockets at the turn of the year 2024/25 amount to an impressive 197 million euros. But the dark side of this joy significantly clouds the enthusiasm for fireworks. Every year, firecracker accidents result in five deaths and countless injuries, with the most common type of injury being burns. Two thirds of the injured are young men. In 2024, the firecrackers alone released 2,050 tons of fine dust, the main problem on New Year's Eve.
So the discussion remains tense. Opponents of a ban on firecrackers argue that fireworks are an important tradition, while supporters point out the health and environmental risks. The Federal Association for Pyrotechnics even speaks of an anti-fireworks campaign and points out that illegal trade in fireworks must also be combated. While the Rhenish population is becoming more and more open to the idea of a New Year's Eve without fireworks, it remains to be seen how the political landscape will develop.
The question remains: Will Föhr set an example for other regions of Germany with its new firecracker ban? Given the increasing support for a nationwide ban on firecrackers, Föhr's clear model could perhaps really set a precedent.