Fireworks on censored. Expert: This will weaken our country’s defense

The pyrotechnics industry in Poland is not only about New Year’s Eve shows and impressive spectacles. It also means thousands of jobs, specialized specialists and facilities used, among others, during military training or rescue operations. Meanwhile, the planned restrictions on fireworks may – according to the industry – lead to the liquidation of the entire sector. I talk to Paweł Gajewski, an expert cooperating with the Association of Pyrotechnics Importers and Distributors, about why pyrotechnics have a much wider application than many people think, and what effects tightening regulations may bring.

Beata Anna Święcicka, “WPROST”: Most people associate pyrotechnics mainly with New Year’s Eve and fireworks shows. Meanwhile, the industry argues that its importance is much greater. Where else are pyrotechnics used?

Paweł Gajewski, pyrotechnician: In general, pyrotechnics are most often associated with fireworks shows and the celebration of New Year’s Eve. In fact, its application is much broader and covers many areas important from the point of view of, among others: state security, defence, rescue, culture and historical education. Technologies and competences developed by the pyrotechnics industry are used, among others, in: in military training, emergency services, civil defense exercises and event organization.

Pyrotechnics are used by forces responsible for security primarily to realistically simulate the battlefield and to simulate crisis situations during training. Thanks to this, soldiers and service officers can practice reactions in conditions similar to real threats.

So we are talking not only about spectacles, but also about real support for services and rescue services?

Yes, when it comes to rescue operations – flares, flares and smoke are the main ones here. They are used to mark the area, e.g. when landing a helicopter, or to warn about danger or mark your position. These types of solutions serve to prepare civilians who can help the injured in emergency situations. This includes, among others: doctors, paramedics, support staff and volunteers operating in conditions of increased stress and risk. Contact with sound, light and smoke effects allows them to become familiar with the conditions they may encounter during rescue or crisis operations.

In recent years, there has been a lot of talk about military training and civil defense. What role does pyrotechnics play, e.g. during Territorial Defense Forces training?

People participating in training or shows using pyrotechnics encounter smoke, noise, high light intensity and dust in simulated combat conditions.

Realistic simulation of the battlefield, explosions, smoke and stressful situations increases the effectiveness of the preparation of soldiers and services. This is a very important element, which is one of the basis for attempting to operate in conditions of heightened readiness or attack.

There is no way to “tell” what smoke or noise looks like. It must be experienced and felt in controlled conditions and with maximum safety, which always comes first.

Which skills of pyrotechnicians can be particularly useful to the state in crisis situations?

Civilian specialists in the pyrotechnic industry have highly specialized qualifications and authorizations, obtained, among others, during training organized by the Military Institute of Technology and Armament (WITU), confirmed by state examinations. Polish pyrotechnicians are today considered among the best trained specialists in the world.

We have a very high position in terms of theoretical knowledge related to this topic and practical training. These are competencies that can provide significant support for the state and services responsible for security in crisis situations.

How many people in Poland have such skills?

Over 7 thousand people in Poland have WITU training and actively participate in performing fireworks shows and special effects. By liquidating the industry, we lose people who, in the event of war, could actually contribute to increasing security in areas affected by military operations. It should also be added that for some time now, a large number of training participants have been expanding their qualifications for work related to clearing areas of explosives and their disposal. Such powers are nothing more than sapper powers.

Statutory restrictions on fireworks they evoke great emotions. From the industry’s perspective, is it more a question of security or economy?

In the current geopolitical situation and with war abroad, the idea of ​​​​banning pyrotechnics is, in my opinion, absurd and devoid of logic.

We have warehouse facilities in case of need, we have specialists who can be trained quickly, thus increasing military personnel. By closing the industry, we weaken our country’s defense to some extent.

As an example, after the attack on Ukraine, entire stocks of smoke flares and civilian flares were bought from Poland, which served their purpose on the front.

Supporters of bans argue that the restrictions will improve safety. Is it really?

We are leaders in Europe in the pyrotechnics industry, which we, as Poles, know very well. It is worth protecting this potential, not eliminating it.

The experience of countries that have decided on far-reaching bans clearly shows that they do not lead to the disappearance of demand for fireworks. In practice, they result in the development of the gray zone, the inflow of illegal products that do not meet safety standards and an increase in the risk of serious accidents.

Let’s also not forget that for many people, fireworks are an element of important moments and common celebrations – New Year’s Eve, patriotic events, concerts or local celebrations. Therefore, instead of complete bans, it is worth focusing on education, responsibility and effective enforcement of applicable regulations.

What should be the most important thing for politicians working on new regulations regarding the pyrotechnics industry today?

I would like to appeal to politicians to also take into account the dual-use aspect of these products when making decisions regarding pyrotechnics. By introducing restrictions, we lead to the annihilation of the industry. We are irretrievably destroying thousands of jobs, leading to an increase in unemployment and a reduction in state revenues from taxes paid by the industry.

Thank you for the interview.

BIO:

Paweł Gajewski – expert cooperating with the Association of Pyrotechnics Importers and Distributors. It sells pyrotechnic products and operates film sets and historical reconstructions using pyrotechnics. He also conducts training on work related to the use of pyrotechnic materials intended for civil use.