Wayward Fireworks Force Hundreds To Flee Irvine Fourth Of July Show
IRVINE (CBS) — Fourth of July revelers hoping to celebrate the nation's 235th birthday were instead treated to a fiery scare.
A burning ember set some nearby vegetation on fire just ten minutes into Monday night's display at Irvine High School.
The show — which took place at the high school football stadium just off the 5 Freeway — was cut short and an estimated 300 people were ordered to evacuate.
Fortunately, as KNX 1070's Brian Ping reports, the flames were quickly contained and caused no injuries or major damage — except, maybe, to the attendees' holiday cheer.
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"It was a disappointment that the show had to be ended early, but obviously for safety reasons, it was the best end," said Lieutenant Julia Engen of the Irvine Police Department.
Despite the outcome, officials said the event may not have been a total loss.
If the unused fireworks have a decent shelf life, officials said it's conceivable that Irvine could use them in a future show and save some cash.
