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Baldwin Park cancels fireworks at Independence Day event after pyrotechnician cites safety concerns
Summary
City staff said the planned fireworks were canceled at the July Independence Day event after the pyrotechnician and a fire marshal determined the display could not be set off at a safe distance; the event continued with music, performers and family activities.
Armando Nava, program supervisor for the City of Baldwin Park, told the Parks and Recreation Commission that the city’s July Independence Day program at Sierra Vista High School proceeded without a fireworks display after the pyrotechnician and a fire marshal judged the set-up unsafe.
Nava said the technician reported that some fireworks were "not uplifting to the proper distance" and a wind shift that day increased risk, so "he felt unsafe, and he did...decide to cancel the fireworks show." Nava added that the decision was made in consultation with the fire marshal.
The event opened at 5:30 p.m. with a program beginning at 6:30 p.m., included two sets by a live band, acrobatic dancers, carnival rides, face painters, balloon artists, food vendors and information booths. Nava said a local resident, Kathleen Wang, sang the national anthem and the program featured a tribute to Marvin Gaye.
Commissioner Maria Vavalos, who spoke from the dais during the event, said the crowd "didn't boo" when staff announced the cancellation and that attendees ‘‘understood’’ the safety rationale. Nava said staff will review the event in a post‑event assessment for improvements.
Commissioners discussed larger attractions for future events; Nava said a single large slide his team considered would cost about $67,000 and the department is exploring sponsorships and less costly alternatives such as inflatable slides for next year.
