Belgian Municipalities Cancel National Day Fireworks Amid Heatwave
Tens of thousands of Belgians across multiple provinces will celebrate National Day on July 21 without traditional fireworks this year, as a persistent heatwave and severe drought have prompted provincial governors to ban open fires and pyrotechnic displays. The cancellations affect municipalities in Hainaut, Namur, East Flanders, and West Flanders, though alternative celebrations including concerts, markets, and family activities are being organized in many areas.
Provinces Take Precautionary Action
The wave of cancellations follows binding decrees issued by provincial governors exercising their authority under Belgian public safety law. Governor Tommy Leclercq of Hainaut initially banned open fires until July 20, then extended the measure through July 31. The decree prohibits open fires in both public and private spaces, including barbecues and campfires, reflecting the severity of the drought conditions.
The governor of Namur prohibited fireworks until July 27, though exceptions are possible with the mayor’s authorization and fire service approval. Meanwhile, the East Flanders governor imposed a province-wide ban on open fire, fireworks, and pyrotechnic displays effective from July 15 at noon until further notice, with the situation being evaluated frequently.
According to RTBF, municipalities including Tournai, Dour, Comines-Warneton, Jurbise, Enghien, and Cerfontaine have all cancelled their displays. The Walloon Picardy Fire Zone recommended cancelling all fireworks until July 24.
Local Leaders Cite Safety Concerns
Mayor Marie Christine Marghem of Tournai announced the cancellation in an official statement, saying: “I understand the disappointment this cancellation may cause among the population, but current conditions require us to act with prudence and responsibility.” The city’s official website confirmed the decision came amid “persistent high heat and increased fire risk.”
In East Flanders, the city of Denderleeuw cancelled its fireworks after the governor’s province-wide ban, as reported by HLN. Other festivities, including concerts and community events, will proceed as planned.
In Lauwe, part of Menen in West Flanders, Acting Mayor Kasper Vandecasteele explained the decision to HLN: “We have received all advice, from the emergency services, the Flemish government, and the governor. That advice speaks clearly. It is simply too dry at the moment, meaning fireworks would pose too great a risk.” He pointed to a recent fire incident at Kraaiveld as evidence that “the slightest spark can now be enough to cause many problems.”
In Namur, Acting Mayor Charlotte Bazelaire cancelled the city’s July 20 fireworks display due to persistent drought and fire risk, following the provincial governor’s decree. The municipality of Cerfontaine, also in Namur province, had already announced its cancellation on July 16.
Brussels Celebrations to Proceed
While many municipalities have cancelled their displays, the official national celebrations in Brussels are still scheduled to proceed. The military and civilian parade at Cinquantenaire Park, along with the evening concert and fireworks, will go ahead with environmental mitigation measures in place. Reports from La Libre and DHnet indicate that organizers are taking measures to reduce stress on wildlife, including exploring laser and drone show alternatives.
Broader Implications
The widespread cancellations highlight a growing trend of municipalities reconsidering fireworks in light of climate change, environmental concerns, and budget constraints. Fire services, already stretched thin during the heatwave, have supported the bans to preserve operational capacity. The Namur decree explicitly cited the need to “avoid overworking emergency services, already heavily solicited during this period of high heat.”
Beyond immediate fire risk, environmental concerns are playing an increasing role in the debate. Reports from La Libre and DHnet have documented the stress that fireworks cause to wildlife, particularly birds, adding another dimension to the discussion.
What to Watch For
As Belgium’s climate patterns shift, the question remains whether these cancellations represent a temporary response to exceptional weather or the beginning of a permanent shift toward alternative celebrations. Several municipalities are already organizing concerts, markets, and family activities to maintain the festive spirit without the fire risk. In Denderleeuw, for example, the other festivities for July 21 are still going ahead, including musical performances and community events.
The trend toward laser shows and drone displays, already being explored in Brussels, may accelerate as communities seek safer, more environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional fireworks. The German-language Belgian media outlet BRF reported on the reduced fireworks across the country, noting that the trend reflects broader societal changes.
For now, Belgians in affected municipalities will mark their National Day with alternative programming. The official celebrations in Brussels remain the centerpiece of the national festivities, offering the traditional parade and evening spectacle — albeit with greater environmental awareness than in years past.