"It is the first time this year that a large scale operation to destroy fireworks has taken place," said Chen Hangen, deputy director of Shanghai Fire-Fighting Bureau.

Some 200 firefighters helped destroy the fireworks, which are believed to have had a value of 1 million yuan (US$120,281).

More than 30 five-ton trucks, along with a pile of fireworks that formed a circle larger than a basketball field, were on display.

About 900 litres of diesel oil and gasoline were poured onto them to help demolish them.

The fire began at 4:00 pm, and is believed to have lasted long into the night.

The cost of the fireworks ranged from several yuan to about 10,000 yuan (US$1,209).

"Because safety inspections were tightened during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings, the illegal business was well under control," Chen said.

However, after the meetings, and with the approach of New Year's Day and the Spring Festival in February 2002, illegal dealers have emerged again and have increased, the senior officer said.

Around 1,200 boxes of substandard fireworks were confiscated in Pudong New Area last week.

There are around 251 kinds of fireworks that are permitted to be sold during the upcoming Spring Festival. Local police will provide standard fireworks with a false-proof mark, which will be designed, printed and only handed out by the police.

(China Daily November 23, 2001)