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Ban all indoor use of Fireworks, Sparklers and Pyrotechnics in Public Venues
Eba A.
started this petition to
European Commission - European and National Policymakers - citizens
Statement
on behalf of the European Burns Association — January 2026
For the attention of: Heads of State and Government of all European Member States, national and local legislators, and all citizens of Europe
The recent tragedy in Crans-Montana, where at least 40 people lost their lives and over 115 were seriously injured in a fire during New Year’s celebrations, has shocked all of Europe and the world. The blaze, which rapidly engulfed the crowded Le Constellation bar, is believed to have been triggered by indoor sparklers/fireworks coming into contact with flammable materials, causing an almost instantaneous and deadly flashover. Many victims were young people and minors; dozens are now fighting for their lives in specialized burn units across multiple countries.
This catastrophe is not an isolated event in Europe’s history. Over the last decades, repeated incidents tied to indoor pyrotechnics/fireworks and related unsafe practices have caused grave injury and loss of life in public venues — from nightclub fires in Volendam, The Netherlands (2001), Bucharest, Romania (2015) and Kocani, North Macedonia (2025) to other club and hall fires where indoor fireworks contributed to rapid fire spread. In the last 50 years, in Europe alone, similar incidents have resulted in over 556 deaths and more than 1500 people have sustained serious burn injuries and are suffering life-changing aftermath of these injuries.
These events share a common cause: the use of pyrotechnic devices in enclosed spaces where people congregate, often without adequate risk assessment, suppression systems, or clear emergency escape routes.
Whilst we acknowledge that pyrotechnic effects and fireworks are embedded in cultural traditions and celebratory practices, we must not wait for the next tragedy to act. Together we can work on alternatives to make it safe for everyone.
We therefore issue this firm call to action:
BAN ALL INDOOR USE OF FIREWORKS, SPARKLERS, AND PYROTECHNICS IN PUBLIC VENUES
The Crans-Montana tragedy is a painful reminder that fire does not distinguish between celebration and catastrophe. Too many lives — especially young lives — have been irrevocably altered by preventable fire disasters in entertainment and social venues. European policymakers must act decisively and collectively to ensure that future generations are protected. The European Burns Association Prevention Committee stands ready to support national and European legislative efforts with expertise, evidence, and public health guidance.
We owe it to the victims and their families — and to all citizens across Europe — to make this ban a reality.
This statement is circulated by the European Burns Association and we would welcome everyone to add their signature to the petition to call for this action.
For the attention of: Heads of State and Government of all European Member States, national and local legislators, and all citizens of Europe
The recent tragedy in Crans-Montana, where at least 40 people lost their lives and over 115 were seriously injured in a fire during New Year’s celebrations, has shocked all of Europe and the world. The blaze, which rapidly engulfed the crowded Le Constellation bar, is believed to have been triggered by indoor sparklers/fireworks coming into contact with flammable materials, causing an almost instantaneous and deadly flashover. Many victims were young people and minors; dozens are now fighting for their lives in specialized burn units across multiple countries.
This catastrophe is not an isolated event in Europe’s history. Over the last decades, repeated incidents tied to indoor pyrotechnics/fireworks and related unsafe practices have caused grave injury and loss of life in public venues — from nightclub fires in Volendam, The Netherlands (2001), Bucharest, Romania (2015) and Kocani, North Macedonia (2025) to other club and hall fires where indoor fireworks contributed to rapid fire spread. In the last 50 years, in Europe alone, similar incidents have resulted in over 556 deaths and more than 1500 people have sustained serious burn injuries and are suffering life-changing aftermath of these injuries.
These events share a common cause: the use of pyrotechnic devices in enclosed spaces where people congregate, often without adequate risk assessment, suppression systems, or clear emergency escape routes.
Whilst we acknowledge that pyrotechnic effects and fireworks are embedded in cultural traditions and celebratory practices, we must not wait for the next tragedy to act. Together we can work on alternatives to make it safe for everyone.
We therefore issue this firm call to action:
BAN ALL INDOOR USE OF FIREWORKS, SPARKLERS, AND PYROTECHNICS IN PUBLIC VENUES
The Crans-Montana tragedy is a painful reminder that fire does not distinguish between celebration and catastrophe. Too many lives — especially young lives — have been irrevocably altered by preventable fire disasters in entertainment and social venues. European policymakers must act decisively and collectively to ensure that future generations are protected. The European Burns Association Prevention Committee stands ready to support national and European legislative efforts with expertise, evidence, and public health guidance.
We owe it to the victims and their families — and to all citizens across Europe — to make this ban a reality.
This statement is circulated by the European Burns Association and we would welcome everyone to add their signature to the petition to call for this action.
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