Residents in Surrey have voiced concerns over a hotel’s plans to stage a fireworks display over the weekend, saying it risks sparking wildfires in neighbouring woodland.<\/p>\n
Pennyhill Park Hotel & Spa in Bagshot told locals it would be holding “a professionally managed, approximately five minute display” at 22:00 BST on Saturday as part of a wedding celebration at the venue.<\/p>\n
It stated that a “detailed site-specific risk assessment” had been undertaken and “additional precautionary measures introduced”.<\/p>\n
However, some fear stray embers could cause “massive destruction” to the adjacent Swinley Forest, while Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said it “strongly advised against the use of fireworks”.<\/p>\n
Pennyhill Park has been contacted for comment.<\/p>\n
Alex Bird, a senior health and safety advisor who lives in the village, called it “incomprehensible” that such a display would be allowed, given recent government guidance regarding what not to do in the current drought conditions<\/a>.<\/p>\n “It was only last week that a UK wide alert was sent out, specifically requesting activities like this not to go ahead,” she said.<\/p>\n “The fire service has enough to contend with, without possibly having to respond to another foreseeable blaze.”<\/p>\n She added that, despite the hotel’s risk assessments, “there is no way they can account for the trajectory of all their fireworks”.<\/p>\n “It would only take one ember to fall on a tree canopy to cause massive destruction to Swinley forest and the surrounding properties,” said Bird.<\/p>\n ‘Concern is understood’<\/p>\n More than 1,000 wildfires have been recorded in England and Wales this year, according to data shared by the National Fire Chiefs Council.<\/p>\n In an email sent to residents, Pennyhill Park said it understood the cause for concern, “particularly in the current dry conditions”.<\/p>\n It added there would also be “a pre-soaking of the the surrounding area, two private fire engines and a crew in attendance, a 4,000 litre water bowser and continuous monitoring”.<\/p>\n The hotel explained the water being used had been sourced from the its “private borehole” and would not place “additional demand on the pubic supply”.<\/p>\n They said that the display would “create a memorable moment for the couple getting married and their guests”, and that checks had been made to ensure it wasn’t prohibited or against licencing regulations.<\/p>\n A SFRS spokesperson said: “Our position remains that we strongly advise against fireworks, bonfires, campfires or disposable BBQs during prolonged, dry periods.<\/p>\n “We do not have legal powers to stop fireworks displays from taking place in these circumstances.<\/p>\n “Nevertheless, our Fire Safety Team has been in contact with the hotel to provide advice and guidance, and to ensure appropriate fire risk assessments have been completed,” they added.<\/p>\n Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook<\/a>, X<\/a>, and Instagram<\/a> and listen to BBC Radio Surrey on Sounds<\/a>. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk <\/a>or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.<\/p>\n More stories like thisRelated internet links