Great American 4th fireworks show sparks nearby blazes

The Maricopa Fire and Medical Department responded to a call about fires in the empty field east of Copper Sky Regional Park Monday during the city’s fireworks display.

Interim Fire Chief Brad Pitassi said firefighters contained the blaze quickly, preventing it from spreading or causing injuries or property damage.

“The fireworks from the show caused the fires,” Pitassi said. “There were four spot fires, the largest was approximately 1.5 acres.”

Pitassi said four units contained the fires, including one staged at the event. That unit was on scene immediately, according to Pitassi, and the additional units were called to provide water and additional personnel.

Crews were on the scene for approximately one hour to ensure the fire was completely extinguished and there were no hot spots that could reignite and spread in the wind, Pitassi said.

Pitassi said fireworks vendors are responsible for meeting industry safety standards, which include factoring wind conditions.

“Our fire marshal works with the vendors to determine that assessment,” he said. “We support our (Parks and Recreation) department in their decision-making process.”

The city’s Parks and Recreation director, Nathan Ullyot, said the decision to approve fireworks events like the one July 4 is a team effort.

“Public Safety and Parks and Recreation meet together multiple times as the event approaches,” Ullyot said. “An Incident Action Plan is completed and agreed upon (and) Fire is already on site for any issues. As far as risk, there is always risk, and having fire onsite helps mitigate risk. Ultimately, fireworks are an expectation of this event, and the productions are highly regulated for pyrotechnic vendors.”

Ullyot said safety mandates a 300-foot perimeter around the fireworks launch location. He added the fireworks vendor is insured and indemnifies the city.

The budget to produce the event was $48,950, close to $20,000 of which was the fireworks, according to Ullyot. That cost includes the fire and police personnel stationed at the event but not if units are called in for an emergency.

Revenue generated from the event helps offset the city’s cost.

“Generally, our event goals are about 30% revenue recovery,” Ullyot said.

Commercial fireworks displays are not the only public safety concern, however.

“What is more difficult is the number of illegal fireworks being shot off around the holidays,” Pitassi said. “(July 4) was an example of a tremendous amount of illegal aerial fireworks being shot off in around town. At the professional events, there are plans in place for incidents and accidents when and if they occur.”

Pitassi said MFMD adds staff for holidays and events like July 4 with incidents like this in mind.

“Having these crews there, ready for an incident like this, was key to keeping this fire small and contained to the area it burned.”

Drone footage of one of the fires can be found here…