Freedom Fire Burns 76 Acres

The Freedom Fire, started by Cody’s Fourth of July fireworks, burned a total of 76 acres along the north side of the Shoshone River on the evening of July 4. It’s been a few years since the hillside has been set on fire, but in this drier year, it was expected.

Members of the Cody Volunteer Fire Department and the Fire Chief met earlier to develop a game plan for this year’s fireworks. One engine is always stationed down by the river to prepare for any sparks that might jump the river. And engines are placed near the fireworks. Other engines are ready to assist at a moment’s notice.

There is a “kill switch” for the fireworks that can be called if needed. But watching the flames and the wind direction, the call to stop the show never came. Fire crews were kept back from the fires for their safety until the show had finished.

“It’s always a balance, but firefighter safety always comes first. This is the safest location, and we keep close watch each year. We are proud of our Volunteer Fire Department and have faith in our abilities due to the quality of our membership and the fact that we adhere to the same standards as paid departments in terms of training.” said H.R. Coe, Fire Chief.

Location Creates Safety

The fireworks have been set off in this location for decades for a reason. The topography here and the location of the river allow for small, controlled burns. Safety comes from having a contained area and a set time known in advance. That allows the fire department to check the weather and winds prior to the event. “The closest structures in danger were near the Game and Fish building, but that was a mile or two away,” H.R. said. The homes across the river are not in danger – if they were, the show could be canceled or postponed.

Individual sagebrush bushes burn, but there’s not much vegetation. This year, as has happened before, the embers reached the cottonwoods along the Shoshone River, providing the fire with more fuel than usual. The fire was declared contained within a half hour.

In anticipation of regional calls, other trucks and resources were placed at 2AB, in the Trailhead subdivision, along Bighorn Avenue, Skyline Drive with more on the North Fork, South Fork, and the Greybull Highway. Only a few calls for assistance were made this year, down from previous years.

Fireworks Should Continue

While there’s been some talk of canceling the fireworks altogether or switching solely to drone displays, Cody loves its traditions, and the fireworks are still set to continue.

“I think it’s ridiculous to think about getting rid of the fireworks,” said H.R. Coe. No plans are in the works to get rid of the fireworks.

Fireworks Committee Successful This Year

The Fireworks Committee reports a successful fundraising campaign this year.

The ultimate goal is to build a fund to invest so that the interest from those investments covers the cost of the show each year. The fireworks were almost lost once, and this long range planning will assure the funding remains in place for generations to come.

“Cody deserves a fireworks show that reflects the pride and patriotism of this community,” said Quin Blair, Chairman of the Fireworks Committee. “Our goal is to build a sustainable foundation, so this tradition is protected for years to come. We will continue our work to make sure Cody continues to have the kind of Independence Day celebration our community expects and deserves.”

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