From the Chinese press

Don't ban fireworks

There were about 6,000 fires across the country caused by fireworks on the eve of this year's Spring Festival, which has prompted a fierce debate in the media about whether fireworks should be banned or not. However, instead of simply banning fireworks, many other measures can be introduced to reduce the fire risk from fireworks, says an article in Beijing News. Excerpt:

Many media outlets have been commenting on the losses caused by fireworks during the lunar new year holiday and some have even called on the government to ban fireworks. However, such a ban won't be useful, since setting off fireworks at times of celebration has a long tradition in China.