BEIJING, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- As Beijing's fire authorities blamed powerful firecrackers for triggering the disastrous blaze at a deluxe hotel near to the new national television tower, the festive Chinese custom of using fireworks has again aroused safety concerns.
The latest announcement Tuesday morning from the government said hundreds of "extremely powerful" firecrackers ignited the Mandarin Oriental Hotel next to the landmark building of China Central Television (CCTV) new headquarters, leading to the death of one fireman and huge economic loss.
The big fire occurred on Lantern Festival, the last night that the Beijing municipal government allows fireworks in the capital's downtown areas. Beijing has the most stringent pyrotechnic restrictions in the country, and normally fireworks are banned.
The night was also the last chance for Chinese to ignite fireworks to celebrate their Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival, season that traditionally ends with Lantern Festival.
The past two weeks saw a continual round of noisy and colorful firework explosions, some of which were so powerful that the city at times took on the feel of downtown Baghdad.
Firework explosions are usually the heaviest on the Lunar New Year Eve, on the New Year morning, on the fifth day into the new year which is believed to be the birthday of the God of Wealth, and on the Lantern Festival after which people officially set out to work in the new year.
Chinese have a tradition of setting off fireworks that has prevailed for 2,000 years. Superstitious ancients first used them to drive away evil spirits on festivals and funerals, or welcome fortune on joyful occasions such as weddings, house moving and graduation.
Today's firecrackers, however, are more advanced in shooting high and making varied patterns in the air. Therefore, they are more likely to cause accidents.
According to the China Fireworks Safety Net, fireworks could cause unexpected explosions or fires because of unqualified raw materials, poor design, incorrect ways of ignition, and so on.
Local governments across China have been imposing total or partial bans on firecrackers in cities in the past decade or so. The result has been a mixed one as the enforcement was not strict enough and many people broke the rules.
The Beijing Municipal Government banned firecrackers from 1993 to 2006. Since 2006, the government adopted a new measure which bans firecrackers within the Fifth Ring Road, or the city's urban area, but makes exceptions during the Lunar New Year season.
Beijing still bans firecrackers in certain areas of the city such as protected cultural relics, public transport junctions, gas stations and so on. Factories and vendors that make or sell firecrackers must first obtain licenses from the government.
Manufacturing and marketing restrictions, paradoxically, forced some fireworks lovers to grab cheap but unreliable products from less-regulated rural markets.
This is the third year that Beijing conditionally loosens its total ban on lighting fireworks. The moratorium came in response to continual public complaints against the absolute no-fireworks policy.
Most people complained that the 13-year ban was pointless as people honor the custom of welcoming new years by setting off fireworks, which are considered jubilant.
Environmentalists, on the other hand, argue that igniting fireworks not only heavily pollutes the air but also triggers fire hazards.
According to the International Fireworks Association headquartered in central China's Hunan Province, China now occupies 80 percent of the global fireworks market with more than 7,500 businesses making fireworks, mostly small workshops.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Zhang Yimou: Fireworks to dazzle on Oct 1
Riding on the success of the Beijing Olympics last year, movie maestro Zhang Yimou is ready to treat audiences again with a fireworks extravaganza for the 60th anniversary of the country's founding on Oct 1 in Tian'anmen Square.
Zhang Yimou is surrounded by mediapersons yesterday on the sidelines of the CPPCC session. Jiang Dong [China Daily]
"It will be a celebration for every Chinese citizen," Zhang told China Daily yesterday at a group discussion by art and literary members of the 11th National Committee of the CPPCC.
"It won't simply be a 'big show'. I intend to bring every Chinese cheer on the birthday of the motherland," the director of the Beijing Games opening and closing ceremonies said, without elaborating.
Zhang was also unfazed by safety and security concerns over the use of the pyrotechnics, following a massive blaze at State broadcaster CCTV's new complex in downtown Beijing last month that was sparked off by illegal fireworks.
"We shot off 700,000 fireworks during the Games under strict safety regulations. I won't worry too much about it," he said.
Zhang, who is famous for directing movies like Raise the Red Lantern and Hero, also said he would make a film for the anniversary celebrations and is working on the script for it.
"I became known through films about rural life in China I will keep on making such films," Zhang said.
As a famous member of 11th National Committee of the CPPCC, Zhang tried to sneak pass reporters on his way into the Great Hall of the People at the opening of the Second Session of the CPPCC on Tuesday, but an alert female reporter spotted and tried to stop him from behind immediately.
Members of the press also found Zhang when he took a short break from yesterday's group discussion at a hotel in Beijing.
When asked about his stance on the hot topic of Chinese celebrities changing their nationalities, Zhang said those were personal decisions.
But the director added he had given up his United States green card since making films in China made it inconvenient for him to hold onto the residence permit.
Zhang also expressed his concern over how some Chinese people were still eating wild, endangered animals in parts of the country.
"It has tarnished China's image abroad and we should put a stop to such practices," he said.
As for his take on the ongoing financial crisis, Zhang said he would leave it to the experts.
"Its too vague for me. The economists should be the ones explaining to ordinary people how and why the crisis happened."
Zhang Yimou is surrounded by mediapersons yesterday on the sidelines of the CPPCC session. Jiang Dong [China Daily]
"It will be a celebration for every Chinese citizen," Zhang told China Daily yesterday at a group discussion by art and literary members of the 11th National Committee of the CPPCC.
"It won't simply be a 'big show'. I intend to bring every Chinese cheer on the birthday of the motherland," the director of the Beijing Games opening and closing ceremonies said, without elaborating.
Zhang was also unfazed by safety and security concerns over the use of the pyrotechnics, following a massive blaze at State broadcaster CCTV's new complex in downtown Beijing last month that was sparked off by illegal fireworks.
"We shot off 700,000 fireworks during the Games under strict safety regulations. I won't worry too much about it," he said.
Zhang, who is famous for directing movies like Raise the Red Lantern and Hero, also said he would make a film for the anniversary celebrations and is working on the script for it.
"I became known through films about rural life in China I will keep on making such films," Zhang said.
As a famous member of 11th National Committee of the CPPCC, Zhang tried to sneak pass reporters on his way into the Great Hall of the People at the opening of the Second Session of the CPPCC on Tuesday, but an alert female reporter spotted and tried to stop him from behind immediately.
Members of the press also found Zhang when he took a short break from yesterday's group discussion at a hotel in Beijing.
When asked about his stance on the hot topic of Chinese celebrities changing their nationalities, Zhang said those were personal decisions.
But the director added he had given up his United States green card since making films in China made it inconvenient for him to hold onto the residence permit.
Zhang also expressed his concern over how some Chinese people were still eating wild, endangered animals in parts of the country.
"It has tarnished China's image abroad and we should put a stop to such practices," he said.
As for his take on the ongoing financial crisis, Zhang said he would leave it to the experts.
"Its too vague for me. The economists should be the ones explaining to ordinary people how and why the crisis happened."
Hoffman Estates shortening July Fourth fireworks
The debris from a series of fireworks warehouse explosions in China last year is settling on Hoffman Estates.
The explosions have caused a fireworks shortage, resulting in higher prices for fireworks shows American companies like Melrose Pyrotechnics put on each year. Prices generally have increased by 10 to 15 percent.
The result is Hoffman Estates' July 4 fireworks display will be three minutes shorter compared to 2008. The village board last week approved $15,000 for the 22-minute display, the same price the village paid last year for a 25-minute show. Hoffman Estates stages its annual fireworks display near village hall.
Melrose's price for a 25-minute display has increased by $2,250, a 15 percent hike.
The public won't be able to notice much of a difference, said Bob Kerns, director of operations for Melrose. Kerns was sympathetic to his customers' plight in the struggling economy.
"The customer has many options, they can reduce the time, but the intensity will remain the same," he said.
The warehouse explosions last June were but one factor forcing the price increases that are affecting all fireworks companies, not just Melrose. A rise in transportation costs also played a hand, as did the demand for fireworks caused by the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing.
Overall, including the parade, Hoffman Estates allocated $142,320 in the 2008 budget for the July 4 festival. The village last year cut its spending on fireworks by 40 percent, as the 2007 budget had $23,000 spent on fireworks.
This is a busy time of year for Indiana-based Melrose, with customers submitting their final requests for the summer. Kerns said it's too early to notice trends, to see if customers have opted to reduce the fireworks display like Hoffman Estates, or decided to pay the increase.
Some suburbs, including Des Plaines, have curbed their summer festivals this year, as the slumping economy gave officials less money to spend on the celebrations.
The timing isn't the best for Hoffman Estates. Though several events, including a gala this summer at the Sears Centre, are planned to celebrate the village's 50th anniversary, officials hoped for a grander celebration. McLeod said officials were unable to incorporate some ideas because of budget problems.
"We certainly had hoped for a better economy," he said.
The 2008 budget lists $25,000 in expenditures for the 50th Anniversary Commission.
The explosions have caused a fireworks shortage, resulting in higher prices for fireworks shows American companies like Melrose Pyrotechnics put on each year. Prices generally have increased by 10 to 15 percent.
The result is Hoffman Estates' July 4 fireworks display will be three minutes shorter compared to 2008. The village board last week approved $15,000 for the 22-minute display, the same price the village paid last year for a 25-minute show. Hoffman Estates stages its annual fireworks display near village hall.
Melrose's price for a 25-minute display has increased by $2,250, a 15 percent hike.
The public won't be able to notice much of a difference, said Bob Kerns, director of operations for Melrose. Kerns was sympathetic to his customers' plight in the struggling economy.
"The customer has many options, they can reduce the time, but the intensity will remain the same," he said.
The warehouse explosions last June were but one factor forcing the price increases that are affecting all fireworks companies, not just Melrose. A rise in transportation costs also played a hand, as did the demand for fireworks caused by the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing.
Overall, including the parade, Hoffman Estates allocated $142,320 in the 2008 budget for the July 4 festival. The village last year cut its spending on fireworks by 40 percent, as the 2007 budget had $23,000 spent on fireworks.
This is a busy time of year for Indiana-based Melrose, with customers submitting their final requests for the summer. Kerns said it's too early to notice trends, to see if customers have opted to reduce the fireworks display like Hoffman Estates, or decided to pay the increase.
Some suburbs, including Des Plaines, have curbed their summer festivals this year, as the slumping economy gave officials less money to spend on the celebrations.
The timing isn't the best for Hoffman Estates. Though several events, including a gala this summer at the Sears Centre, are planned to celebrate the village's 50th anniversary, officials hoped for a grander celebration. McLeod said officials were unable to incorporate some ideas because of budget problems.
"We certainly had hoped for a better economy," he said.
The 2008 budget lists $25,000 in expenditures for the 50th Anniversary Commission.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Spectators dazzled by spectacular fireworks
Spectators dazzled by spectacular fireworks
Spectators watch a spectacular display of fireworks, the biggest and the most dazzling ever seen in the country
By Peter Townson
THE skies over Doha lit up last night as fireworks, light shows and other attractions took shape against the wonderful backdrop of the Corniche and the West Bay skyline.
Although closed to cars, the Corniche bustled with people vying with each other to be part of Qatar’s National Day celebrations.
A fighter jet weaves designs with maroon-coloured smoke
And the evening was a true reflection of the melting point of culture present in the country as men, women and children from every corner of the world and all walks of life joined together to celebrate the day.
Sultan Mohamed, a 30-year-old Qatari, said he was “incredibly proud” to see the efforts the organisers had made to create such a wonderful impression of the country.
“It is very important that both locals and expatriates get involved in the tradition of Qatar, and I am pleased to see so many people here taking part in the celebrations,” he said.
Jordanian national Fadi, who was born in Qatar, was highly impressed and said the celebrations had lived up to the expectation.
“We have been witnessing preparations being made for some time now, so I decided to come here tonight with some friends to see what was going on,” he said, adding “we have definitely not been disappointed, and the Corniche looks amazing tonight.”
This seemed to be the general consensus among the visitors, who were impressed with the lighting and other decorations used to adorn the strip of road and the surrounding buildings.
However, there was no doubting that the highlight of the day and the event everyone was looking forward to in earnest was the fireworks at the end of the evening.
Although a delay in starting the fireworks and the chill in the air dampened some peoples’ spirits, as soon as the display got underway, screams and cheers could be heard all along the Corniche.
The younger members of the crowd were the most vocal in their delight.
This was understandable, as the sheer scale of the show was incredible, and the colours - with their slightly festive theme - over the Doha night sky certainly provided a memorable sight, and one that could be seen from all over the city.
“I came to see the fireworks,” a spectator told Gulf Times, adding “but everything else here is very nice as well – although it would have been good to have some refreshments on sale.”
He said he was impressed with the large number of people attending the main event on the National Day.
Mansour and Munir also visited the Corniche primarily for the fireworks, but said they had enjoyed their day – especially earlier on with the military parade – and had been impressed with the atmosphere.
“Everyone here is enjoying themselves, and it is nice to be around so many people celebrating,” said Mansour.
The fireworks were worth the wait, and the gasps and cheers from the crowd were a clear indication of the impact of the display.
The image of the Corniche with its highly developed West Bay skyline being showered in gold seemed to be an appropriate way to end the celebrations for the rapidly developing country.
And the excitement that gripped Doha was made all the more visible by the enthusiastic flag-bearing drivers who filled the city’s roads.
“Even if England were to win the World Cup again after forty-odd years, there would not be as many cars on the streets of London, Birmingham and Manchester as there are in Doha tonight,” remarked one onlooker.
This was exactly the kind of fervour on display the whole day, in what can only be described as a hugely patriotic atmosphere on the Corniche, both among the locals as well as those who have adopted Qatar as their home.
Nine injured in Moscow explosion
AN explosion in a market in southern Moscow on Saturday injured nine people, a police spokesman told Russian television.
The explosion occurred near the Prague metro station, a Moscow police spokesman said. There was no immmediate evidence of criminal intent.
Some media reports said fireworks had gone off accidentally. "It was a home-made device that exploded," the spokesman said.
Interfax news agency, quoting an emergency situations ministry official, said the blast was linked to fireworks stored inside a market stall that was selling underwear.
"Four women who were near the stall stuffered wounds and burns, according to initial reports," the official said.
The explosion occurred near the Prague metro station, a Moscow police spokesman said. There was no immmediate evidence of criminal intent.
Some media reports said fireworks had gone off accidentally. "It was a home-made device that exploded," the spokesman said.
Interfax news agency, quoting an emergency situations ministry official, said the blast was linked to fireworks stored inside a market stall that was selling underwear.
"Four women who were near the stall stuffered wounds and burns, according to initial reports," the official said.
Liuyang Will Cut off 150 Small-sized Fireworks Plants in Two Years
A number of small-sized or substandard fireworks enterprises in Liuyang will be eliminated within 2 years for promoting fireworks development to a higher and better grade.
Mayor of Liuyang municipal expressed that,Liuyang is transplanting the fireworks display technology used during Beijing Olmpic Games to enhance the technology of Liuyang fireworks.He mentioned again the "technology and innovation" strategy towards fireworks development and was determined to slice around 150 small or lame fireworks enterprises within 2 years.
Mayor of Liuyang municipal expressed that,Liuyang is transplanting the fireworks display technology used during Beijing Olmpic Games to enhance the technology of Liuyang fireworks.He mentioned again the "technology and innovation" strategy towards fireworks development and was determined to slice around 150 small or lame fireworks enterprises within 2 years.
Port Charge on Fireworks Container Has Been Adjusted since Dec.15
According to the notice published by Beihai Port Container Development Company on Dec.12,2008,fireworks port charge will be adjusted from Dec.15.The loading charge of fireworks container will be raised by 100% based on the original price while storage fee,checking fee and other fees will be adjusted to the same amount accordingly. There is an additional charge of 300yuan a day/container for those containers piling up at the port within 5 days.In principle,containers that have been kept over 5 days will be proposed to arrange port storage,and if there's special reason that the containers have to stay at the port over 6 days,the charge will be 500yuan a day/container from the sixth day. Meanwhile ,the "Notice about Adjusting the Port Charge of Fireworks Containers" which was published on Sep.10,2008 will be abolished.
The entry of fireworks containers to the port still abides by the declaration system.
The entry of fireworks containers to the port still abides by the declaration system.
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