On Friday evening, the city council of Hasselt decided to cancel the planned fireworks show. In Hasselt and Genk, private individuals are allowed to set off fireworks themselves from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. without having to apply for a permit. Both the city council of Hasselt and Genk call for this to be done in a safe manner and to take into account both people and animals. No fireworks were planned in Genk this year.
It will also be an end of the year in Ostend without fireworks. “Due to the strong gusts of wind, the quality is not guaranteed. Those are lower projectiles and then they would be pretty worthless,” says mayor Bart Tommelein (Open Vld). In Lier, all festive fireworks are completely banned. Normally, residents were allowed to set off fireworks between midnight and 1 a.m., but that previously announced permission was withdrawn this morning.
The New Year’s fireworks on the Grote Markt in Mechelen are also canceled on the advice of the security services and the fireworks supplier. The city had opted for low-noise fireworks this year. This type of fireworks does not go as high as traditional fireworks, but it reduces the distance to the audience. The setting off of private fireworks, which are normally allowed on New Year’s Eve between 11:30 p.m. and 1:00 a.m., will also be banned. “It is irresponsible in these circumstances. The risk of fire and the risk of injury is too great,” says mayor Alexander Vandersmissen (Open VLD).
In many other cities, it is still anxious to see whether the end-of-year fireworks will continue. In Ghent, the City will start with the construction, but whether it will actually take place remains uncertain until tonight. The City and the security services keep a close eye on the weather forecasts.
The end-of-year fireworks in Bruges are also still a matter of doubt. “Ultimately, it is the fire brigade that – in consultation with the fireworks producer – will decide whether or not to fire the fireworks at midnight,” says Filip De Craemer, chairman of the Committee for Initiative. “It will be a last minute decision. We cannot make any statements regarding this at the moment.”
In Antwerp, lovers of loud bangs, fierce explosions and the smell of gunpowder need not fear. “The biggest fireworks in the country? It will most certainly continue.” says Johan Vermant, spokesman for mayor De Wever (N-VA). “Since the fireworks in Antwerp are fired on pontoons, at a safe distance, it can continue.”
Two factors play an advantage in Antwerp : “it blows parallel to the Scheldt, from the southwest. Due to its width, the river also automatically provides a comfortable safety perimeter,” says fireworks artist HC Pyrotechnics Cliff Hooge.
In Bruges, the end-of-year fireworks are still a matter of doubt. “We are not very concerned regarding our singing party, but we are certainly concerned regarding the announced fireworks,” says Filip De Craemer, chairman of the Committee for Initiative. “The rain is not a problem in that respect, but the wind can be. We keep a close eye on the weather forecasts. For now, it would stop raining by noon. That would be a stroke of luck.”
No measures need to be taken in advance, confirms Mayor Dirk De fauw (CD&V): “Ultimately, it is the fire brigade who – in consultation with the fireworks manufacturer – will decide whether the fireworks will be fired at midnight or not. That will be a last minute decision. We cannot make any statements regarding this at the moment.”
