Aguascalientes Opina – December 26, 2024

Uncontrolled Fireworks: A Persistent Threat in Aguascalientes

By Aníbal Salazar

In Aguascalientes, the excessive and uncontrolled use of fireworks remains a recurring problem during the December festivities, causing harm to health, the environment, animals, and public safety. The regulation and containment of this phenomenon seem to face serious challenges.

During this Christmas Eve, the Municipal Civil Protection Coordination handled 118 reports related to the improper use of fireworks, resulting in three injuries and various material damages. Among the most notable incidents were six house fires, nine burned trees, and a vehicle destroyed by fire after a pyrotechnic device exploded in a garage. A particularly tragic case involved an eight-year-old boy in the Villa Taurina neighborhood, who suffered severe burns when the fireworks he carried in his pockets accidentally ignited.

The use of fireworks has severe repercussions on air quality. Fireworks release gases such as carbon monoxide (CO) and particles smaller than 2.5 microns (PM2.5), which are highly harmful to human health. These emissions can cause respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis, or pneumonia, as well as eye irritation and skin problems. Animals also suffer significantly during these celebrations. The stress and fear induced by the explosions can lead them to flee, injure themselves, or develop conditions such as tachycardia and disorientation. Domestic pets are not exempt from these effects, exhibiting reactions ranging from nausea to panic attacks.

One of the main distribution points for fireworks in Aguascalientes is the Centro Comercial Agropecuario, identified as a “red zone” for the clandestine sale of these artifacts. According to Eduardo Muñoz de León, State Coordinator of Civil Protection of Aguascalientes, during peak seasons, up to 500 kilograms of gunpowder are seized. However, accessing this location to conduct operations requires the intervention of the National Guard and state and municipal security forces due to the resistance from the merchants. To address this issue, authorities have implemented the Comet Operation, which includes training Civil Protection personnel to safely handle flammable materials. Nevertheless, the outlook remains challenging, as the commercialization of fireworks continues despite restrictions.

Despite efforts by the authorities, the strategy to raise public awareness about the risks of using and selling fireworks remains insufficient. The government is largely acting reactively rather than preventively, addressing incidents only after they occur and failing to implement deep-rooted actions to prevent their recurrence. Preventive campaigns are scarce and lack the force needed to change public perception of fireworks, which are still seen as a harmless tradition by much of society.

Moreover, applying stricter penalties for those who manufacture, distribute, or sell illegal fireworks is essential. Financial penalties and confiscations, while helpful, have not been enough to eradicate this activity. It is crucial for authorities to strengthen preventive measures through permanent and widespread educational campaigns while legislating stricter sanctions, including severe penalties for those responsible for clandestine production and commercialization.

The challenge lies in consolidating a true culture of prevention that values life above traditions. Without strong preventive actions and a real commitment from citizens, this issue will continue to endanger the safety, health, and environment of all residents of Aguascalientes.

Time will tell… and your opinion.

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*This is a translation of its original version published in Spanish on: Quiero Tv, Ciudad de Aguascalientes Magacín, and A Opinión Magacín.