The City of Alcoa today released its findings surrounding injuries to spectators during its annual FreedomFest fireworks presentation on June 30th. Immediately following the end of the fireworks display, Fire Chief Roger Robinson initiated an investigation into an event that resulted in minor injuries to three people.

The investigation discovered numerous shell fallout fragments found approximately 25 feet outside the established safety zone. After examining the debris and consulting with Pyro Shows’ Lansden Hill, it was determined that the resulting fallout was from one of the shows 8-inch diameter, Blooming Silvery shells which contains approximately 30 pieces of 1-inch diameter bombettes. During the “1812 Overture,” one of the 8-inch Blooming Silvery shells was fired to a proper altitude, but some of the 1-inch bombettes apparently failed to explode in the air as they were designed to do. Some of the bombettes fell to the ground. A change in wind direction contributed to the fallout landing outside of the safety zone near the Springbrook Road bridge.

As a result of the investigation, additional safety options to protect spectators are under review to include deletion of this type of firework in the future and moving the firing line of the 8-inch shells back an additional 50 feet.

Fire Chief Robinson stated, “For 31 years, the City has put on FreedomFest as a festive community event that the whole family can attend with piece of mind regarding safety. It is our intent to continue to provide this atmosphere of safety and deeply regrets that injuries occurred.” Those filing a report with the Alcoa Police Department reporting an injury have been contacted by city officials.