Chinese authorities have initiated an immediate nationwide safety inspection of fireworks sales and distribution networks following two catastrophic explosions that exposed critical safety vulnerabilities in the popular holiday industry. The directive from the Office of the State Council Work Safety Committee mandates comprehensive oversight enhancements throughout the entire fireworks supply chain, with particular emphasis on sales and discharge protocols to address the recent surge in pyrotechnic accidents.
The safety overhaul comes in response to tragic incidents in Jiangsu and Hubei provinces that highlighted the inherent dangers associated with fireworks, which remain a traditional centerpiece of Spring Festival celebrations despite persistent safety concerns. New regulatory measures explicitly prohibit hazardous practices including mixed-use residential zoning where fireworks are sold beneath residential units, excessive stockpiling of inventory, trial ignitions within 100 meters of retail locations, and discharge in prohibited zones or densely populated areas.
Implementation teams from the Office and the Ministry of Emergency Management have been deployed to key regions to conduct rigorous inspections and ensure local authorities enforce the enhanced safety protocols. The campaign represents one of the most comprehensive fireworks safety initiatives in recent years, aiming to balance cultural traditions with modern safety requirements during peak holiday periods.