Provo fire officials to release findings in fireworks error at last July’s Stadium of Fire

Isaac Hale, The Deseret News via AP
The crowd watches as a member of Provo Fire & Rescue searches for an injured person after an errant firework exploded among attendees during Stadium of Fire held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Thursday, July 4, 2024. Several people were injured when fireworks misfired and struck members of the audience inside the football stadium, police said.Nearly eight months after an apparent firework mishap left several people injured during a Stadium of Fire performance at LaVell Edwards Stadium last July, Provo Fire & Rescue is ready to release its investigation findings.
The incident occurred after a line of F-35 jets flew over the annual Fourth of July celebration, when around 18 people in the east section of the stadium reportedly were struck by fireworks, according to organizers with America’s Freedom Festival, which produces the show.
Shortly after the incident, Provo City Fire Marshal Lynn Schofield said the fire department had launched an investigation into what caused the incendiary accident.
At the time, officials said those who were injured received medical care and were quickly discharged, though the extent of those injuries was not disclosed.
Schofield also said it was possible there were others aside from the 18 who may also have been impacted by the errant fireworks.
In an interview with KUTV, Schofield confirmed that Kansas-based Stellar Fireworks was hired to produce the pyrotechnics show, had been a partner with the festival for years and was known for having a good reputation.
Regardless, he previously told the Daily Herald all factors would be considered amid their investigative process.
“We’re going to look at the folks who set up the show. We’re going to look at the device that failed,” Schofield told the Daily Herald last July. “And those are two principal things we’re looking at. Is it a problem with the device, or is there a problem with how it was set up, or is it a combination of the two?”
Provo Fire & Rescue has prepared a final report from the investigation and is set to revealed it Wednesday, Provo City officials announced in a press release Monday morning.