As revellers welcomed the New Year, emergency services raced to help those injured and endangered by "unpredictable and volatile" illegal fireworks.
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A number of grassfires were sparked during late-night celebrations, a teenage boy was allegedly stabbed and police seized boxes of illegal explosives.
Victoria Police urged caution after responding to three fires, saying, "Anyone thinking of using illegal fireworks or flares should reflect on whether they want to risk being responsible for an out-of-control fire or the death or serious injury of another person".
"Commercial fireworks are classed as an explosive and banned for use by the general public because they are extremely dangerous in untrained hands," police said.
Teen stabbed in Sydney
A teenage boy is in a serious but stable condition in hospital after he was allegedly stabbed while letting off fireworks in the western Sydney suburb of Guildford.
The 17-year-old boy was with a group of people in Bright Park at 10.40pm when the alleged offender stabbed him in the back and fled, police were told.
Illegal fireworks spark grassfires
As the end of 2024 neared, emergency services raced across Melbourne's north responding to grassfires allegedly sparked in suburban areas by illegal fireworks.
The first blaze started at 4.30pm on December 31 in Glenroy. Firefighters found remnants of fireworks on the corner of Bindi Street after it was extinguished.
About four hours later, witnesses in Kurunjang allegedly spotted four people fleeing on motorbikes after setting off fireworks in a paddock on Minns Road at 9pm.
A fire was started in the field but emergency services contained the blaze.
A third fire started at 10pm in Greenvale after residents reported hearing fireworks near Darmain Drive. The fire was successfully contained.
Drugs, tubs of fireworks seized
Two large plastic tubs full of illegal explosives were seized in a traffic stop in Melbourne.
Witnesses reported seeing a car driving erratically on Morley Street in Port Melbourne at 8.20pm on December 31.
Officers stopped the car and allegedly found the massive load of illegal fireworks as well as cocaine and prescription medication.
A 47-year-old Port Melbourne man has been charged with possessing an explosive substance, possessing a drug of dependence and possessing prescription medication.
He was bailed to face Melbourne Magistrates' Court on March 12.
Fireworks seized from Mornington Peninsula home
Police seized two boxes of commercial-grade fireworks from a home in Safety Beach on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula.
Officers patrolling Safety Beach at 10pm spotted fireworks around Marine Parade and tracked the explosions to a home.
A 50-year-old man will be interviewed over the illegal fireworks, police said.
Anyone who witnesses suspicious or reckless behaviour as it is occurring should call Triple Zero (000) and anyone with other information relating to these incidents should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Anna Houlahan
Anna Houlahan is a journalist for the Courier, dedicated to uncovering the stories that shape the city. Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au
