On Tuesday 27th December 2011 the fire department of Bonaire has seized 15.000 pieces of disapproved fireworks. The fireworks were discovered after a tip and were discovered at the unloading of the containers at the central storage location on Bonaire.
The fireworks of the brand Voodoo Platinium VD-002 contain dangerous flash powder and have ignition fuses that are too short.
The fire department double checked the fireworks on location. After a very short ignition time a fierce explosion followed.
It was established that the use of these fireworks by the people of Bonaire would be life-threatening. For the authorities this was the reason to destroy these fireworks immediately. The use of other professional fireworks by not certified companies or persons is also discouraged.
Warning
The fire department warns consumers to be extra careful with fireworks of the brands Voodoo Cracker VD-001 and Crazy Bang, which are still available on Bonaire. Unsafe use of these professional fireworks – that are prohibited in The Netherlands – can have serious consequences.
Improvement of security
In addition to the fireworks campaign the fire department cooperates with the Polis Ambiental (environmetal police) and the Flying Fireworks Squad of the Ministery of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment on extra controls on storage, sale and transport of fireworks. The importers of fireworks and sellers cooperate on this. In 2012 the results of these inspections have to lead to a joint plan to secure the safe storage and use of fireworks.