Liège Cancels August 15 Fireworks Over Fire Risk, Following Huy’s Lead
The city of Liège has cancelled the fireworks display that was to close the August 15 festivities, citing elevated fire risk from ongoing drought conditions. The decision follows a similar cancellation announced earlier this week in Huy, as authorities across Wallonia prioritize public safety amid exceptional dry conditions.
The fireworks, traditionally launched from the passerelle (footbridge) on August 16 at 10 PM, were scrapped under a police order issued by the Governor of the Province of Liège that reinforces fire prevention measures until September 6 and specifically regulates the use of fireworks, according to RTBF.
“A derogation was possible but the firefighters gave a negative opinion, due to the risks linked to the drought,” said Marc Minet, responsible for security in the cabinet of the Mayor of Liège, as quoted by RTBF.
Firefighters Give Green Light to Traditional Cannon Firing
While the fireworks have been cancelled, the firefighters have given a positive opinion for the traditional tir de campes (cannon firing), which will take place on August 14 at 6 PM on Place Delcour. Minet confirmed the event will proceed as planned since it takes place on open ground.
The cancellation follows the negative opinion of the fire zone, which deemed the fireworks too risky given the exceptionally dry conditions. Wallonia is currently placed under red fire code, and the official City of Liège website states that the fireworks are cancelled in conformity with the general prohibition issued by the Governor of the Province of Liège. The City of Liège also notes that the traditional fireworks of the fairground workers on August 16 has been cancelled, following the same negative opinion from the fire zone.
Huy’s Earlier Decision and Drone Show Replacement
Huy made a similar decision regarding its August 15 fireworks earlier in the week. On Monday, August 10, Mayor Christophe Collignon convened the security cell with the police zone, the Hemeco rescue zone, and various municipal services. The fireworks specialist Party-Fices was also present to provide all necessary information.
“The optimal safety conditions are not met,” the city announced, as reported by L’Avenir. The decision was particularly significant as 2026 is a Septennales year in Huy — a seven-yearly celebration dating back to the 17th century — with the fireworks traditionally serving as the spectacular finale of the August 15 cortège.
The cancelled fireworks in Huy will be replaced by a luminous drone show starting at 10 PM, offered by the Comité de promotion de la Foire du 15 août and produced by Matrix Drone Shows above the Pont Baudouin, according to L’Avenir. The Septennales de Huy official website confirms: “The fireworks are replaced by a drone show on the Baudouin Bridge.”
Reinforced Security Measures in Liège
Beyond the fireworks cancellation, the City of Liège has announced reinforced security and medical measures for the festivities. According to L’Avenir/Belga, the medical response has been strengthened with extended services, ambulance reinforcement, and provisions for scaling up the response if necessary.
“Four pallets of water have been requisitioned, peacekeepers will be present along the route preventively,” the city stated. “A preventive BE-Alert message may be sent to people in the parade zone.” The perimeter of the August 15 festivities has also been integrated into the 112 emergency center to facilitate communications.
Authorities are recommending that spectators of Saturday’s cortège bring hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, and water bottles to guard against heat-related issues.
A Broader Pattern of Cancellations
These cancellations are part of a wider trend across Belgium this summer. The country is experiencing exceptional drought conditions, with the provinces of Liège, Luxembourg, and Namur on maximum alert for fire risk. Since 2020, Belgian summers have been systematically hotter and drier than average, with 2026 expected to be 2-3°C above seasonal norms, according to Mali Actu.
A forest fire broke out in the Bonsecours forest at the French border on August 7, affecting 4-5 hectares, as RTBF reported. Firefighters in Brabant wallon have acknowledged they are not prepared for large-scale forest fires, with police orders in multiple provinces prohibiting open fires in forest areas, fields, meadows, and gardens, according to RTBF.
Vincent Demoulin, a fireworks specialist from Namur with nearly 30 years of experience, reported that the Huy cancellation was the 48th of the year for his company.
What to Watch For
Despite the fireworks cancellations, the August 15 festivities in Liège will proceed with their rich program of events, including the procession of the Vierge Noire, the mass in Walloon at Saint-Nicolas church, and the grand folkloric cortège of the Giants of Outremeuse. The Royal Bouquet d’Outremeuse celebrates its 250th anniversary this year.
The situation remains fluid as the drought persists. With the police order in effect until September 6, further cancellations or restrictions could follow if conditions do not improve. Authorities continue to urge residents and visitors to exercise caution and follow fire prevention guidelines.