Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging venues and party-goers in the county to think twice before using sparklers indoors, following a tragic New Year’s Eve fire at a bar in a Swiss ski resort.
The service says the incident is a stark reminder that celebratory sparklers burn at extremely high temperatures and can quickly ignite nearby materials, especially when used under decorative, acoustic or other combustible ceiling linings.
Once fire takes hold above head height, it can spread rapidly before anyone even realises what is happening.
Head of prevention and protection, Rob Hulatt, said: “This heartbreaking tragedy reminds us that what may seem like a brief moment of celebration can have devastating consequences. Celebratory sparklers are a form of open flame, and when used indoors, they pose an immediate and serious risk.
“Ceiling linings and decorative finishes can significantly contribute to fire spread, turning what should be a joyful occasion into a catastrophe.
“We strongly urge all venue operators to avoid using sparklers indoors and to consider safer alternatives such as LED effects or cold spark systems.
“Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility, and we must learn from these tragic incidents to prevent them from happening again.”
Safety advice
To reduce the risk of a similar incident happening here, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is asking venues and the public to:
- Avoid using sparklers indoors altogether
- Make sure any ceiling linings and decorations meet fire safety standards
- Carry out suitable and sufficient fire risk assessments
- Consider safer alternatives such as LED effects or cold spark systems
The service added that its thoughts are with the families and friends of those who lost their lives in the Swiss incident, and with everyone who was injured.
