Fall River Fire Department issues warning on sparklers after recent fatal fire, confiscation of sparkler devices from local restaurant

The Fall River Fire Department is issuing a public safety warning following a fatal fire at a nightclub in the Swiss Alps, where investigators have reported that sparkler-type pyrotechnic devices used during a celebration ignited interior finishes, leading to rapid fire spread and the reported deaths of dozens of people and more than 100 injuries.

While the investigation remains ongoing, Deputy Fire Chief/City Fire Marshal Sean Flannery states that this incident underscores a growing and dangerous trend: the use of decorative sparklers and similar pyrotechnic devices inside restaurants, bars, and clubs.

Recently, the Fall River Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Bureau confiscated sparkler devices from an unnamed local restaurant that believed the products were safe for indoor birthday celebrations based on marketing claims. Despite those claims, these devices are consumer fireworks that pose a serious ignition hazard when used indoors. The confiscated items were manufactured in China and were clearly labeled “FOR OUTDOOR USE ONLY.”

“Fire prevention often saves lives in ways that are difficult to measure—success means tragedies simply never occur,” said Fire Chief Jeffrey P. Bacon. “When we seize unsafe devices or shut down dangerous practices, no headlines follow, yet those quiet actions prevent loss of life. By raising awareness and enforcing our local fire code, we aim to spare our community the kind of tragedy we’ve witnessed overseas and prevent devastating loss of life here at home.”

Under Massachusetts law, consumer sparklers and similar pyrotechnic devices are prohibited and are not permitted inside restaurants, nightclubs, or other assembly occupancies.

The Fall River Fire Department will continue proactive inspections and enforcement to prevent conditions that could lead to catastrophic loss of life.