‘Ottawa’ Debris From Fireworks to Open Tulip Festival Rains on Spectators at Lansdowne Park
The city received a handful of complaints after hot debris from fireworks rained on people Thursday night at Lansdowne Park.
The bylaw department logged three complaints related to the fireworks, which kicked off the Canadian Tulip Festival.
The fireworks display was approved by Ottawa Fire Services. The fire department reviews the details in an application, including the size of fireworks, minimum spectator distances from firing points and the launch area.
According to fire Chief Gerry Pingitore, the fireworks company must check for debris immediately after the event and the next morning.
“Fireworks companies are aware of their legal obligations, must be certified to operate within the City of Ottawa and are responsible for meeting safety measures,” Pingitore said in an emailed statement.
Postmedia received a call from one spectator who said he received a burn to his leg from a fireworks fragment.
Festival chair David Luxton said one or two people called to mention hot ash falling at Lasndowne during the fireworks, but no one seemed seriously injured.
Luxton said the wind suddenly shifted during the performance and debris fell in unexpected places.
“We’re following up,” Luxton said, noting organizers will review the safety plan with the fire department.
The tulip festival previously held the fireworks at Commissioners Park across from the Dows Lake Pavilion. The festival moved most of its events to Lansdowne this year to reduce the wear and tear at Commissioners Park, Luxton said.