Oxford City Council has confirmed that scheduled fireworks displays will continue despite new restrictions on open fires across the city’s parks and green spaces.
Members of the local authority approved a Public Spaces Protection Order at Wednesday’s meeting, criminalising the ignition of fires, barbecues, sky lanterns and fireworks in designated areas throughout the municipality.
The regulation takes effect on September 4 and will remain valid for a period of three years.
Its primary purpose is to mitigate the danger of vegetation fires during periods of water shortage and excessive temperatures.
Officials examined whether existing events, including the Oxford Roundtable’s annual Bonfire Night fireworks display at South Park, would be permitted under the revised framework.
The authority has clarified that an exemption within the legislation permits organised and approved activities to proceed as scheduled.
Individuals found igniting fires, operating barbecues, releasing lanterns or setting off fireworks in any of the 41 municipal parks and green spaces will commit an offence.
Penalties range from a fixed £100 penalty notice to a potential £1,000 fine imposed through court proceedings.
Resident Kiki Figs, whose home overlooks Port Meadow, expressed support for the measures after witnessing the hazards posed by barbecues on parched grassland during recent hot weather.
She observed that uncontrolled fires devastate natural areas, destroy animal life and property, and endanger human lives.
The associated risks were described as unacceptable.
According to Figs, the legislation does not constitute an unreasonable limitation on personal liberty but rather addresses behaviour demonstrating disregard for the natural environment and the emergency services called upon to respond.
She stated that the order empowers the council to take action against the most dangerous activities while demonstrating consideration for firefighters during periods of drought when fire hazards are elevated.
As an illustration, she referenced an unattended wildfire that ignited at Burgess Field adjacent to Port Meadow in late July, requiring the attendance of twelve fire appliances alongside police and ambulance resources.
The community owes a debt to the emergency services, and minimising unnecessary demands upon them represents an appropriate expression of gratitude, she noted.
Figs further observed that supporters of green spaces such as Port Meadow, which benefits from a network of approximately 4,000 volunteer guardians, would be motivated to alert authorities regarding active fires now that enforcement mechanisms are in place.
Representatives from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue welcomed the initiative, stating that measures reducing accidental fire risks and protecting residents merit endorsement.
They explained that prolonged hot and dry conditions substantially elevate the probability of grass, woodland and open space blazes, placing additional demands on emergency responders while threatening people, property, wildlife and habitats.
Policies promoting responsible use of public areas and limiting potential ignition sources contribute significantly to incident prevention, they noted.
The council’s decision represents a forward-thinking stance on public safety and environmental preservation, according to the service.