The fireworks display during the National Day celebrations in Brussels will indeed take place tonight, the Brussels Fire Service says. There had been some doubt as to whether the event could go ahead. The Brussels-Capital Region’s Regional Drought Unit has issued a warning about forest fires, but the fireworks display in the Jubel Park won’t be affected.
Display with French fireworks in Brussels on National Day to go ahead, despite the drought, strike and grievances
Colin Clapson
Published:
The Brussels Fire Brigade has given the green light for fireworks to be set off during the National Day celebrations in Brussels, according to spokesperson Walter Derieuw.
Due to the dry conditions, it was uncertain whether the display could go ahead. An amber code applies in all nature reserves and forests in Flanders, and lighting fires is prohibited. A temporary ban on fireworks is in place in East Flanders, and fireworks were also not permitted at the Tomorrowland dance music festival in Boom (Antwerp Province).
In Brussels, too, the Regional Drought Unit has issued a fire risk warning for nature reserves, but in the rest of the Brussels Region, a green code applies (‘normal conditions’).
The fireworks display in the Jubel Park in Brussels concludes a day full of festivities in the capital with a concert starting at 9 pm, and including a laser and drone show, and, of course, fireworks.
“National holiday fireworks are French”
The Belgian Fireworks Federation says it’s unacceptable that the fireworks for the national holiday in Brussels are not Belgian. “It’s incomprehensible that a company from France was chosen,” says Christophe Byl of the federation. “We can certainly afford to be a bit more chauvinistic, especially at a time when things are already very difficult for our federation.”
Fire service strike
The Brussels fire service is on strike today. The trade unions are protesting about what they allege are staff shortages and compulsory transfers imposed without consultation.
The unions are also unhappy about the loss of two public holidays (2 November and 15 November) and the introduction of an annual appraisal system, which they say is putting extra pressure on staff.
The trade unions also accuse politicians and management of failing to honour the commitments they made during previous meetings.
Minimum service levels guaranteed
The fire service has assured the public at large that the necessary measures are being taken “to ensure the continuity of emergency services for the people of Brussels and the capital’s many visitors”.
To maintain these minimum service levels, the fire service is relying, amongst other things, on support from the police, the Red Cross and the emergency services.