Fireworks and historic wooden buildings are never going to be a good mix.
So it is understandable some parties are calling for a review of Guy Fawkes activities in the city after claims the Royal Wanganui Opera House was placed in jeopardy on Saturday as sparks from the public show flew dangerously close to the grand old building.
As reported yesterday, the Cooks Gardens show was well attended and apparently well run. Yet there lingers a concern that conditions were such it was more good luck that a catastrophic fire didn't result. That the hill was ablaze briefly is concerning enough, but reports of sparks heading towards the velodrome and opera house need investigation.
Quite aside from the rights or wrongs of Guy Fawkes events, the safety of the community and protection of property - public and private - should be paramount. It has been suggested the event may need to be moved and maybe Councillors Jack Bullock and Ray Stevens have a point. There are other, potentially safer options for such a spectacular. Far better to act now than forever live with the regret of not having made a decision.
As magnificent as the opera house is, once it's gone we can never get it back.
