The Hilbrink family has been the sales point for fireworks in Stuifzand for forty years. First Gea Hilbrink and her husband helped her parents-in-law and now they have been doing it themselves for many years.
“We once had the police at our door when we had fireworks at home. My husband told this at work to someone who specializes in hazardous substances. He wondered if there was also a point of sale for fireworks near Stuifzand. There wasn’t. He said you could request it and offered to help sort it out. That’s how it came about.”
The whole family participates. Their daughter who works in care takes time off to help and their son is also present. “I love fireworks myself. I also like to light them myself. And you can do other people a lot of fun. And what’s also nice: you see people you don’t normally see. Once a year they come to get fireworks Then we’ll have a chat. Have a cup of coffee. Cozy,” says Gea Hilbrink.
The sale of fireworks must meet strict requirements. So even with the fireworks disaster in Enschede in mind, Gea Hilbrink doesn’t think it’s scary to sell fireworks at home. “There is a sprinkler system and we have our own water source at home because the water company cannot provide us with enough water. Moreover, you can only light fireworks by the fuse. Or you have to have a very big fire. You can try to prevent such a box on fire, but you can’t. You really have to start with the fuse.”
The fireworks are not in the shop; there are only dummies there. It is stored in two bunkers behind their house. Hilbrink shows a large cardboard box and cuts it open. Underneath is another packing of gauze. “This all came after the disaster in Enschede. That mesh should prevent you from getting those explosions.” The rules are that unpackaged and packaged fireworks may not be placed together.
Will the Hilbrink family reach their 50th birthday? “Yes, yes. If possible, yes. With great pleasure”, concludes Gea Hilbrink. Although her son has some concerns about the future. “You hear that they want to ban it. But I hope we can continue,” he says.