The Event Safety Podcast

Episode 120 - The Pyro Pod

Episode Summary

It is fireworks season! Danielle sits down with Ryan Abel, a fireworks and FX designer and pyrotechnic specialist. This in-depth chat covers pyro from design to operations, including budget, AHJs, permits and safety protocols. Site selection, weather, and show-stop criteria each get real-world treatment, including stopping a show mid-performance when winds spiked unexpectedly. The discussion goes into the reputational stakes when incidents go viral, performer and audience clearances in entertainment pyro settings, the role of spotters, and the early-stage challenges of combining drone shows with fireworks.

Episode Notes

It is fireworks season! Danielle sits down with Ryan Abel, a fireworks and FX designer and pyrotechnic specialist. This in-depth chat covers pyro from design to operations, including budget, AHJs, permits and safety protocols.

Site selection, weather, and show-stop criteria each get real-world treatment, including stopping a show mid-performance when winds spiked unexpectedly.  The discussion goes into the reputational stakes when incidents go viral, performer and audience clearances in entertainment pyro settings, the role of spotters, and the early-stage challenges of combining drone shows with fireworks.

Guests:

Ryan Abel | Fireworks and FX Designer, Pyrotechnic Specialist

Hosts:

Danielle Hernandez (host)

Show Notes:

NFPA 1123 (outdoor displays) | https://www.nfpa.org

NFPA 1126 (proximate pyrotechnics) | https://www.nfpa.org

Contact Danielle | podcast@eventsafetyalliance.org