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Mountain Home News

UPDATE: Static electricity linked to fireworks blast

Wednesday, July 7, 2010
by Brian S. Orban
Fire fighters sift through the remnants of the fireworks display at the city golf course following Saturday's fire. An exploding shell caused the remaining fireworks to ignite, destroying the city's Fourth of July display planned for Sunday evening. Photo by Brian S. Orban

City fire fighters determined that static electricity triggered the initial explosion that started a series of additional blasts at the Desert Canyon Golf Course on Saturday.

Three firefighters were injured, one seriously, after the fireworks display detonated around 1:20 p.m.

The incident occurred as firefighter Ty Larson prepared to place one of the firework shells in a launch tube on the northeast side of the golf course, said Police Sgt. Rick Viola from the Mountain Home Police Department. The shell detonated in his hands, causing burns to the upper half of his body, including second- and third-degree burns to his right hand.

For the full story, pick up a copy of the Mountain Home News or click on this link to subscribe to the newspaper's online edition.

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  • I hope the firefighter makes a good recovery. As an ex firefighter and EMT-P, I feel for him and his family. He has a long and painful recovery ahead of him. What happened was an accident, a horribly painful accident. Until all the facts, yes facts, are in, please dont pass judgement. Nothing is as important as this man and the journey he is about to have to undertake. Keep him in your prayers...money gets spent, lost, stolen, misused! Its fleeting, this mans scars are forever. Yes, the fireworks show isnt gonna happen, but you know what, get fireworks, if you dont have the money for fireworks, watch your neighbors, or drive down the road till you see someone setting them off, watch those. But keep hthat firefighter in your prayers...God Bless America.

    -- Posted by fyrmom on Sun, Jul 4, 2010, at 2:59 PM

  • We're all praying and in morning for this man. By the way firemen...thank you. It seems a pity to celebrate on such a sad day.

    -- Posted by needclrifcation on Sun, Jul 4, 2010, at 10:13 PM

  • The firefigher in question is doing well and was out of the hospital on July 4th. He will be going to Salt Lake City's burn center on Tuesday. Looks as if he'll make a very good if not full recovery!

    -- Posted by Mtn.Homer on Mon, Jul 5, 2010, at 7:34 AM

  • great reporting, sure would be nice to know the firefighters names ???

    -- Posted by bodine69 on Mon, Jul 5, 2010, at 7:34 AM

  • I wish the city would uncork and ban the sale and use of fireworks in the city limits and while we're at it bad Holloween too

    -- Posted by Freedom on Mon, Jul 5, 2010, at 8:37 AM

  • This is so sad for the men involved I wish them a speedy recovery. Everyone just remember they were doing this for us, to bring joy to our 4th of July holiday. We need to be there for their families and we don't need anymore tragedys by allowing the discharge of dangerous fireworks in city limits.

    -- Posted by EJ's mom on Mon, Jul 5, 2010, at 9:35 AM

  • I would like to say thank you to the firefighters, police dept. and community for your support, thoughts and prayers. My son is one of the firefighters who was injured on Saturday. Today is a new begining of his recovery as he will be taken to the Salt Lake City burn center. I would like to thank you again for all of the messages, phone calls and words that we have received. Please continue with your prayers as we start this new day.

    -- Posted by mominmass on Tue, Jul 6, 2010, at 5:43 AM

  • Let's take up another collection in the community and have a fireworks display in conjunction with AFAD this year!! Any additional funds collection could go to the Volunteer Firefighters needs.

    -- Posted by golfinforfun on Tue, Jul 6, 2010, at 1:33 PM

  • golfin, are you nuts? So someone can be killed next time?

    -- Posted by Moanah on Tue, Jul 6, 2010, at 5:40 PM

  • I know these guys and hope they make a full recovery. Hope the rest of the guys on the department get the support as well.

    -- Posted by firecat on Tue, Jul 6, 2010, at 10:01 PM

  • Happy to hear the guys are doing ok, glad it wasn't worse!

    -- Posted by Moanah on Wed, Jul 7, 2010, at 4:52 PM
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