Firework finale set to go ahead despite concerns
PA MediaA fireworks finale for the Battle of Flowers will go ahead despite higher risk of wildfires after the summer's hot and dry weather.
Last week, Jersey Fire and Rescue Service stressed any displays or bonfires posed a "concern" at a time where there's a high risk of furze fires.
The Battle of Flowers Association said safety was its highest priority but because professionals would be setting the fireworks off from a boat, there was a lower chance of sparks landing on dry land.
Two private displays had been due to take place in the island on August 8, but organisers Starburst Fireworks announced they had called off both following updated risk assessments.
The Battle of Flowers Association said it was "aware of the concerns" about its firework finale.
It said: "The decision to include fireworks has not been taken lightly, and the display is subject to comprehensive risk assessments and safety controls, including consideration of prevailing and forecast weather conditions.
"The location and method of our display have been specifically considered as part of the event safety planning."
The association said its firework display was different to others because it would be launched from a barge at sea.
"It is therefore fundamentally different from fireworks, bonfires or barbecues being used on dry land, where there may be a risk of sparks or hot material coming into contact with dry vegetation," it added.
Starburst Fireworks announced on Saturday its two fireworks displays in St Brelade's and St Ouen's had been cancelled because of the predicted weather forecast.
It said force four east or north east winds, with potential gusts of force five to force six "could present safety issues to the headland".
"As such our risk management concludes it is unwise to proceed."
The Battle of Flowers association said it would keep checking the weather to see if the display needed to be cancelled.
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