Illegal Fireworks Turn End-of-Summer Celebrations Dangerous in Pohjanmaa, Oulu and Tampere

Illegal fireworks turned end-of-summer Venetian festivities into safety hazards in Pohjanmaa, Oulu and Tampere on the final weekend of August. YLE reported the incidents.

Police across the affected regions dealt with a busy night. Large groups of young people fired fireworks toward people, homes and even passing cars. The night turned dangerous. In Pohjanmaa, the scale of reckless use has raised questions about whether rescue authorities will keep the long-standing exception that allows private fireworks on the final weekend of August without a separate notification procedure. In Oulu, officers encountered several incidents of moped riders fleeing police. At least three underage drivers are suspected of offences, including endangering traffic safety and driving without a licence. Authorities urged parents to collect their children.

In Tampere, several thousand young people gathered at Pyynikki beach and nearby parks before police halted celebrations around 22:00, citing intoxication and dangerous fireworks. Interior Finland police took five youths into custody for intoxication and disorderly behaviour. One is suspected of resisting an officer.