July
4th Celebrations proceed without a hitch
As
a result of extensive preparations and staffing by the Orland Fire Protection
District (OFPD), both of the two major July 4th celebrations took
place without any major problems.
There
were no medical responses required due to fireworks although there were three
minor brush fires that were contained quickly contained. It is not unusual for
the fireworks to cause small brush fires during the shows in fields in the
region where the fireworks are launched and where embers may fall.
Here’s
an overview of Independence Day responses for Orland Hills and Orland Park.
Orland
Hills, June 30
Once
again a great start to the National Holiday was had by all at the Orland Hills
Party in the Park.
One
of the highlights of the event was the fantastic fireworks show that was staged
and launched on Saturday Evening at 9:30p.m.
The
fireworks event was the culmination of a coordinated effort, which was started
about a month prior to the show. Individuals from the Parks and
Recreation Department, Mad Bomber Fireworks Company, Orland Hills Police
Department, the Village Manager, the Mayor’s Office and the Orland Fire
Protection District met. Prior to the June 30th event, there
were several inspections done by the Orland Fire Prevention Bureau.
This
was to assess the excessively dry conditions and subsequently plan to stage
additional pieces of fire apparatus (Ladder Truck, Engine, and specially
equipped Wildland Fire Fighting Rig) in the neighborhoods.
This
strategy was to be ready and head off the potential of fire from fireworks
fallout during these unseasonably and excessively dry conditions.
Thankfully the “in place” strategy did not have to be implemented but it was
ready.
The
event went off on Saturday night with nothing but cheers from the huge crowd
that had gathered for the weekend event. It was a great time, safely
enjoyed by all due to the teamwork of those mentioned above.
These
types of planning processes have existed for a long time, with a great safety
record. Through this coordinated effort everyone has enjoyed a safe and
glorious Independence Holiday each year. The Orland Fire District is
looking forward to next year for another successful 4th of July
Memorial celebration at the Party in the Park. Thank you.
- Patrick
G. Collier Orland Fire District Inspector #33
Orland
Park, July 4
In
an effort to help ensure the safety of the audience at fireworks displays
within the district, the Orland Fire District utilizes a proven process which
includes: permitting, preplanning, coordinating with other taxing bodies, site
inspections and emergency vehicle stand-by for all such events.
The
process for this year’s Fourth of July fireworks display at Centennial Park
began in early June with the permitting portion of the process. The
fireworks permit application was reviewed by the Fire Prevention Bureau to
ensure that the proper licensing requirements were being met, the proper
procedures for launching the fireworks were being utilized, the
safety/exclusion zone around the launch site was of the appropriate size and
that all state and local codes/ordinances regarding fireworks displays were
being adhered to.
The
inspection portion of the process began the week before the show, with an
inspection of the site and the immediate area around the site. Due to the
drought conditions that we are experiencing this year, it was determined that
the fireworks site would have to be watered down prior to the show to prevent
small brush fires from starting; this was accomplished by a coordinated effort
between the Orland Fire District and the Orland Parks and Recreation
Department.
Early
in the afternoon of July 4th, a Fire Inspector met with the lead
pyrotechnician from Melrose Pyrotechnics at the Centennial Park site, to
discuss how the show was going to be set up and launched, the safety procedures
that were going to be followed and an inspection was performed on the racks and
tubes that were going to be used in the show.
Four
hours prior to the start of the fireworks display, another inspection of the
site was conducted by the Fire Prevention Bureau to ensure that the launch
site/exclusion zone was secure, that the fireworks were set up per the approved
plan, that there were no hazards in the launch area, emergency procedures were
reviewed and radio communications were established between the lead pyrotechnician
and the Fire District personnel that were standing by in/around the park during
the show.
Upon
the completion of the fireworks display, a final inspection was made by the
Fire Prevention bureau to ensure that the site had been cleared of any misfired
fireworks and that there were no spot fires and/or other hazards in the
area. Once this inspection had been completed, the site was deemed safe
and the fire equipment that was standing by in/around the park was released to
return to their stations.
This
year’s fireworks display at Centennial Park went very smoothly and safely due
to the combined effort of the Village of Orland Park, the Orland Fire District
and Melrose Pyrotechnics. This cooperation, coupled with diligence and
attention to safety led to a very enjoyable and safe experience for the
audience.
- OFPD
Fire Chief Ken Brucki
