British Firework Championships ‘Pretty Safe’ Despite Drought

Key Points

• Despite the extreme drought conditions, organisers say the British Firework Championships in Plymouth are “pretty safe” from fire risk as they continue to take place.
• Six professional pyrotechnic teams are competing over two nights, with pyrotechnic displays being fired from the Mountbatten breakwater in Plymouth Sound.
• The championship’s director Jim Winship said the only small fire zone exists and a fire engine will be on standby.
• A hosepipe ban is still in place in Devon and Cornwall and over two-thirds of England is officially in drought.
• The tinder-dry conditions are making it impossible to hold the annual fireworks display organised by Falmouth Week.
• Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said the wildfire index is “extremely high” and advised people to be vigilant.
• The Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service recommended additional precautions when using barbecues, smoking and open space, and cautioned against the use of controlled burns.
• It is now in its 31st year and is predicted to attract more than 35,000 people every night, making a contribution to the local economy of £5m.
• There are rules in place that restrict the fireworks that competitors can use, and sparklers are not allowed.

Plymouth (Britain Today News) August 12, 2026 — The British Firework Championships will go ahead in Plymouth this week, with organisers insisting the event is “pretty safe” from fire risk even as wildfires continue to grip the South West. The annual competition, now in its 31st year, is set to begin on Wednesday and conclude on Thursday, with six professional pyrotechnic teams each given 10 minutes to showcase their best displays.

Why Are Organisers Confident the Plymouth Fireworks Won’t Spark a Wildfire?

Championships director Jim Winship said the displays are being fired from the Mountbatten breakwater, meaning they are largely surrounded by water.

“We’re in a pretty good place because our displays take place out on a breakwater in the middle of Plymouth Sound, and there’s only one small area where we could cause a fire, and we will have a fire engine ready just in case.”

Winship said. He added:

“From a fire point of view, it’s pretty safe.”

How Severe Is the Drought and Wildfire Risk Across Devon and Cornwall?

The confidence from organisers comes amid a severe drought affecting much of England. A hosepipe ban remains in force across Devon and Cornwall due to hot and dry weather, with more than two-thirds of England officially in drought. Dan Searle, from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, said that over the next couple of days.

“the wildfire index is extremely high so we are urging people to be really vigilant, really careful”.

In recent days, some blazes have broken out across Devon and Cornwall, with fire crews tackling large grassland fires and reporting a “massive volume” of emergency calls.

Why Was the Falmouth Week Fireworks Display Cancelled?

In contrast to Plymouth, organisers of Falmouth Week in Cornwall have called off their annual display, which was due to take place on Friday, due to the dry conditions. Richard Gates, Falmouth Week shoreside committee chair, said:

“We’ve spent many hours looking at every alternative with our partners, but with the ground this dry, the risks are too high and safety has to come first, and that unfortunately means the display can’t go ahead this year.”

Cornwall Live reported that the ground was described as “tinder dry”, prompting the difficult decision after weeks of dry weather and another heatwave on the way.

What Safety Rules Govern the British Firework Championships in Plymouth?

Of the displays taking place in Plymouth over two days, Winship said there were “very strict rules” about the types of fireworks competitors could use, with sparklers also banned. The event’s location on the breakwater further reduces risk, as the fireworks are fired over water rather than near dry vegetation. Organisers have also arranged for a fire engine to be on standby throughout the competition, ready to respond to any incident.

How Much Economic Boost Will the Championships Bring to Plymouth?

Winship added the event, in its 31st year, was expected to bring about £5m-worth of business to Plymouth, with crowds in excess of 35,000 expected to attend each night.

“We fill up pretty much all the hotels and restaurants for the two days, and the number of people attending is huge,”

He said. The influx of visitors supports local hospitality businesses at a time when many are still recovering from the economic impacts of recent years.

What Warnings Have Fire Services Issued to the Public?

Both Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service have issued warnings to the public. Dan Searle from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said:

“The wildfire index is exceedingly high over the next few days, so we are urging everyone to remain extremely vigilant and cautious.”

Cornwall’s fire service also urged the public to “exercise extra caution” when using barbecues, disposing of smoking materials and enjoying open spaces. Both fire services have also cautioned people against carrying out controlled burns in case they got out of control.

How Are Other Events in the South West Responding to Fire Risk?

The cancellation of the Falmouth Week fireworks is not an isolated decision. Other events in the region have also been affected by the heightened fire risk and drought conditions. Organisers across the South West are closely monitoring weather and ground conditions, with some postponing or cancelling outdoor events to prioritise public safety. The situation underscores the challenges faced by event organisers during periods of extreme weather.

What Is the Wildfire Index and Why Does It Matter?

The wildfire index is a measure used by fire services to assess the likelihood of wildfires based on weather conditions, vegetation dryness and other factors. When the index is “extremely high”, as it currently is in Devon and Somerset, even small sparks can ignite large fires. This is why fire services are urging the public to be especially careful with activities that could start fires, such as barbecues, smoking and controlled burns.
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How Does the Plymouth Event Compare to Other Firework Displays in the Region?

The British Firework Championships in Plymouth stand out because of their location on the Mountbatten breakwater, which significantly reduces fire risk compared to displays held on land. In contrast, the Falmouth Week fireworks were cancelled because the ground was too dry, highlighting how local conditions can dictate whether an event can safely proceed. Other displays in the region, such as those in Truro, have also been cancelled in the past due to safety concerns, although those were related to traffic and crowd management rather than fire risk.

What Are the Broader Implications for Summer Events in a Drought?

The contrasting decisions in Plymouth and Falmouth illustrate the complex balancing act faced by event organisers during a drought. While some events can proceed with appropriate safety measures, others must be cancelled to protect public safety and the environment. As climate change leads to more frequent and severe heatwaves, the South West and other regions may need to develop new strategies for managing fire risk at outdoor events.