The Mineral Resources Department says 27 people have received a formal warning for using firecrackers outside the permitted hours after they told the officials that they did not know about the restrictions.
The department says the regulated time to use fireworks is from 5pm to 10pm on any other day leading up to Diwali and 5pm to midnight on Diwali night.
When asked by Fijivillage on why people were not fined, the Mineral Resources Department says that the people said that they were not aware of the restrictions.
The department also confirms that they have officers that are conducting fireworks inspection during the day.
People using fireworks outside the permitted hours face a fine of $200 while people caught in possession of illegal fireworks face a fine of $400 or 1 year imprisonment.
Those who are found importing or manufacturing illegal fireworks will be fined $800 or face a prison term not exceeding 2 years.
The Mineral Resources are again urging people to adhere to the permitted times and if people are disturbed or notice that there are those who do not adhere to the permitted times they can contact The Mineral Resources Acting Manager Mines, Nilesh Karan on 9301975 or contact their nearest Police Station
