Overview

• A stray shell from the July 18 Rheinkirmes Düsseldorf finale struck spectators and injured 19 people, including three children.
• Rheinkirmes organizers have not identified the cause of the runaway firework and say they will reconsider holding the annual pyrotechnic show.
• Cranger Kirmes officials affirmed that their opening and closing fireworks on August 1 and 10 will go ahead as planned under a different site layout.
• Feuerwehr Herne will staff two additional brigade stations and deploy a supplementary fire watch on fireworks evenings at the Cranger Kirmes.
• Animal welfare and environmental groups continue to advocate for reduced pyrotechnics in favor of quieter, cleaner drone displays to cut pollution and wildlife disturbance.