The president of the German Medical Association has urgently called for a ban on private fireworks as debate intensifies ahead of New Years celebrations, which are each year marred by serious injuries caused by careless handling of pyrotechnics, reported dpa. "No one has anything against organized fireworks displays in central locations, but illegal fireworks must be banned," Klaus Reinhardt told the RND media group in comments published on Saturday. Reinhardt urged federal and state authorities to finally take action to protect the public from the dangers associated with fireworks. Fireworks may legally be sold in Germany from December 29 to December 31. For many Germans, the use of fireworks and firecrackers is a major source of irritation, particularly among animal welfare and environmental groups. And in large cities such as Berlin, New Years Eve celebrations are frequently likened to scenes from a war zone. Supporters of a ban on private fireworks include the GdP police union, which has warned that police officers are increasingly being targeted with fireworks during celebrations. Reinhardt said a ban on private fireworks had “nothing to do with a culture of prohibition,” but instead reflected “the maturity of a society that understands when to refrain from something dangerous.” Reinhardt warned that unregulated fireworks repeatedly lead to serious injuries, with children and young people often affected by blast trauma. In addition, there are eye injuries and burns. "This fills hospital emergency rooms and costs the national health insurance system millions," he argued.