WASHINGTON — A Pennsylvania pyrotechnics company is preparing to stage what organizers say will be the largest fireworks display ever attempted as the United States marks the 250th anniversary of its independence on Saturday, with more than 850,000 pyrotechnic effects planned over the nation's capital.
New Castle, Pennsylvania-based Pyrotecnico will produce the 40-minute display as the centerpiece of the federal government's "Salute to America" Freedom 250 celebration on the National Mall. Company executives said the show is intended to surpass the current Guinness World Record for the largest fireworks display.
Stephen Vitale, Pyrotecnico's chief executive officer, said the company plans to launch more than 850,000 pyrotechnic devices from 10 locations across Washington during the performance. The display will involve launch sites on land and barges positioned on the Potomac River, according to the company.
Pyrotecnico, a fifth-generation family-owned business whose roots date to Italy in the late 19th century, said it secured the contract through a competitive bidding process and has spent months coordinating with federal agencies, including the National Park Service, U.S. Secret Service, Federal Aviation Administration and U.S. Coast Guard.
Company officials said about 75 crew members, assisted by specialists from several countries, have been working in Washington ahead of the event. The production required dozens of tractor-trailers to transport fireworks and equipment to the capital, making it the largest project in the company's history.
The fireworks display forms part of nationwide celebrations commemorating the nation's semiquincentennial. Organizers have said the performance is designed to exceed the existing Guinness record established in the Philippines in 2016. Guinness World Records has not announced whether an official adjudication will take place during the event.
The event is taking place amid an intense heat wave affecting much of the eastern United States. Authorities have urged attendees to take precautions against high temperatures, while the National Park Service has warned that smoke from the unusually large fireworks display could temporarily reduce air quality following the show.
As of Saturday, organizers were proceeding with plans for the evening display, which is scheduled to conclude the official Independence Day celebration in Washington.
