Fireworks event to go ahead despite nationwide alert

A town's firework event is to go ahead despite nationwide concerns around the spread of wildfires.

Weymouth, in Dorset, traditionally has a series of firework displays over the summer, with pyrotechnics launched from a barge in the sea.

The town council said it was taking extra precautions around Monday's event, including moving the launching barge further out to sea, and has discussed its plans with Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Council leader David Civil said: "We recognise that this decision will not be universally popular and we will liaise with all the relevant professional bodies, ensuring that it is still appropriate for the display to proceed."

On Thursday, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service declared a major incident due to the "high number of incidents, the red wildfire alert, drought conditions and extreme heat impacting across the service area".

On Friday, an emergency alert 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.

Firefighters have been tackling a wildfire in the New Forest for six days.

In a statement, Weymouth Town Council said: "We have spoken to Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and our professional fireworks contractor, and we are reassured that we have the right risk management in place to ensure a safe and contained professional firework display."

Civil added: "Councillors representing all groups on Weymouth Town Council have discussed at length the firework display scheduled for Monday evening and we believe it can currently go ahead."

He said the fireworks were launched by a firework company "with years of experience".

"The council urges residents and visitors to follow the government's advice to the public and not have open fires, barbecues or fireworks on land," he continued.

"We will continue to take advice and monitor conditions, including wind speed and direction, so please keep an eye on our social media accounts for further updates before travelling."

Further events are currently planned for 24 and 31 August.