I have always loved fireworks. As a child, I enjoyed going to events that featured firework displays, but I especially loved Independence Day. Every Fourth of July, my family would host a huge party on our property. Well over 100 friends and family would attend to eat delicious picnic food, swim and boat in the pond, play bocce and badminton, roast marshmallows by the bonfire, and best of all…watch my dad set off an amazing fireworks display.
I remember my dad working for hours in the garage to set up firework circuits on large boards. It looked like a maze to me! I remember being warned to stay far, far away from the fireworks and being told horror stories of what could go wrong if the explosives were not handled properly. I remember sitting in awe with my best friends and cousins, as we had a front row seat to my dad’s amazing display. And I remember keeping one eye on the sky and one eye on my dad and uncles as they lit each fuse and then ran and ducked for cover. As amazing as the display was, the potential danger was frightening to me.
A lot has changed in the world of pyrotechnics since then. While pyrotechnics can still be extremely dangerous if the proper caution is not exercised, the “behind the scenes” of a firework display has become much safer.
These days, a large pyrotechnic display takes months of thoughtful planning and involves impressive automation, through the use of computers, radio transmissions, and carefully designed circuits. Instead of the precarious act of hand-firing a firework, each pyrotechnic can be ignited remotely by a microchip, from the safety of a nearby shelter. Using one central control, the display can be pre-programmed and timed to determine which fireworks will fire off and when. Can you imagine the amount of planning that goes into the Macy’s Fourth of July in NYC?
Not only does firework automation keep those working the show safe, the automation also allows particular areas of firework modules to be shut down as needed. So if the technicians suspect that something is not quite right, they can prevent parts of the show from being set off, which protects the crowd, as well as the property around the display.
This holiday weekend, I look forward to celebrating Independence Day with my loved ones and will rest easy, knowing that my dad will not be setting off fireworks in his backyard. He’ll leave it to the experts, who have taken advantage of firework automation to stay safe and put on an unforgettable show. Happy Fourth of July from the L-Tron team!
About the Author:
Carmella Giancursio is L-Tron’s Public Relations Specialist & Content Editor. When she’s not working or taking care of her 3 young kids, she can be found in the kitchen, channeling her Italian heritage!