Whilst sparklers appear most commonly in industries such as hospitality, they can be found and used in all industries, and pose a serious fire risk to all workplaces.
This is due to the fact that sparklers can burn at over 1000 degrees Celsius, and throw off superheated particles which can easily cause other fires.
That risk was starkly underlined by the tragic fire on New Year’s Eve at Le Constellation bar in Crans Montana (Swiss Alps), where 40 people died and over 100 were injured.
Investigators believe sparkler “flares” on champagne bottles ignited the ceiling, triggering rapid flashover, and a deadly crowd surge.
Sadly, this isn’t the first time an incident like this has happened:
- Woolworths, Manchester (1979): 10 fatalities; when ignited, the polyurethane foam furnishings produced dense, toxic smoke that trapped people near exits.
- Stardust Nightclub, Dublin (1981): 48 fatalities; the 2024 inquest found unlawful killing and highlighted how combustible finishes and loss of lighting accelerated the fire and impeded escape.
- The Station Nightclub, Rhode Island (2003): On the surface, this is the most similar incident, which led to 100 fatalities and over 200 injuries. During a music performance, indoor pyrotechnics ignited foam soundproofing; smoke reached exits in just over a minute – and less than five minutes later, the venue was fully engulfed. A lack of available exits caused further problems.
These incidents show a consistent pattern of risk that can affect any industry.
Our advice:
We strongly advise against using sparklers indoors in any business setting.
Businesses will ultimately make their own judgments, but UK fire law requires you to eliminate or reduce risks so far as reasonably practicable.
UK Fire Law in brief: What you need to do
England & Wales
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005: Requires a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment and general fire precautions focused on prevention and safe evacuation. This must be completed by a competent person.
Scotland
- Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006: Duty Holders must assess and control fire risks; Scottish guidance for entertainment premises flags the hazards of pyrotechnics in combustible interiors.
Northern Ireland
- Fire and Rescue Services (NI) Order 2006 and Fire Safety Regulations (NI) 2010: Risk-based duties to prevent, maintain precautions and ensure training and safe egress.
Implication
If your assessment honestly reflects occupancy, alcohol, fitout materials, and evacuation dynamics, indoor sparklers will almost certainly register as an unacceptable risk under this legislation.
How to safely keep the sparkler ‘wow’ factor
- Try LED fibre optic “sparklers”: These can be mounted to bottle tops and will add an extra sparkle without the ignition source.
- Additional shimmer sources: Consider edible glitters, colour changing glassware, submersible LED ice cubes, and fibre optic centrepieces.
- Indoor rated confetti or streamers: Compressed air launchers using flame-retardant material with an immediate cleanup plan.
What you need to do next:
- Record the decision: Clearly state your position on using indoor sparklers or pyrotechnic effects in your fire risk assessment and venue policies. Have your fire risk assessment conducted or reviewed by a competent person.
- Write it into operations: Include “no bring-your-own sparklers” in event terms and conditions and brief front of house and security teams on how to refuse requests courteously and firmly.
- Preapprove only non-flame effects: Test effects in a quiet period with music at show level; design routes and cue timings so aisles and exits remain clear.
- Review interior finishes: Check ceilings and walls near bars and booths for combustible materials (for example, acoustic foam, faux greenery, and drapes) and relocate or shield where necessary.
- Strengthen marshals and training: Make sure you have enough fire marshals during peak times; refresh staff drills, alarm audibility checks, extinguisher placement, and basic burns first aid.
- Give staff authority to say ‘no’: Allow your team to stop any floor show if conditions change (for example, overcrowding, obstructed routes, or unexpected decorations).
- Monitor and learn: Promote near miss reporting, review incidents, and update procedures so lessons translate into practical changes.
If you have any questions or need further support, our team is here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for guidance or advice on keeping your team safe and compliant in 2026.
