Friday 16 January
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service warns of indoor sparkler dangers following Swiss Ski Resort tragedy
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging venue operators and members of the public to recognise the serious fire risks associated with using celebratory sparklers indoors, following the tragic fire that occurred on New Year's Eve at a bar in a Swiss ski resort.
The incident serves as a stark reminder that celebratory sparklers burn at extremely high temperatures. When used inside venues—particularly beneath decorative, acoustic, or other combustible ceiling linings—they can ignite materials very quickly, allowing fire to spread above head height before it is noticed.
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."
To reduce the risk of similar incidents, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service recommends:
- Avoiding the use of sparklers indoors entirely
- Ensuring any ceiling linings and decorations meet fire safety standards
- Carrying out suitable and sufficient fire risk assessments
- Considering safer alternatives such as LED effects or cold spark systems
Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those who tragically lost their lives in this incident, and with all those who were injured.
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