File photo/Don Score An unplanned explosion at the July 4, 2009 fireworks earned the attention of the State Fire Marshall.
An unexpected misfire of a round at the 2009 Independence Day fireworks display in Tofte resulted in a frightening explosion, but no serious injuries. However, the ensuing news coverage, which included video taken on cell phones, garnered the attention of the State Fire Marshal, who recently informed the Tofte Fire Department that there were multiple problems with conducting the volunteer pyrotechnical show. At the Tofte Town Meeting on Thursday, August 13, longtime fireworks volunteer John Nelson told the Tofte Town Board that 2009 may have been the last year for West End fireworks.
Nelson’s revelation came after Supervisor Paul James acknowledged receipt of $500 from the township of Lutsen in support of the West End fireworks display. Tofte resident Jerry Gervais asked if the township wanted to increase the amount it budgets for fireworks. He noted that the township had spent the same amount—$2,500— for many years. James concurred, noting that if the community felt a need for more, the other townships could be asked to contribute more to the Tofte display.
Nelson said the price of the fireworks may be a moot point in light of recent contact from the fire marshal. “With all the new restrictions, we may not be able to do fireworks at all,” said Nelson.
Nelson said according to the fire marshal, the site used for fireworks is too close to homes and businesses. He said for every inch of shell diameter, operators must be 70 feet away. “That’s 380 feet,” he said, noting that there is nowhere on the Tofte bay that would work.
Supervisor D.C. Olsen asked if the fire department would look into another location. Nelson said some volunteers suggested setting the fireworks off at Carlton Peak, overlooking Tofte, but said he doubted that the state would allow that. He added, “In a year that is dry at all—like this year—I would be hesitant to set them off inland.”
County Commissioner Bruce Martinson, on hand to give his county board report, asked if the firefighters had considered setting the fireworks off from the water. Nelson said he wasn’t sure firefighters would want to set off pyrotechnics from a confined space like a barge. He also pointed out that it could be expensive to find a suitable vessel.
Supervisor Paul James asked if the boat landing at Taconite Harbor in Schroeder would meet the distance requirements. Martinson said the town of Schroeder had a fireworks display there in 2002, when the safe harbor was dedicated. The fireworks were set off on Gull Island. “It’s a perfect place,” said Martinson. “There is all kinds of parking there.”
An additional problem, said Nelson, is that there must be someone in the fireworks team with pyrotechnics licensing. “To be a licensed operator, you have to have five years of training. It doesn’t matter that we have been doing this for 32 years. ”
Nelson said licensing could possibly be obtained by one of the experienced volunteers if they attended and assisted with displays in other areas. He said the township could also hire someone with training to oversee future 4th of July events. The board acknowledged that it would be difficult to find someone on the busy Independence Day weekend.
“I’m not saying it’s a done deal,” said Nelson. “But I wanted to let you know what’s going on.”
The board agreed to meet with fire department volunteers to explore options. “Maybe after this runs in the newspaper, someone with fireworks licensing will contact us,” said Supervisor James.
Supervisor Olsen said, “Let’s not give up.”
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