# Dorset fireworks displays and wildfire risks

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/dorset-fireworks-displays-and-wildfire-risks
> Updated: 2026-08-18T13:05:07.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

During a period of high wildfire risk across England and Wales, local authorities in Dorset have taken differing approaches to scheduled fireworks displays.

On August 15, Weymouth Town Council announced it would proceed with its traditional summer display despite a nationwide emergency alert warning of a ‘very high risk of wildfires’. To manage safety, the council planned to move the launching barge further out to sea and consulted with fire and rescue services.

By August 18, following a major wildfire in the New Forest that required significant firefighting efforts, Bournemouth and Poole authorities cancelled their planned displays. BCP Council cited the risk of stray sparks and the need to avoid placing additional pressure on emergency services, even for sea-launched events.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-18: Bournemouth and Poole cancel fireworks due to wildfire risk

Bournemouth and Poole have cancelled scheduled fireworks displays due to high wildfire risks and ongoing firefighting efforts in the New Forest.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bournemouth-and-poole-cancel-fireworks-due-to-wildfire-risk

### 2026-08-15: Weymouth to proceed with fireworks despite wildfire alerts

Weymouth Town Council will proceed with its summer firework display using extra safety measures, despite a UK government emergency alert warning of a very high risk of wildfires.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/weymouth-to-proceed-with-fireworks-despite-wildfire-alerts

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Cite as: Dorset fireworks displays and wildfire risks. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/dorset-fireworks-displays-and-wildfire-risks