That’s why in recent years, some communities have switched to drone shows. They have been especially popular in western cities, like Los Angeles and Salt Lake City. The high-tech performances have some advantages over fireworks, says engineer Christopher Franzwa. His company makes technology for drone shows.
Because drones aren’t meant to explode, they don’t typically cause fires. Drones also don’t pollute the air or water. And they don’t make loud sounds that disturb people and animals. “Drones are quiet,” says Franzwa.
In addition, drones can do things that fireworks can’t. They can shift from one shape to another. They can even create messages like “Happy Birthday!” “Drones allow us to paint the night with things people haven’t seen before,” says Franzwa.