Fireworks should be set off by women because they have more common sense, Norwegian fire service says

New Year fireworks have become a big tradition in Norway in recent years — and have brought with them an increased carelessness

Fireworks explode over the London Eye (Getty)

Allowing only women to set off fireworks would lead to a big reduction in the number of accidents, a member of the Norwegian fire service has said.

As fireworks become more popular in the country, an increasing number of accidents are happening, reports the Local. But a significant number of those would be avoided by limiting the letting off of fireworks only to women, said Skien Station Manager Ove Stokkeland of the Norwegian fire service.

People are being increasingly careless about how they set off fireworks, but that could be reversed if only women were to set them off, he said.

“It could actually make a noticeable difference to accident statistics [if just women let off fireworks] – but the most important thing is not to use fireworks recklessly,” Mr Stokkeland told Norwegian news service NRK.

Otherwise, Mr Stokkeland’s advice was largely sensible and applied to both genders. People should ensure that they are sensible and careful to avoid accidents and fires, he said.

“Use common sense,” the Local reported Mr Stokkeland as saying. “Make sure you have a good underlay, so that the fireworks are let off steadily and securely, and use protective clothes and safety goggles.

“The most common injuries are to the hands and eyes, so protecting these is the most important thing you can do.”