After embers fell into the crowd Friday night, the annual Oak Bluffs fire display moved shifted exclusively to a barge offshore.
Summer Pramer

Falling Embers Pause Part of Oak Bluffs Fireworks

A portion of the Oak Bluffs fireworks was cut short Friday after strong winds coming off the water resulted in burning embers falling into the nearby crowd.

A portion of the Oak Bluffs fireworks was cut short Friday after strong winds coming off the water resulted in burning embers falling into the nearby crowd.

The annual fireworks display is viewed by hundreds of people at Ocean Park. Fireworks are shot from a barge about 1,000 yards offshore and an area on the beach next to the Steamship Authority terminal. 

Shortly into the fireworks show, the winds off the water started blowing smoke and embers into the crowd, resulting in public safety officials shutting down the beach fireworks area, said Oak Bluffs fire Chief Nelson Wirtz. 

The fireworks company, American Thunder, was very professional and shut them down immediately after being asked, Chief Wirtz said. The company was able to finish the show by shooting fireworks only from the barge, Chief Wirtz said. 

Two people in the crowd were treated by paramedics at the fireworks for minor injuries from the falling embers, but they didn’t need to go to the hospital, Chief Wirtz said.

Comments

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 08/17/2024 - 16:01

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William Erik Bruguire Edgartown

What a wonderful show, I have enjoyed this for many years..

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 08/17/2024 - 21:42

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Kim Edgartown

Laserlight shows are spectacular, much safer, and don't freak out our pets. I hope future events consider this option.

Kevin Chappy

I wouldn't mind seeing lasers ADDED to the show, but it wouldn't be the same without the percussion.

It's an hour on one day a year, which is dwarfed by the number of times per year the average dog pees himself over a thunderstorm.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 08/19/2024 - 20:34

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Patricia Park

My family had attended these fireworks & for the record it was absolute madness & complete dangerous situation. My family got split up from the danger of being either noisy as if being bombed, which no one could find each other, dogs running through the fields frightened, kids crying holding their ears, lastly numerous burn holes through sweatshirts, t shirts, skin.

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