Wind and rain can increase the danger of fireworks on New Year’s Eve

The Danish Safety Technology Authority warns: keep extra distance and take care in unstable weather

New Year’s Eve is just around the corner, and many people are preparing to welcome 2026 with fireworks. However, this year’s New Year’s Eve is expected to be both windy and wet, which places greater demands on safety.

The Danish Safety Technology Authority therefore urges everyone to be extra cautious when launching rockets and fireworks batteries in unstable weather conditions.

Wind and rain can cause fireworks to behave unpredictably. This increases the risk of both injuries and fires. “New Year’s Eve should be a celebration – not an evening that ends in the emergency room,” says Nicoline Zederkof Jensen, Head of Office at the Danish Safety Technology Authority.

Up to double the safety distance

To improve safety, the Danish Safety Technology Authority recommends that the distance to buildings and vegetation that can catch fire should be doubled when it is windy. This means there should be at least 20 metres to openings in buildings, and at least 400 metres to buildings with thatched roofs and combustible materials.

In rainy weather, it is recommended to take out only one firework at a time and keep the rest stored in a dry place. This prevents fireworks from standing outside and becoming soaked by rain before being lit.

“With the weather conditions we are facing, there is a risk that fireworks will become wet. This can lead to unstable explosions, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. Strong winds can send fireworks off course, which is why it is especially important to observe the safety distances. This applies to both those lighting the fireworks and spectators,” says Nicoline Zederkof Jensen.

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