UK seaside town’s fireworks event to go ahead TONIGHT despite nationwide alert

A POPULAR seaside town is continuing to host a fireworks event tonight despite a nationwide alert telling Brits not to do so. Nearby councils have decided to cancel their displays as a safety precaution as fires continue to pose a threat to Brits. Weymouth Council will go ahead with its firework show, despite ongoing wildfire risks Credit: Weymouth Council A firework display takes place every Monday in Weymouth, organised by the council Credit: Getty A weekly firework display organised by Weymouth Town Council will continue to go ahead, despite ongoing risks of wildfires across the country. The Dorset town hosts a number of displays during summer, with the fireworks launched from a barge in the sea. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! After corresponding with Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, the council confirmed it had “the right risk management in place to ensure a safe and contained professional fireworks display.” Leader of the council, Cllr David Civil, said: “Councillors representing all groups on Weymouth Town Council have discussed at length the firework display scheduled for Monday evening and we believe it can currently go ahead. “We recognise that this decision will not be universally popular, and we will liaise with all the relevant professional bodies; ensuring that it is still appropriate for the display to proceed.” As an added safety precaution, the council has decided to move the barge further out to sea. Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue issued a major incident alert on Thursday, including a “red wildfire alert”, as drought conditions and extreme heat continue to impact its service area. In that alert, the fire services warned the public not to light barbecues, bonfires, or fires in open spaces, and to dispose of cigarette ends safely. Most read in The Sun On Friday evening, millions of Brits across the nation received a phone alert, warning them of the “very high risk of wildfires nationally.” The Government warned people “not to light anything that could spark a fire, including barbecues, campfires and fireworks”. Brits were strictly warned against lighting fireworks in a Severe Alert issued by the Government Credit: PA Nearby residents were informed that Friday and Saturday’s firework displays on Bournemouth Beach and in Christchurch had been cancelled. BCP Council, which also launches its display from a barge at sea, said: “While the fireworks are launched at sea, the safety of our residents, visitors, and open spaces must come first.” Weymouth Town Council continued to say: “The Council urges residents and visitors to follow the Government’s advice to the public and not have open fires, BBQs, or fireworks on land. “We will continue to take advice and monitor conditions including wind speed and direction, so please keep an eye on our social media accounts for further updates before travelling.” Comment now