Miesbach remains fireworks-free: eight prohibited zones on New Year's Eve!

Miesbach remains fireworks-free: eight prohibited zones on New Year's Eve!

In Miesbach there is once again a strict ban on firecrackers in eight precisely defined zones on New Year's Eve. This ban, which has been in place since 2019 based on a fire inspection, is intended to ensure safety during the festive New Year. The protected ensemble areas on the Upper and Lower Market as well as the immediate surroundings of retirement homes and churches are particularly affected. Mayor Gerhard Braunmiller (CSU) supports this measure and calls on the population to use fireworks responsibly.
As Merkur reports, in addition to the historically sensitive zones in the city center, six additional prohibition zones, each with a radius of 100 meters around certain facilities, have been set up. The affected retirement homes include the one on Carl-Fohr-Strasse and the one on Albert-Schweitzer-Strasse. The following churches are also subject to the firecracker ban: Haidmühlstrasse, Rathausstrasse, Münchner Strasse and Pfarrgasse.

For many, the question arises: What actually applies to the rest of Germany? According to Tagesschau, private fireworks displays are generally permitted throughout Germany on New Year's Eve, but with numerous exceptions. The use of fireworks is prohibited near old people's and children's homes, churches, hospitals and buildings that are particularly at risk of fire. The authorities have a certain amount of discretion, which can make it difficult to clearly define the term “immediate proximity”.

Firecracker ban: A look outside the box

In many cities there is an additional ban on fireworks. In Stuttgart, Cologne and Bremen, larger areas are closed to setting off fireworks. For example, Bremen has imposed a ban around the town hall, while Germany's millions of New Year's Eve fireworks fans in the city centers are facing further regulations in many places. With increasing calls for a nationwide ban on firecrackers, for example from German Environmental Aid, the discussion about whether changes to the existing explosives regulations are even possible is becoming increasingly lively.
Markus Seemüller (FL) refers to possible changes to the Explosives Act that could come into force from 2026.

If you still want to use the rocket yourself, you should take a few safety measures into account. According to Tagesschau, only fireworks in categories F1 and F2 may be used, which must bear a CE mark and an approval number. It is also important to only launch rockets from stable surfaces and to remove flammable materials in advance. Pet owners run the risk of stressing their animals with the noise - they should therefore create places to retreat and prepare their animals for the noise in good time.

Overall, various cities and experts are calling for responsible use of fireworks. Anyone who acts safely and wisely during this time will ensure that the old year can be said goodbye appropriately and the new year can be safely welcomed.