Victorians are being urged to stay safe and celebrate the New Year without the danger of illegal fireworks.
Buying or using fireworks, which are classified as explosives in Victoria, is a crime for anyone other than a licensed pyrotechnician, whether in a public area or on private property.
WorkSafe Acting Chief Health and Safety Officer Adam Watson said fireworks were extremely dangerous in untrained hands and continued to cause serious injuries every year.
"Every summer, we see a spike of serious incidents involving unlawful possession and use of fireworks, as people put property and loved ones at risk for a few moments of entertainment," Mr Watson said.
"Getting in trouble with the law, facing stiff penalties, and putting yourself or loved ones in danger of death or serious injury is no way to spend the festive season."
Anyone caught illegally selling, buying or using fireworks in Victoria can face thousands of dollars in fines or even jail time under the Dangerous Goods Act.
While data from Monash University's Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit shows fireworks-related injuries have declined in recent years – with nine emergency presentations in 2024-25 compared to 41 a decade ago – emergency services continue to respond to serious incidents.
Fire Rescue Victoria Deputy Commissioner Community Safety Joshua Fischer said that included the tragic death of a 19-year-old man killed at Kalkallo on Christmas Day last year.
"Christmas will never be the same for this young person's family," Mr Fischer said.
"We cannot stress enough – fireworks are dangerous and should only be handled by professionals."
In 2024-25, CFA crews responded to 76 incidents involving the unauthorised use of fireworks, firecrackers, flares and similar items across Victoria.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the figures were a stark reminder of the dangers fireworks pose, particularly during a summer of heightened fire risk.
"With the fire activity we've already seen across the state, it's more important than ever for people to remain vigilant and avoid behaviours that could spark fires," Mr Heffernan said.
"Safety is our number one priority and we want to keep our loved ones and broader communities safe during the New Year celebrations."
This year, 11,853 individual fireworks were removed from the community, either seized by Victoria Police or surrendered by members of the public, and a total of 16,200 fireworks were destroyed by WorkSafe.
WorkSafe's specialist dangerous goods inspectors also seized 64,229 authorised display fireworks and other explosives in western Victoria, which had been stored without a licence.
Information about the unlawful sale, storage or use of fireworks can be reported to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or by submitting a confidential crime report online.