Firework restrictions enforced by bureaucratic authorities on the Talsperre Malter over a prolonged period.
The upcoming Malter in Flames summer festival, set to attract thousands of attendees from today until Sunday, has faced a setback in its grand fireworks display. The decision to deny the approval for setting off fireworks at the Malter dam in 2022 was primarily due to safety and environmental concerns that govern fireworks displays near sensitive infrastructure like dams.
Regulations typically include strict fire safety rules, restrictions on potential pollution, and precautions to prevent damage to the dam structure and surrounding natural environment. The risk of fire hazards, especially in dry conditions, and the pollution of water reservoirs by fireworks residue and debris are significant concerns. Additionally, local environmental protection laws often limit activities that could harm ecosystems.
In the case of the Malter dam, the THW (Technisches Hilfswerk) has decided not to participate in loading the explosives for the fireworks this year, citing "very high requirements for the boat operator to be allowed to transport a firework that is considered a hazardous material" as the reason for their withdrawal.
Last year, a metal ponton was reinforced with side walls to intercept any lost fireworks, and approximately 250 kilograms of fireworks were supplied by Mathias Kürbs. However, shipping regulations apply to the floating ponton due to it becoming a navigable waterway, which has led to disagreement among the authorities on a single direction for the fireworks launch.
Several authorities, including the shipping authority, water police, interior ministry, occupational safety, THW, and several experts, were involved in discussions about the fireworks setup. Despite the challenges, Mayor Kerstin Körner, who has been in office for six years, remains optimistic about resolving the issues and making the fireworks display happen next year.
The fireworks cannot be set off on the Malter dam; they will be launched from the opposite beach. The full program for the Malter in Flames summer festival can be found online for those planning to attend. The grand fireworks display will occur on Saturday evening.
It is important to note that the article does not provide information about the impact of the THW's withdrawal on the festival's schedule or the overall festival. Furthermore, no specific details about an alternative solution for the fireworks transport this year were provided in the article.
[Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Despite the challenges with the fireworks transport and setup, the organizers plan to continue with the outdoor-living spectacle of Malter in Flames summer festival, offering a lifestyle experience in the home-and-garden setting of the surrounding area. The grand fireworks display will still take place as scheduled on Saturday evening, launched from the opposite beach.
