An Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team undertook two controlled explosions on a series of flares that could not be transported from the Isle of Wight to the mainland due to their condition. Time Expired Pyrotechnics are potentially very hazardous and no chances were taken by the EOD team or Police, who put in place a safety cordon to ward off an interested public.
The bright sparks flying from the explosion testified to the volatility of the items.
See: https://www.islandecho.co.uk/bomb-disposal-team-detonate-unsafe-flares-at-yaverland/