Price Tags has been asking the question: In a “green” city, why do we still insist on big bang fireworks, that are acoustically challenging for wildlife, and detrimental for pets and for people with noise sensitivities? Why do we hold onto this remnant of the 19th century, and not go to no noise pyrotechnic displays, as featured in many rock concerts?
This article from Citylab explores one more reason to move away from traditional big bang fireworks~the prospect of grass and forest fires. As Linda Poon notes:
” Just in Colorado, at least 11 communities and organizations have canceled fireworks as firefighters battle as many as a dozen wildfires across the state. In Arizona, six towns are also canceling the spectacle—though one town, Cave Creek, is also swapping in a drone show. And in California, where fires have not only been ravaging entire cities but also choking the air, officials are opting not to put on a show for the sake of safety. As in Cave Creek and Aspen, some Bay Area residents will get to enjoy a drone display thanks to a partnership between Travis Air Force Base and Intel. That’s the same company that helped South Korea wow the world with over 1,200 drones during the closing ceremony of this year’s Winter Olympics.”
As the spokesperson for the Aspen Chamber Resort Association, Melissa Wisenbaker observed that drones are “a very new-age thing, but you have to evolve.”
Cities in Colorado, Arizona and California are using dazzling drone light shows that are choreographed. The cost is in the $15,000 to $25,000 range, comparable to big bang fireworks, and loud music is played to establish the ambiance. The tradeoff, beside less disturbance to wildlife, is proactively preventing what could be the next grass or forest fire.
“If we are having these increased fire dangers and risks every year,” Wisenbaker said, “then we would like to have alternatives so people can end the night on a good note.”
You can view an example of a drone LED light show here.
