No Fireworks for Speedway’s Thrill Show

The fireworks portion of Seekonk Speedway’s Saturday Thrill Show was cancelled due to charges against Central Maine Pyrotechnic, the company hired to do the $10,000 display.

According to WBZ News Radio, state fire officials had suspended the permit of CMP after unexploded fireworks washed up on an Edgartown beach last week. The Massachusetts Fire Marshal said the two dozen "highly hazardous" unexploded firework shells appeared on a beach on Chappaquiddick Island on Wednesday. CMP ran Edgartown's July 4 fireworks display on Tuesday. The Fire Marshal's Office said they believe the shells were “improperly disposed of.”

The State Police Bomb Squad responded to the island on Wednesday afternoon and scooped up the shells, later destroying them. The Fire Marshal suspended Central Maine Pyrotechnics' license to operate fireworks in Massachusetts until a hearing on July 26.

Steven Marson, the president of CMP, noted that unexploded shells are a common occurrence in the industry. He denied any wrongdoing on his company's part. Marson said two hours of heavy downpours before the show caused part of some of the shells to get wet. He said this meant the shells got fired into the air, but never exploded, and fell back into the ocean.

According to the company’s website: “Central Maine Pyrotechnics is Maine’s Number One Fireworks Company doing business in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. We specialize in providing you with a unique pyrotechnics experience for your memorable celebration.”