Preparation for 4th of July fireworks starts months in advance
Jul 4, 2018, 4:15 AM
(AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
(AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
PHOENIX — The fireworks that light up the skies for the 4th of July celebrations across the state will likely come from a Chandler-based company.
Fireworks Productions of Arizona provides fireworks to the vast majority of the Independence Day celebrations in Arizona. Kendon Victor, pyro planning specialist for the company, said planning for these events starts early.
“January is when we reach out to all of our current clients,” he said. “We find out what their plans are for the 4th of July, find out if they’re going to change their day or what their budgets are going to be – and that’s when we really start going.”
Weeks leading up to the 4th of July celebrations, he said equipment is being ordered and firework shells are being packed in boxes.
“When it comes to the day of the show, the head pyros show up – the people who are in charge of shooting the fireworks that night – pick up their truck, fireworks and supplies,” Victor said. “Then they go to whatever community that they’re going to put the fireworks on for.”
This 4th of July, the company will provide fireworks for 55 events across the state. That includes the fireworks displays at Tempe Town Lake, Steele Indian School Park, and the Mesa Convention Center.
“We actually started our season back on June 29th,” Victor said. “That was sort of the kick off for fireworks. So between June 29th and July 7th, we would have done a total of 95 fireworks displays.”
Fireworks Productions of Arizona doesn’t just provide fireworks for Independence Day. They’re also the go-to for major sports teams, like the Cardinals and Diamondbacks, and universities in Arizona. They also provide fireworks for other events, including weddings and high school events.
“Pretty much any type of pyro need across the state, we try and take care of,” Victor said.
Only seven people work full-time year round for the Fireworks Productions of Arizona. The company has 55 seasonal head pyrotechnicians who help put on fireworks displays throughout the year. Each head pyro has a crew helping them at each event.
Victor said he advises people to protect themselves if they do plan on having their own fireworks this 4th of July, and to have water nearby in case of a fire.
“Be as careful as you can,” he said. “Or come out and watch us do our thing. We’re going to put on a pretty great show.”
