Introduction: The Role of Pyrotechnics in Festival Entertainment

Event professionals design festivals to create unforgettable experiences, and pyrotechnics often take centre stage. The booming fireworks, sparkling effects, and colourful flames all add to the magic of live music and cultural celebrations.

However, while these displays bring excitement, they also pose significant risks if not handled with utmost care.

Ensuring safety in pyrotechnics at festivals isn’t just a legal requirement – it’s a responsibility to protect performers, staff, and attendees.

Understanding the Risks of Pyrotechnics at Festivals

Helping you understand the risks of pyrotechnics / fireworks is something Crowd and Event Safety specialists like ourselves here in Safe Events Global do.

We have specialists who are among the most experienced and well-regards SFX, Pyro and Laser safety professionals in the world.

Not all the risks of fireworks / pyro are as obvious as others.

Fire Hazards and Ignition Risks

The most obvious danger with pyrotechnics is fire.

Explosives, sparks, and open flames can easily ignite surrounding structures, props, or costumes.

Even a small misfire can escalate into a major incident.

Crowd Safety Concerns

Large crowds add complexity.

Injuries may occur if the audience feels threatened by unexpected pyrotechnic malfunctions.

Maintaining clear safety zones helps prevent accidents.

Environmental Impact of Pyrotechnic Displays

Beyond human safety, fireworks release chemicals and debris into the air and environment.

Organisers must factor in eco-friendly options and post-event cleanup.

Regulatory and Legal Requirements

We work across multiple jurisdictions and, while rules and regulations around pyro change from place to place, they are classed as explosives wherever you go.

For instance, we work for clients in the Middle East for whom we have consulted on the building and running of permanent pyrotechnics storage facilities.

While, for our events in Ireland, the contractor delivering the fireworks shows is solely responsible for storage of the materials. We’ve never worked on a pyrotechnics storage facility in Ireland for a client.

Local Laws and Fire Safety Codes

Different countries – and even states or municipalities – have unique laws governing pyrotechnic use.

Event organisers must comply with these regulations or risk fines and shutdowns.

Licensing and Certified Operators

Only certified pyrotechnicians should handle explosives.

Certification ensures operators understand fire codes, safety distances, and emergency protocols.

Safe events involve a wide range of specialists across all functions including those within the Safety Team.

Insurance and Liability Coverage

Comprehensive insurance is essential.

It protects organisers against liability if an accident occurs, covering damages, medical expenses, and potential lawsuits.

Planning Safe Pyrotechnic Displays

The largest event on which we work annually where pyrotechnics plays a significant part is Soundstorm in Riyadh, KSA.

With multiple launch sites surrounding the festival site, several fall-out zones, complex timings, drone launching fireworks and more, it’s a lot.

And pyro safety is just one element of what we are looking after on the show.

Venue Assessment and Safety Zones

Pyrotechnics are not suitable for all venues.

A site inspection helps determine safe distances from crowds, flammable structures, and equipment.

Risk Assessment and Emergency Planning

Every event should include a detailed risk assessment.

This involves identifying potential hazards, preparing contingency plans, and establishing response teams.

Weather Considerations

High winds, extreme heat, or rain can affect the safety of pyrotechnics.

Displays should be canceled or modified in unsafe conditions.

Equipment and Material Safety

This is critical.

You will know the better companies that supply pyrotechnics services by the quality of their equipment and how they care for it and go about their business.

Their paperwork (which may not be actual paper these days) will tell you a lot.

Safe Handling of Explosives and Fireworks

Improper handling can lead to premature ignition.

Only trained staff should handle, load, or ignite pyrotechnic devices.

Storage and Transportation Standards

Fireworks must be stored in fireproof containers and transported under strict legal guidelines to minimise risk during setup.

Maintenance and Inspection of Devices

Before each show, all devices should be inspected for defects.

Malfunctioning equipment can result in unpredictable explosions.

We deal with fires on event sites where the pyrotechnics arrangements cause the fires.

Fireworks endanger lives when they cause fires and that is something Event Safety specialists like ours prepare for and work hard to avoid.

Training and Staffing Protocols

Working with pyrotechnics – remember, they are explosives – is a very specialist profession.

Typically those working for the good pyro companies are very experienced and undergo a lot of training to progress within the ranks of those companies.

Role of Licensed Pyrotechnicians

Licensed professionals bring expertise that prevents accidents.

Their knowledge of ignition timing, safety perimeters, and equipment handling is invaluable

Staff Training and Safety Briefings

All festival staff should undergo safety briefings covering evacuation procedures, crowd management, and emergency communication.

Crowd Management and Public Awareness

While it’s not typical that you’d be communicating much around the fireworks or pyro arrangements directly to the public, they need to know what they need to know.

This is particular relevant around where they can’t go due to it not being safe.

Designated Safety Perimeters

Establishing restricted areas ensures spectators remain at a safe distance from pyrotechnic devices.

Clear Communication with Attendees

Announcements, signage, and staff instructions help attendees understand safety rules and what to do in case of emergency.

Emergency Preparedness and Response Plans for Pyrotechnics

We’ve won international awards for our Emergency Preparedness work, so we know what we are talking about here.

While fireworks can add a lot to the experience for attendees, we need to be prepared for if things don’t go to plan.

That’s when you need your OTHER plans.

Contractor Responsibility

An element often forgotten here is the responsibility on the contractor.

A professional company providing your event with a pyrotechnics / fireworks show will have its own Emergency Preparedness protocols.

They are the experts in pyrotechnics and what to do when things go wrong with their show / stock / gear etc.

Companies like ER Productions, with whom we have worked a lot, do this really well.

Fire Suppression Systems

Fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and water hoses must be easily accessible near all pyrotechnic setups.

Medical and First Aid Readiness

On-site medical teams should be prepared for burns, smoke inhalation, or crowd-related injuries.

Evacuation Procedures

Clear exits, trained security, and practiced evacuation drills ensure a swift response if things go wrong.

Case Studies: Lessons from Past Festival Fireworks Incidents

BYU Stadium of Fire Accident, Provo, Utah – July 4, 2024

Stadium of Fire show at Brigham Young University on, fireworks malfunctioned following an F‑35 jet flyover.

Several people were injured when errant fireworks flew into the crowd during the national anthem.

Six spectators were hospitalised, including one with a severe facial injury. The show was briefly paused for medical care before continuing.

Organisers emphasised that all pyrotechnics had been thoroughly checked before and after the incident.

Lesson learned: Even with safety checks, malfunctions can still happen – reinforcing the need for strict safety zones and robust contingency planning.

Puttingal Temple Fire, Kerala, India – April 10, 2016

In Paravur, Kerala, at the Puttingal Temple festival, a competitive fireworks display ignited a stored cache of explosives.

Approximately 111 people died and over 350 were injured, as a spark triggered a storage building to explode.
An official ban had been issued but was ignored.

Investigations pointed to unlicensed fireworks, failure to maintain minimum safety distances, overcrowding, and improper storage as root causes.

Lesson learned: Legitimate bans or restrictions must be enforced and storage handled under licensed supervision to prevent tragedy.

Colectiv Nightclub Fire, Bucharest, Romania – October 30, 2015

During a free concert in Bucharest, indoor pyrotechnics ignited flammable acoustic foam on stage, causing a massive fire.

About 64 people died and 146 more were injured. Panic led to a deadly stampede out of the poorly designed exit routes.

Investigations found the club lacked adequate exits, sprinkler systems, and proper licensing.

Lesson learned: Fire-resistant materials, regulated indoor pyrotechnics, adequate exits, and crowd control are essential – even for non‑outdoor events.

Best Practices for Festival Organisers

You won’t be surprised to hear that we advise you involve safety specialists.

More generally:

• Hire only licensed pyrotechnicians.
• Conduct thorough risk assessments.
• Establish safety perimeters.
• Communicate effectively with staff and attendees.
• Ensure fire, medical, and evacuation readiness.

All of the above arrangements, and more, help build your defendable position – which is critical.

Future of Pyrotechnic Safety in Large Events

Technology is evolving, with drone light shows and eco-friendly fireworks emerging as safer alternatives.

These innovations may reduce reliance on traditional pyrotechnics while still delivering breathtaking visual effects.

Clients in markets like the Middle East, where we do a lot of work, are featuring new tech and innovations alongside pyrotechnics still.

Conclusion: Prioritising Safety in Festival Pyrotechnics

Pyrotechnics bring awe and excitement to festivals, but they must be handled responsibly.

From fire safety and legal compliance to crowd management and emergency preparedness, every detail matters.

Organisers who prioritise safety considerations for pyrotechnics at festivals not only protect lives but also ensure that attendees enjoy a superb, visual spectacular.