Following the flare incident at the Oasis concert at Marvel Stadium, security expert Gina Field, in a 3AW FM interview, addressed growing concerns about how dangerous pyrotechnics are entering major public venues. Speaking about the risks involved, Gina explained that standard bag checks and metal detection systems are ineffective against flares because most are made from plastic and can easily be concealed on a person.
Gina outlined how venues overseas, particularly in England, have introduced far stricter detection measures, including explosive trace detection systems that identify pyrotechnic residues such as magnesium. She also described the use of proactive crowd surveillance, where trained personnel look for specific body movements and behaviours that often occur immediately before a flare is ignited.
She warned that flares burn at temperatures between 1,600 and 2,000 degrees—comparable to molten lava—and pose an extreme fire risk, especially in enclosed spaces. At the Oasis concert, footage showed the flare rising to the roof and falling back into the crowd, creating the potential for severe burns, mass panic, crowd crush, and even a major stadium fire.
Gina also highlighted that flares are designed to continue burning in water, meaning common reactions such as throwing water on them can be ineffective. She stressed that flare use is not a prank or harmless stunt but a serious safety threat that requires stronger laws, stricter enforcement, and a zero-tolerance approach to prevent future incidents and protect the public.
