It’s windy tonight. What should you take into account when lighting fireworks? And what considerations do organizers of fireworks shows make? Lucas Gerritzen, who organizes professional fireworks and light shows with his company Pyrofoor, gives advice.
Is it safe to light fireworks when the wind is blowing hard?
“From wind force five (wind speeds between 8 and 10 meters per second) it becomes unsafe. For professional fireworks shows, therefore, a legal maximum wind speed of nine meters per second applies. There are no rules about this for consumer fireworks. It is therefore all the more important to be extra careful when lighting fireworks in strong winds.”
What do you advise people who want to light fireworks themselves?
“I don’t think it would be wise to ban all Dutch people from lighting fireworks, because then they will be in attics and under beds for a year. Be especially careful. Secure the fireworks well in the sand, or with a few bricks, so that they cannot fall over. And look carefully at where the wind is coming from. So do not stand near a facade or building that the wind is blowing directly on. And what always applies, especially applies with strong winds: take each other into account. Are your neighbors ten meters away? Communicate well with each other. „
“It makes a difference that flares and Roman candles are now prohibited by law. Those fireworks shoot into the air and can be carried quite a distance by the wind and end up in a different place than you expected. If you do shoot it, keep in mind that it won’t always shoot straight up.”
In Tilburg and Waddinxveen it was decided on Tuesday to start the fireworks show early, and not around midnight. The show has been canceled completely in Noardeast-Fryslân. The national fireworks show in Rotterdam will continue for the time being. Why have some shows been canceled and others not?
“It is up to the organization to determine whether the show can continue safely. That largely depends on what kind of show is on the program. Is it just fireworks? Then it is wise to make a decision early, because if the wind is too strong, the entire show cannot go ahead. You disappoint people if you don’t communicate about this in time.”
“But nowadays many shows are multidisciplinary, with fireworks, a light show, music and… special effects such as flames and hardware that simulate fireworks. Adjustments can be made to such shows right up to the very last minute. The organizers are in contact with weather stations. They know exactly when a gust of wind is coming. This way, they can decide at the moment to omit the fireworks altogether and let the rest of the show continue, or to light the fireworks at a time when the wind has calmed down for a while.”
“As long as there are no fireworks involved, the wind speed does not matter in principle. The following applies above all: as long as it is safe for the spectators. Of course, roof tiles should not fly through the air.”
The national show in Rotterdam, which will largely consist of a fireworks show, will go ahead after a consultation with the organization on Monday. The expected wind speed is exactly around 9 meters per second. According to meteorologists, the main focus is on the direction of the wind, which is currently favorable.
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