For many in the United States on July 4, watching a fireworks show after barbecuing with family and friends is a great way to end the celebration of the day. The dazzling burst and the artistic display of red, white, and blue lights evoke the patriotism of American Independence Day.
However, due to prolonged supply chain disruptions, the skies of a significant number of cities have been darkened for the third consecutive year since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Phoenix, the capital of Arizona, has canceled three fireworks festivals this year because the fireworks were not in time.
"Unfortunately, like many other municipalities, Phoenix is affected by ongoing supply chain problems. City contractors were unable to secure fireworks for the event." Said.
In Ottawa, Kansas, city officials ordered fireworks in February, but they are moored on a ship from China. .. As a result, residents there will enjoy the fireworks show two months later, on Workers' Day instead of July 4.
"There was a supply chain disruption, but lack of access to the port," Larry Farnsworth, head of the National Fireworks Association, told VOA Mandarin.
"We are concerned about shipping costs. Here is an example of one mass importer importing 200-250 containers in a season. 2019 Containers The price was about $ 9,800, but this year it has skyrocketed to about $ 36,000, "he added.
China produces most of the fireworks used in the United States. According to the National Pyrotechnics Association, China provides about 70% of the professional grade fireworks used in fireworks shows. According to Forbes, for commercial products such as sprinklers and bottle rockets, the percentage is up to 94%.
In April and May of this year, China imposed strict COVID-19 blockades in many cities, including Shanghai, causing serious delays in the global supply chain. Exports are piled up in ports amid rising shipping prices and labor shortages. In addition, the crisis in Ukraine has pushed up oil prices, further increasing already high transportation costs.
"Think of what you've experienced in the last 28 months due to supply chain disruptions. I think it's equivalent to one of the most serious earthquakes on the planet, the Chilean earthquake," Nick said. I am saying. Vyas, an associate professor of operations at the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business and a supply chain expert.
"The turmoil we saw (in the supply chain) is comparable. The impact of that turmoil is still there and is felt in various industries. The fireworks industry is no exception." He added.
In other cities, the reason for cancellation is lack of staff.
In Fairfax, Virginia, a city fireworks show was held on July 5th.
"The Fireworks Vendor in Fairfax has canceled the show due to a shortage of qualified fireworks engineers. We signed a new vendor and moved the show on July 5th." Matthew Kaiser, the city government's communication director, told VOA by email.
"We are confident that our show will be more spectacular than ever," he added.
"To be a professional fireworks engineer and shoot a professional show, you are that person," said Larry Farnsworth of the National Fireworks Association.
Must be professionally trained and licensed with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. In addition, you must have a commercial driver's license to handle dangerous goods in order to obtain the product and bring it to the shooting site. ..
The show has been canceled for the past two years due to a pandemic. "A great many people have stopped following the certification," Farnsworth said.
In some western cities, concerns are a threat of wildfires.
In California, the popular Northern California San Joaquin Valley Fireworks Festival has been canceled for the third consecutive year due to drought conditions. In the case of Flagstaff in northern Arizona, the city canceled the fireworks display due to fire concerns, but the laser show follows the annual Downtown Independence Day parade.
USC Vyas said this is a silver lining. These large fireworks shows have many environmental problems. "Therefore, this may be an opportunity for the city to try different kinds of celebrations, not fireworks celebrations," he said.
In cities where the fireworks display is canceled, people are more likely to buy commercial fireworks and celebrate at home. Farnsworth of the National Fireworks Association offers some safety tips.
"Get a bucket of water or a hose nearby. Sparklers can burn at fairly high temperatures, so put them in a bucket when you're done," he said. "And finally, don't mix alcohol and fireworks."
