Pirna (dpa/th) – In the district of Saxon Switzerland-Osterzgebirge, which was affected by severe forest fires, the burning of fireworks is now prohibited. A corresponding general decree had been issued, the district office in Pirna announced on Thursday. The ban applies to small fireworks, such as on New Year’s Eve, as well as professional fireworks from people with specialist qualifications. The district office referred to the fires that have been raging in the Saxon Switzerland National Park for days and the ongoing drought in other regions. It is important to avoid forest fires here.