On Saturday, December 21, the so-called Fireworks Operation 2024 began, to track the sale of fireworks and other gunpowder devices in the streets and premises of Mérida.
The plan includes supervision tours at points of sale and storage, to verify compliance with preventive measures and safety standards for merchants, according to a government statement.
However, the bulletin does not specify the number of permits granted in the city or the number of points of sale authorized in the Historic Center of Mérida.
Last year, authorization for 241 permits for the installation of sales stands in Mérida was reported. In 2022, 300 permits were granted for these purposes.
According to Hernán Hernández Rodríguez, general director of the State Coordination of Civil Protection (Procivy), the operation will include the supervision of establishments in shopping malls, self-service stores, semi-fixed businesses, and authorized positions in various areas of the city. These inspections will focus on verifying whether there are fire extinguishers and the correct handling of pyrotechnic products.
Last year, staff from the Mérida City Council carried out inspections at the points of sale, verifying: respect for the limit of 5 kilos of artifacts in public view and another 5 kg protected with security measures.
It was also ensured that the merchants did not exceed the authorized space or expand the sales table, as well as the existence of two 20-liter buckets, one with water and the other with sand, at each sales location.
The presence of minors at points of sale and nearby trucks or trailers with products to replenish the stalls outside established hours was prohibited.
The authorities reiterated the importance of safety measures to prevent accidents during this season.
Likewise, they called on citizens to report any irregularity or emergency related to the sale and storage of fireworks to the emergency number 911, available 24 hours a day.
Finally, it was recalled that the sale of fireworks to minors is strictly prohibited.
TYT Newsroom
