What happened to Guy Fawkes?

A little history

On the 5 November, Guy Fawkes Night also known as bonfire night is celebrated. Marking the anniversary of failure of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605 where 13 men including Guy Fawkes plotted to blow up the House of Parliament in London. James VI and I were delighted by the failing of the Gunpowder Plot that he allowed bonfires to be lit to celebrate without any danger of course.

Are you aware of Cape Town’s fireworks ban?

In October 2019 the City of Cape Town released a statement declaring the banning of fireworks for festivities this year. JP Smith, the Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security explained that Cape Town usually made exceptions for the discharge of fireworks for Diwali, New Year’s Eve and Guy Fawkes and decided this year no fireworks would be permitted. The Community Fire Safety by-law states that no one is allowed to operate a public fireworks display without getting prior permission and a permit from the chief fire officer or municipal manager.

Protecting your pets

The National Council of the SPCA has had its hands full in dealing with hysterical domestic animals as a result of fireworks set off in residential areas. They also added the sound of fireworks were five times as loud to cats. How to protect your pets, ensure all animals have identification, attempt to mask any noise by drawing curtains and playing calming music at a reasonable volume, put familiar and comforting things around them and ensure your pets have a heartly and nutritious meal around nightfall as this will make them more likely to sleep.

Members of the public with information relating to the illegal sale or use of fireworks should report this to the City’s Public Emergency Call Centre on 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 from a cell phone or to the South African Police Service on 10111

Done By

Jasmine Johnson-Mazwi

News Editor

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