Firework displays axed as wildfire threat continues

Firework displays at Poole and Bournemouth have been cancelled because of ongoing wildfire risks and the strain on emergency services.

BCP Council said while the fireworks are set-off from the sea "all it takes is one stray spark to start a fire - that's not a risk we're willing to take in these conditions."

The council said some people would be disappointed, but that most residents felt cancelling the displays was the right thing to do.

The displays were due to take place at Poole Quay on Thursday and Bournemouth beach on Friday. It is the second week in a row that the Bournemouth seafront display has been cancelled.

Bournemouth's display on Saturday 15 August was also cancelled. The seafront fireworks are normally set off every Friday at 22:00 from 24 July until 28 August.

Poole Quay had four displays planned every Thursday in August - the final date being 27 August.

Cllr Andy Martin, BCP Council's portfolio holder for customer, communications and culture, said: "We know this is disappointing for some but we also know that the overwhelming response from our residents is that this is the right thing to do."

"This decision isn't just about safety: it is also about ensuring our emergency services, who are facing heightened pressures during these weather conditions, are free to respond to emergency call-outs.

"We're grateful for the public's understanding as we all play our part in keeping our communities, open spaces and emergency services safe during these heightened conditions."

Firefighters have been tackling a wildfire in the New Forest for 10 days since 9 August.

Crews from 93 fire stations have spent almost 10,000 hours fighting the fire near Ringwood. It spans about 1.6 sq km in size.

Weymouth Town Council opted to go ahead with its fireworks on Monday after discussions with its display contractor and Dorset's fire service.

The council said it had moved the fireworks barge further from the land.

On Friday, an emergency alert, external warning of a "very high risk of wildfires" was sent from the UK government to tens of millions of mobile phones across England and Wales.

It warned against setting light to anything that could spark a wildfire, including barbecues, firepits and fireworks.

It was the biggest use of the alert system since it was first introduced in 2023.

It came shortly after disposable barbecues were temporarily banned from sale over fears they pose a "significant risk to the public" in the drought and heatwave conditions.