Annual fireworks display sparks fire in RiverWalk Park

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The annual fireworks display at River Walk Park in Bakersfield went down in history with a spectacular grand finale at 9 p.m. Then the fire started about a minute later.

“I was honestly a little nervous because the fire was spreading so fast,” Suarez said. “I was like, ‘OK, this is not fun anymore.’ I was like, ‘OK, maybe we should get out of here.’”

Suarez came to the River Walk Fourth of July party with her family to enjoy the incredible show in 98-degree heat. They also watched the final fireworks show that began across the street from them on the banks of the Kern River. “It was obvious that it was going to happen because it’s really dry,” Suarez said.

She wasn't the only one expecting a fire hazard. A ranger on site told 17 News that the annual fireworks show is launched from Aera Park to create a buffer zone from the flames and spectators in case of a fire. He was right.

“There were fireworks that went off a little low,” Suarez said.

The fire broke out around 9:16 p.m. Firefighters arrived about 5 minutes later. The fire was extinguished shortly after at 9:24 p.m. No injuries were reported.

“Be careful. Stay safe, everybody. July 4th is kind of fun, but when things happen, you have to take a step back,” Suarez said.