See His Display In La Crescent July 4th

Ah, the 4th of July: favorite holiday of patriots and pyros alike.

Wanna get in on the action yourself? Well, we interviewed Robert Hutchins of hutchfx.com, a professional pyrotechnician for films, TV commercials and the military. He learned us a thing or two about just what it takes to light these bad boys off yourself; you can catch his show on the 4th in La Crescenta, at Crescenta Valley High School.

Wanna find a show near you? Go HERE.

24|7: What's your favorite part of putting on a fireworks show?
Hutch: I have so many friends who like to come out and do it--it's a social event. In looking back over the years my favorite thing is hearing the audience's reaction...even in goggles and a motorcyle helmet and earplugs (for safety), with explosions right next to me--despite all the noise and the fumes and the chaos you still hear the audience ooing and aahing. To me that’s a tremendous rush.

24|7: If someone wanted to become a fireworks professional, what steps would they have to take?
Hutch: Lots...it's difficult to get a license. You need five letters of recommendation from people who already have licenses and you need to have worked five different shows. Since Sept. 11, I have to have a hazardous materials driver's license and follow specified routes. Everyone who handles firworks has to be processed through the ATF. The best way to start getting involved is to go online and find a fireworks company; you can volunteer for a show.

24|7: What are the potential hazards involved with creating a large-scale fireworks show?
Hutch: Gunpowder is in fireworks, and it's susceptible to heat, shock, static, friction & contamination. So you don’t drop, throw, slide the boxes, or rub 'em on a cat. We treat them like a loaded weapon...no part of your body is gonna slow 'em down. No cellphones, because the electrical igniters can be set off by radio frequencies.

24|7:: How many fireworks does it take to make the average 4th of July show?
Hutch: The average show is 12-15 minutes; our show is actually a little closer to 20 and slightly larger than average. We have around 900 shells.