Man concerned that kids playing with sparklers in playground are a fire hazard, but it's legal

Was it safe?

A Bukit Batok resident was concerned when he saw adults with children playing with sparklers in the playground below his block on the night of April 12.

Stomper Naveen shared a photo of the incident near Block 290C Bukit Batok East Avenue 3, which took place around 9.30pm.

"This is a fire safety hazard that can cause damage to public property," said the Stomper.

"The playground can easily catch fire and cause harm to other people and even their own children as well.

"I can understand that it is the Hari Raya Puasa period. They can always celebrate in a different way instead of playing with sparklers on public property."

While the importation and sale of some types of sparklers are legal in Singapore, the police advise that the use of sparklers should be done in a responsible manner according to the safety guidelines prescribed by the manufacturer. 

The police take a serious view of anyone who sets off improvised explosive devices constructed using sparklers. Such acts and devices are potential fire hazards which cause undue danger and alarm to the public.

Anyone caught setting off such improvised explosive devices will be liable to an offence of negligent conduct with respect to explosive substances is punishable by an imprisonment term of up to one year or a fine of up to $5,000, or both.

Should the act lead to any hurt caused, one may be liable to prosecution for voluntarily causing hurt with heated or explosive substances, which carries an imprisonment term or up to seven years, or a fine, or caning, or any combination of such punishments.