The governor of the Pskov region, Mikhail Vedernikov, announced that starting July 3, a regional ban on the use of fireworks has been enacted. The information was communicated by the regional president through the official telegraph channel, making the measure public and clear for residents and visitors alike. In the official notice, it was explained that the decision came after a review by the regional operations headquarters, which concluded that fireworks could be disruptive to public safety and welfare during the current period.
The authorities clarified that the prohibition will apply to most fireworks and similar devices, with a few specific exceptions. Fireworks and sparklers may still be used under certain controlled circumstances, though the exact parameters of these exceptions were not exhaustively detailed in the public briefing. Local law enforcement and regulatory bodies will monitor compliance and provide guidance to those who need to understand whether their activities fall inside or outside the allowed categories. This clarification helps minimize confusion during the transition period as residents adjust to the new rules.
Officials emphasized that the rationale behind the restriction goes beyond mere tradition or celebration preferences. They pointed out that many people, including a significant number of soldiers currently in the city for rest and medical treatment, experience loud sounds in ways that can affect morale, safety, and overall well-being. The aim is to reduce noise pollution and the potential risk of fire in a region where summers can bring hot, dry conditions and heightened fire danger. The message from the administration underscored a desire to balance communal rituals with the practical need to preserve public safety and protect vulnerable groups.
Penalties for violating the ban are clearly defined as part of the measure. Individuals who breach the restrictions can face fines of up to 5,000 rubles, while organizations and legal entities may encounter penalties as high as 500,000 rubles. These figures reflect the seriousness with which the authorities treat noncompliance and their commitment to enforcing the order consistently across communities within the region. The enforcement framework is designed to deter reckless behavior while still allowing room for responsible use in sanctioned contexts as applicable.
In a broader context, this regional development sits alongside other national conversations about fireworks regulation. Earlier, a separate national action in Ukraine involved the passage of a law governing the sale of fireworks, illustrating a broader trend toward tighter controls on pyrotechnic devices in some parts of the region. Analysts note that such regulatory moves aim to reduce casualties and injury risks associated with improper handling of fireworks, especially during peak holiday periods. (attribution: regional legislative records and public safety briefings)
Additionally, a stray historical note surfaces in some coverage: there was a report about a vehicle incident involving a former Toyota driver who allegedly discharged fireworks in a pursuit scenario against police officers. While such incidents attract media attention, they do not reflect typical or lawful uses of pyrotechnics and are generally treated as separate safety violations with different legal implications. (attribution: incident summaries from regional law enforcement reports)