PyroSteve
Member
Long time pyrojunkie from the land of Safe&Sane CA. Sacramento area. I started before "Adult Supervision" became a thing. My first aerial show I worked was over forty years ago and for the last thirty years, I've had a CA Pyrotechnic Operator license. Well over a hundred shows I was responsible for with no fires and no injuries. I dropped the CDL about ten years back, so now I am only needed for one show a year on the Forth of July. I only do hand fired shows, no electric issues to worry about for my crew.
I remember back when we had steel mortars in sandboxes, reloading up to six times during the show. Reloading 3" to 6" shells multiple times for a show. The racks? Yea they had some small paper mortars. Real thick paper and real heavy. The flares? Them buggers would burn forever, even under water. The crap they make us use now is so bad, I won't leave the yard with less than 16 - 20 flares for a 25 minute show with no less than five burning all the time.
I've shot for several companies and was on the Training Staff for a couple of them. I've submitted letters of reference for other folks learning the trade to the authorities. I have worked on the WPA Safety Staff at Western Winter Blast in Lake Havasu numerous times over the years. My most recent convention was at the WPA Do It, which is a manufacturing event. I made a bunch of shells and had a great time.
I'm an old and cranky professional but I still get a twinkle in my eye when I see fireworks light up the sky. I have met so many great people along the way and remain friends with dozens of them.
I have a lot of stories to share when I get some time
Until Then . . . . . .
I remember back when we had steel mortars in sandboxes, reloading up to six times during the show. Reloading 3" to 6" shells multiple times for a show. The racks? Yea they had some small paper mortars. Real thick paper and real heavy. The flares? Them buggers would burn forever, even under water. The crap they make us use now is so bad, I won't leave the yard with less than 16 - 20 flares for a 25 minute show with no less than five burning all the time.
I've shot for several companies and was on the Training Staff for a couple of them. I've submitted letters of reference for other folks learning the trade to the authorities. I have worked on the WPA Safety Staff at Western Winter Blast in Lake Havasu numerous times over the years. My most recent convention was at the WPA Do It, which is a manufacturing event. I made a bunch of shells and had a great time.
I'm an old and cranky professional but I still get a twinkle in my eye when I see fireworks light up the sky. I have met so many great people along the way and remain friends with dozens of them.
I have a lot of stories to share when I get some time
Until Then . . . . . .
