Firework mortars are pyrotechnic devices used by fireworks professionals.
Since the end of the 1990s and especially since the riots of 2005, their use has been increasingly misused by delinquents to attack the police.
However, they have nothing to do with the weapon of war of the same name.
Only the principle is common.
It is a cylinder made of cardboard, plastic or fiberglass, of variable diameter, which serves as a guide for firework bombs carrying low explosive charges, but sufficient to be lethal.
These tubes, normally used within a regulatory framework by pyrotechnicians, are placed on the ground pointing towards the sky, respecting minimum safety distances.
Their powers allow the projectiles to reach great heights for spectacular visual effects.
In the context of urban violence, individuals grab them horizontally, like a rifle, to make direct shots towards their targets.
Their ranges, of more than one hundred and fifty meters, then allow them to escape quickly.
Against people, these fireworks bombs propelled, at very high temperatures, at around 100 km/h, can cause serious injuries, often burns, tear off fingers, hands, break bones, damage eardrums and start fires.
Prohibited for sale to those under 18 years of age, authorization is also necessary to purchase this type of product, which falls into category F4 of the administrative nomenclature.
To acquire it, you must have completed F4T2 fireworks training and hold a level 1 or level 2 certificate, the latter being required for the use of the largest calibers which range from 50 to 300 mm.
The Global Security Act of 2021 toughened sanctions against violators.
Acquiring or using pyrotechnic articles
“without possessing the specific technical knowledge required by regulations”
is punishable by six months' imprisonment and a fine of €7,500.
Same criminal sanction for traders who sell this equipment to people
“who do not have the specific technical knowledge or who do not meet the required age conditions”.
In addition, sellers are required to record the transaction and the identity of the buyer.
They can also object to the transaction if they consider it suspicious.
Although sales are highly regulated, they are subject to trafficking, particularly on the Internet where they are easy to obtain.
In this case, the sanction is even harsher: the offenses
“are punishable by one year of imprisonment and a fine of €15,000 when committed through the use of an electronic communications network” .
This does not prevent traffickers from building up large stocks.
Regularly, law enforcement seizes thousands, even tens of thousands, of fireworks on French territory coming from abroad.
Another way to stop this scourge is that municipalities or prefectures can issue orders to prohibit or regulate the use of fireworks mortars in certain areas, at certain periods.
This is particularly the case on July 14 or during special events, for reasons of public security.
Finally, there are other festive pyrotechnic products also diverted from their uses, such as Roman candles.
Less powerful, they are classified in category F3.
They consist of a narrow tube in which series of small black powder propulsion charges and stars are stacked.
When fired, the stars are sent into the air in successive waves.
The effects may be less damaging, but just as impressive.