TITLE
Vote to approve a Proximate Pyrotechnic Flame Effect display at Seaforth High School located at 444 Seaforth Rd., Pittsboro, NC 27312 during a football game on October 27, 2023
ABSTRACT
Action Requested:
Vote to approve Proximate Pyrotechnic Flame Effect display at Seaforth High School located at 444 Seaforth Rd., Pittsboro, NC 27312 during a football game on October 27, 2023
Introduction & Background:
North Carolina General Statute 14-410 and 14-413 (Attachment #A) requires that Pyrotechnic displays be pre-approved by the County Board of Commissioners that the display is to be conducted in. Mr. Bryan Jackson, Zambelli Fireworks, has submitted a letter of request (Attachment #B) to conduct a Proximate Pyrotechnic Flame Effect display at Seaforth High School located at 444 Seaforth Rd., Pittsboro, NC 27312 during a football game on October 27, 2023. The actual display operator conducting the displays will be Mr. Bryan Jackson, Zambelli Fireworks, is a NC Licensed Pyrotechnics Display Operator for displays before a proximate audience.
Discussion & Analysis:
Due to the dangerous nature and tragedy at Ocracoke, NC involving Pyrotechnics, the State of North Carolina enacted strict requirements including the licensing of Pyrotechnic Display Operators. Mr. Bryan Jackson, Zambelli Fireworks, has provided the required documentation for review which includes a copy of Mr. Jackson’s., NC Pyrotechnic Display Operators License (Attachment #C), Certificate of Insurance (Attachment #D), and an ATF License/Permit (Attachment #E). Mr. Bryan Jackson, Zambelli Fireworks also submitted a drawing of the areas denoting the required distances from the spectators (Attachment #F and #G). The sizes and types of pyrotechnics to be used were reviewed. Mr. Bryan Jackson, Zambelli Fireworks has met the applicable requirements of the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1126 Standard for the Use of Pyrotechnics Before a Proximate Audience. This standard provides requirements for the safe use of pyrotechnic special effects before a proximate audience at both indoor and outdoor locations to protect property, operators, performers, support personnel, and viewing audiences. Application includes use in conjunction with theatrical, musical, or similar performing arts productions in theaters, stadiums, concert halls, etc. Once notice is received that the County Board of Commissioners has approved the events, the pyrotechnics company representative will be contacted to advise them of the approval and request that they please stay abreast of the conditions at the display sites as the events draws near. If dry and/or windy conditions appear to pose an increased risk to life or property, a Chatham County Fire Marshal’s Office representative will request that the operator contact the firm and/or persons that they have contracted with and advise them of the same. A Chatham County Fire Marshal’s Office representative will also contact the company and/or person and advise them of the same. In the event that conditions continue to exist that pose and elevated and/or increased risk to lives and property due to fire and it is determined that the event may need to be cancelled, the Chatham County Fire Marshal’s Office representative will contact the pyrotechnic company representative and the firm and/or person they have contracted with within a minimum of forty-eight (48) hours prior to the event and advise them of the same. In accordance with the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code an inspection of the display area will be conducted by a Certified NC Fire Prevention Inspector of the Chatham County Fire Marshal's Office prior to the actual display. A piece of fire apparatus and personnel from the North Chatham Volunteer Fire Department will be on-site before, during, and after the display. The Pyrotechnics display may be delayed and or cancelled if weather and/or atmospheric conditions deem the activity to be unsafe. The Chatham County Fire Marshal will conduct a post display inspection of the display areas.
Recommendation:
Motion to approve a Proximate Pyrotechnic Flame Effect display at Seaforth High School located at 444 Seaforth Rd., Pittsboro, NC 27312 during a football game on October 27, 2023