A coastal town’s annual fireworks show for the Fourth of July was canceled after a barge fire in the middle of the night, as officials ask the public for help in the investigation.
The Marblehead Fire Department and the Marblehead Harbormaster responded to the fireworks barge on fire at the mouth of the harbor early Thursday morning.
As a result of the barge fire, the fireworks show for Thursday night was canceled.
“We are very sorry to have to announce that the Marblehead Fireworks and Harbor Illumination 2024 are not going to be happening this year,” the Marblehead Fireworks Committee said in a statement.
“There was a fire on the barge in the middle of the night, and the cause of the fire has not been determined yet,” the committee added.
The Marblehead Fire Department was asking the public for any photos or videos from the blaze.
“The cause of the fireworks barge fire is currently under investigation,” the fire department posted.
“The Marblehead Fire Department is looking for any pictures or videos from last night’s barge fire at the mouth of the harbor to assist with the investigation,” officials added. “Anyone who has pictures or videos can send them to: [email protected].”
Nobody was on the barge at that time of the fire, and no injuries were reported.
“Again, as a result of this incident, the Fireworks Committee has determined that we are unable to have the fireworks and harbor illumination this year,” the committee wrote. “If you have received any flares from the fire department for the illumination, we ask that you please return them to the fire department at your earliest convenience, so that we can reuse them for next year.”
All other events surrounding the July 4 celebration in Marblehead proceeded as planned.
The committee added, “Notwithstanding this sad situation, we still wish you all a Happy Fourth of July!”
