Misfired firework sends flames, embers into the sky at Bradley Fair, battalion chief says

A misfire during a fireworks show at Bradley Fair caused some panic after a tree on the pond island caught fire and sent flames and embers up into the sky Thursday night.

“Then the flames just got higher and higher, and soon they were above the trees,” Kim Rosen said.

Rosen, her husband and two other couples went to Newport Grill to listen to the jazz concert and watch the fireworks show, which was sponsored by Bradley Fair. Many others were in attendance as well. As the flames and embers rose, the emcee of the concert and Newport Grill wait staff asked people on the patio to evacuate, Rosen said.

Newport Grill owner Noah Ranovish said the fire was put out quickly. Ranovish said he personally didn’t ask anyone to leave and, on the fire department’s advice, didn’t evacuate the restaurant or patio, but he said he couldn’t speak for what his staff said.

It “looked worse than it really was,” said Wichita fire battalion chief Jose Ocadiz. He said the misfire caused an evergreen tree on the island in the pond to catch fire. Evergreens go up quickly in flames, he said, but it was just the one tree and the fire didn’t spread.

Ocadiz guessed the flames reached 20 feet in the air. He said there was little concern about injuries or building damage since the fire was contained to the island. Firefighters, including Ocadiz, were already on scene, as usual for fireworks shows.

He said they used an aerial platform with a bucket and ladder to go above the flames and douse them out.

The fireworks were being shot from North Bradley Fair Parkway, where firefighters were set up as well. Ocadiz said the fireworks show started around 9:30 p.m. and the flames started just a few minutes into it.

In an emailed statement, Bradley Fair said it takes the safety of its guests very seriously.

“Bradley Fair fireworks is a tradition loved by our community,” the statement says. “We take the safety of our guests very seriously and have protocols and plans in place to ensure the celebration remains safe for our guests. The fire on the island was put out swiftly and we are grateful to the Wichita Fire Department for their quick action.”

This story was originally published June 30, 2023 at 10:21 AM.