Extra precautions taken for Indianapolis fireworks display - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Safety is a big concern as Indianapolis prepares for the Freedom Blast Fourth of July celebration downtown.

At the American Legion Mall, organizers were busy Wednesday afternoon setting up for the show, which is expected to attract up to 200,000 people. The fireworks will be launched from the top of the Regions Bank Building Wednesday night.

While some communities have canceled their shows, this one is definitely a "go." The fire marshal has been in contact with Zambelli Internationale, the company that puts on the display, and they say it's business as usual.

"If it stays calm like this we're really gonna be safe because everything comes right directly back down as far as ashes. If the wind blows they could carry them farther. With ATF regulations you're supposed to have a 500-foot-diameter circle - that's from ground level firing. We're already 300 feet above that so our circle is like 800 feet instead of the 500 feet so we've really got good safety clearance here," said John Maxwell, lead pyrotechnician for Zambelli Internationale.

"The professional displays fall under a completely different dynamic than someone just setting off fireworks in a dry grassy area in their backyard," said Capt. Rita Burris with the Indianapolis Fire Department, noting the professional displays "have the support of the fire department."

Like years past, the fireworks will be launched from the top of Region's Bank building.

"We're on top of the roof - there's nothing to burn on top of the building," said Maxwell.

Plus, he noted there will be firefighters on the roof, on the ground and spotting from the top of other buildings. As for embers landing and sparking fires, he said, "By the time they get to the ground level, they should be entirely burned out, just an ash or piece of paper or string but burned out."

The downtown show begins at 10:00 pm. and will last about 18 minutes.

The heat is actually more of a concern than any danger of fireworks sparking fires.

"This year I think the main concern is the high heat we're gonna be experiencing late at night. We are expecting a large crowd of people downtown so we will be having additional EMS folks on foot, on bikes, additional ambulance personnel. EMS will have them stationed downtown," said Capt. Burris.

Another big change this year: for the first time, there will be a beer garden on the American Legion Mall. Children will be allowed in, but they will be checking IDs and giving wristbands to people over 21.

Although a cold beer might sound like a good idea, Capt. Burris says not to overdo it. Drinking water or Gatorade will help keep you hydrated, but go easy on alcoholic drinks.

The only thing that would stop Wednesday night's show is lightning or high winds, which are not in the forecast. Even with rain, which is not expected, the show will go on.