Police raided a fireworks store and confiscated large quantities of fireworks that posed a threat to the area.

The fireworks were sold from two vehicles parked next to the Al-Hamam market. The vendor used these vehicles to store and sell fireworks in the historic area away from the eyes of authorities even though they doubled their surveillance at these locations during Ramadan.

Vendors exploited the crowds in the commercial area and sold fireworks at the entrance of ancient eastern Jeddah, sending scouts to lure customers to the historic neighborhood and bring them to the storage areas.

Special duty forces received information emphasizing the activities of the vendor next to Jeddah’s ancient gates, deploying a number of detectives who monitored the location. During the early hours of the morning, detectives noticed a man carrying black bags moving around within the confines of the eastern Jeddah gate.

The man, who was caught while trying to sell his merchandise, was moving fireworks from a family car to another vehicle on a side road. Detectives surrounded the area and confiscated the fireworks.

The raided site had cartons full of dangerous fireworks, including a device with powerful explosives.

The Civil Defense in Riyadh warned against the threats of fireworks during Eid. It said children like to celebrate Eid by playing with fireworks that could cause fatal accidents.

The Civil Defense is coordinating with security patrols and municipalities to confiscate fireworks and explosives that are sold in toy shops, groceries and by vendors who peddle their wares at Eid celebration sites. All statutory procedures will apply to those who are involved in selling or storing these substances.

Spokesman of the General Directorate of Civil Defense Col. Abdullah bin Thabit Al-Orabi Al-Harithi said fireworks are very dangerous for children. They can cut off children’s fingers, damage eye tissue or cause a fire.

Parents should keep a close watch on their children and prohibit them from buying fireworks or playing with them. “Some fireworks have great explosive potential and lack basic safety instructions. The explosives might go off accidentally if exposed to high temperatures or upon friction with a rough surface,” he added.

Al-Harithi asked parents to keep their children safe and notify police patrols about stores that sell fireworks. He said children should be watched closely during Eid celebrations, whether at home or in public places.