Drones Over Detonation — Why Cities Are Replacing Fireworks with Light Shows

The environmental concerns over fireworks are prompting communities to find cleaner, kinder ways to celebrate

Image: Getty Images

July is a big month for fireworks. Each year on Canada Day and July 4^th, skies across North America are set ablaze with fireworks — dazzling, exciting, and undeniably festive. But a growing number of cities are rethinking that tradition. From Sudbury to Chilliwack and beyond, municipalities are choosing to swap explosions for innovation by embracing drone light shows.

It’s not just a flashy novelty. The shift to drones offers real benefits for public health, the environment, and inclusivity.

Safer for lungs and lakes

Fireworks may last only minutes, but their impact on the environment lingers. When they explode, they release a cloud of pollutants including carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) — including heavy metals that give fireworks their colours. These pollutants contribute to smog and can aggravate asthma and other respiratory conditions — especially in vulnerable populations like children and seniors.

Fireworks also contain perchlorates, chemical oxidizers that help fireworks ignite. These compounds are water soluble and can end up in drinking water. High levels of perchlorates disrupt thyroid function by interfering with the body’s ability to absorb iodine, potentially affecting metabolism and mental function. In aquatic environments, they may also harm fish and other aquatic species.

Drone shows, by contrast, produce no direct air or water pollution. Because drones are battery-powered, and can be charged with renewable electricity, their carbon footprint is minimal.

Quieter, kinder celebrations — for people and wildlife

For many, fireworks are a thrill. But for others — including refugees, veterans with PTSD, people with sensory sensitivities, pet owners, and young children — the thunderous booms can be distressing. The sound of fireworks can exceed 150 decibels — louder than a jet engine — and can trigger anxiety, panic attacks, or disorientation.

Wildlife is also affected. Sudden, intense noise and light can startle birds from their nests, cause mammals to flee into traffic or unfamiliar territory, and disrupt normal behaviours like feeding, migration, and sleep. Studies have shown that fireworks can lead to mass bird deaths, particularly when used in areas near roosts or wetlands. Some species abandon their nesting sites — all for a few minutes of entertainment.

Drone shows offer a quieter, gentler alternative. With synchronized formations, LED lights, and custom animations, they still bring people together — but without the stress. Communities can design displays that reflect local stories and values, making the celebration feel even more meaningful.

Leaving memories, not microplastics

Fireworks don’t just disappear when they fizzle out. Many of them leave behind plastic casings, fuses, shell fragments and microplastics — tiny particles (less than 5 mm) that persist in the environment and accumulate in soil and water. These particles can be ingested by wildlife or enter our food chain through drinking water and seafood.

While cleanup crews may collect visible debris, microplastics are nearly impossible to retrieve. Some studies have even found elevated plastic levels in nearby water bodies following major fireworks displays.

Drone shows eliminate this source of pollution entirely. No shells, no confetti, no fragments. Just light in the sky — and nothing left behind.

Sparkle without the sparks

As summers grow hotter and drier, fireworks are increasingly seen as a wildfire risk — especially in areas already on high alert. A single spark from a firework can ignite dry grass, brush, or forest, putting entire communities at risk.

Across North America, fire departments report a spike in wildfire calls during Canada Day and Independence Day festivities. In the U.S., the National Fire Protection Association estimates that fireworks cause an average of 19,500 fires each year, including nearly 3,000 wildfires. The Great Canadian Fire Census identified at least 689 instances in 2022 and 531 instances in 2023 where a fireworks caused a fire. In Canada, fire (and fireworks) bans are becoming more common.

Drone shows eliminate this risk entirely. They don’t rely on open flames, explosives, or pyrotechnics — just quiet, coordinated flight. For communities living in the ashes of past wildfires, that peace of mind matters.

Cities leading the charge

Across Canada, cities are reimagining how to celebrate without smoke or noise. In 2024 alone, Sudbury, Timmins, North Bay, Kamloops, Vernon, Chilliwack, West Kelowna, and Terrace all hosted drone light shows in place of fireworks. Others, like Waterloo, Burlington, and Victoria, are experimenting with hybrid events that combine drone choreography with limited pyrotechnics.

The shift is being driven by wildfire risk, accessibility, and growing concerns about air, water, and plastic pollution.

Canada’s not alone.

• In the UK, London has incorporated drones into New Year’s Eve since 2021, while towns like Nottingham and Newcastle are piloting drone displays for festivals.

• In Germany, Cologne and Berlin have used drones for climate-conscious celebrations.

• In the U.S., Salt Lake City, Boulder, and La Jolla have switched to drones for July 4th to reduce wildfire and health risks.

• In Vietnam, a 2025 national event featured more than 10,000 drones

From Canada to the world stage, cities are proving there’s a better way to light up the night — one that’s safer, cleaner, and just as spectacular.

What do you think? Would you prefer drone shows to fireworks? Let me know in the comments!

Yours for the Greener Good,

Brett