Boom! Confessions of a Fireworks Operator, Every 4th of July, fireworks stream across the sky, thanks to pyrotechnicians like Maziar Momeni, who has been a firestarter since he was 6 years old. A decade ago, the 44-year-old information-technology professional in Virginia started putting on displays for friends and family and now helps a local fireworks company host professional shows around the holidays. He’s almost done with his official certification process.
Momeni says fireworks are hard work, but they never get old. Here, he shares his insights into what it’s really like to be a part of this explosive industry.
We’re scientifically legit
Most states have laws against setting off fireworks. In order to do this legitimately you need to become a certified pyrotechnician and make arrangements with local authorities for most shows. All states are different in their requirements to becoming certified, but most involve multi-year hands-on apprenticeships and knowledge tests to make sure you know your craft. There’s a lot of chemistry, physics — and some legalese — involved.
It can get dicey
I’m not really afraid of blowing off fingers or hands. There’s no doubt this is a dangerous thing to do, but if you mind yourself and treat the explosive with respect you minimize the likelihood of injury.
That said, there are all sorts of horror stories the senior members of the community share. One time, a rack of four-inch shells blew apart and shrapnel started flying everywhere. We were backing away from the spot where things were going sideways and the guy next to me fell down for no apparent reason and needed to be dragged away by a few of us. When the smoke cleared we found he had been hit in the knee by a 4-inch-round piece of wood from the rack. Fortunately he was able to walk away.
We love-hate the holidays
As certified pyrotechnicians, we have to deal with most painfully, missing our loved one’s on special holidays. I haven’t spent a 4th of July relaxing and barbecuing with my family in years! This year, I’ll be working July 3 in my hometown of Front Royal and helping a friend with his show in Charlottesville on the 4th.
Momeni says fireworks are hard work, but they never get old. Here, he shares his insights into what it’s really like to be a part of this explosive industry.
We’re scientifically legit
Most states have laws against setting off fireworks. In order to do this legitimately you need to become a certified pyrotechnician and make arrangements with local authorities for most shows. All states are different in their requirements to becoming certified, but most involve multi-year hands-on apprenticeships and knowledge tests to make sure you know your craft. There’s a lot of chemistry, physics — and some legalese — involved.
It can get dicey
I’m not really afraid of blowing off fingers or hands. There’s no doubt this is a dangerous thing to do, but if you mind yourself and treat the explosive with respect you minimize the likelihood of injury.
That said, there are all sorts of horror stories the senior members of the community share. One time, a rack of four-inch shells blew apart and shrapnel started flying everywhere. We were backing away from the spot where things were going sideways and the guy next to me fell down for no apparent reason and needed to be dragged away by a few of us. When the smoke cleared we found he had been hit in the knee by a 4-inch-round piece of wood from the rack. Fortunately he was able to walk away.
We love-hate the holidays
As certified pyrotechnicians, we have to deal with most painfully, missing our loved one’s on special holidays. I haven’t spent a 4th of July relaxing and barbecuing with my family in years! This year, I’ll be working July 3 in my hometown of Front Royal and helping a friend with his show in Charlottesville on the 4th.
About JULIA
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