Fireworks at Christmas celebrations were expected to go ahead in Perth tonight, until a DFES spokeswoman confirmed all pyrotechnics had been banned.

The Christmas in Ellenbrook 2019 event is due to kick off at 2pm, with the fireworks display originally planned for 8pm.

Fireworks scheduled for Perth this evening are expected to go ahead despite a total fire ban Credit:AP

But with much of WA under a total fire ban, debate had been raging on social media over whether the fireworks – also planned for Langley Park and Kambalda – should go ahead.

Total fire bans are declared on any day when a fire is most likely to spread rapidly (because of extreme fire weather) or if there are already widespread fires and DFES don't have the resources to fight more.

Only licensed pyro-technicians can use fireworks on a total fire ban day, with conditions prescribed in the Bush Fires Regulations 1954 required to be met, which includes notifying DFES between 24 hours and 30 minutes before the activity is carried out.

DFES confirmed the cancellations just before 2pm on Saturday.