Boom (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Boom residents are upset as full fireworks return to Tomorrowland’s second weekend, just 1.5 weeks after a forest fire. Jan Dierckx urges safer options; town offers SMS alerts.
As VRT reported, the citizens of Boom, located in the province of Antwerp, Belgium, are unhappy because the town council is allowing fireworks again during Tomorrowland’s second weekend. This decision was made shortly after a significant fire near the festival grounds (a short week and a half ago).
Many locals say the fire was a shocking and painful experience. Jan Dierckx, who leads the Bosstraat-Hoek-Schomme Neighborhood Council, says that even though it has rained more since the fire and the danger may be lower, the fear and stress are still fresh. He mentioned that some parts of the forest were still smoldering not long ago.
What made Boom residents oppose Tomorrowland fireworks again?
Last weekend, Tomorrowland used only small fireworks. The neighborhood council thought this was a good idea. Jan Dierckx said the festival was still fun without big fireworks. He said the town and the festival usually work well together.
This weekend, full fireworks will return. Locals think this is not fair. They feel like the festival does not care about them. The fire was recent and people are still scared. Most visitors were happy without big fireworks.
“This decision does not fit with their slogan ‘We respect our neighbours’.”
Jan Dierckx, chairman of the Bosstraat-Hoek-Schomme Neighbourhood Council
Jan Dierckx says people in Boom have been asking for more say about fireworks for years. They worry about how the fireworks affect their safety and the environment. After each Tomorrowland event, pieces of fireworks often land on the roofs of nearby homes.
Dierckx says this shows there are real risks. He and other locals think fireworks may no longer be a good choice near houses and nature. He wants the festival to start using safer and cleaner options. “Tomorrowland is creative,” he said. “They should find another way to impress people without using fireworks that cause problems.”
The town of Boom shared a message on Facebook to respond to the worries of local people. They said they understand why some neighbours are concerned about the fireworks and might have questions. But the choice to allow fireworks this weekend was not made quickly.
The town’s safety team checked everything and gave a positive report. They said all rules for the permit were followed. Also, the rain from the past few days helped lower the chance of fire. To keep people informed, the town has set up a free SMS alert system. Anyone can sign up to get a text message when fireworks are planned.
