A big Bakersfield fireworks show requires big preparation

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — It's a big night for Bakersfield as it celebrates the Fourth of July. Before those fireworks light up the sky to celebrate the holiday, those behind the annual fireworks spectacular gave 17 News a look at the preparations.

You can't have the big show without big preparation.

"Where else can you play with explosives and be legal?" Zambelli Fireworks' Mark Stoner said.

Stoner is the man behind the pyrotechnics display at the Park at River Walk and says handling explosives of this size takes care.

"They're mortar racks, they're four inch and five inch mortar tubes that shells go in and that's what they pyrotechnic device goes in before we launch them."

The set up is a family affair with three generations, including Stoner's father who taught him. His daughter has also learned the ropes.

"It's a blast, no pun intended it's fun I've been doing it for along time, almost 24 years and we just have a blast," Stoner said.

The most important part is the show going off safely, that's where Bakersfield Fire Department's Ernie Medina comes in.

Medina says the Bakersfield Fire Department plans to be on guard throughout the night due to the fireworks, but prep for a show like this is essential.

"They shoot fireworks everywhere, and you see tonight it'll be kind of crazy, it'll be so crazy that sometimes we can't respond to everything we'll respond to the more critical incidents."

More than 900 shells were set up for the big show. It wasn't easy to put together in blistering heat, but Stoner says when the 15 minute show begins at 9 p.m. it'll all be worth it.

"I can't deny it, I do have the best seat in the house. All my guys agree this is the best seat in the house so we just love it. It's a 15 minute show but it's just fun."