A boom in illegal fireworks sold online has prompted a warning to Victorians to leave it to the professionals this New Year’s Eve.
Revellers planning to take celebrations into their own hands could be fined tens of thousands of dollars.
It comes as sellers have been spotted stacking explosives in garages and warehouses and advertising their hauls on social media.
Authorities have blasted the fireworks as illegal, unpredictable and dangerous after sellers advertised Crazy Canons, Roman Candles and Thunder Kings online.
“Please don’t go near fireworks,” Narelle Beer from Worksafe Victoria said.
“If you find some that are unexploded don’t go near them.
“Let the professionals do it.”
Variety bags will set people back hundreds of dollars with pick up and delivery.
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But, if caught lighting illegal crackers, the fines start at $19,000.
Unauthorised rockets are a massive fire risk at this time of year with firefighters warning against usage.
“On a number of occasions we’ve seen houses significantly damaged or lost as a result of illegal fireworks,” firefighter Gavin Rooney said.
“Everything from sheds, homes, to people’s houses and their vehicles.”
Last year, 23 people were injured by illegal pyrotechnics.
“We don’t want anyone to get hurt, celebrate the new year, be safe with family, not with illegal fireworks,” Beer said.
“Unfortunately we see injuries from fireworks associated with burns with eye damage with significant open injury wounds and it’s just not worth it. “
