A Wyoming firefighter was injured Wednesday while helping a city prepare for its annual Fourth of July fireworks display.
Eight Torrington volunteer firefighters were loading fireworks into mortar tubes at around 8 p.m. at the city's Pioneer Park when one of the pyrotechnics exploded, according to an online update by the department. That initial explosion led to the entire display igniting at once.
Crews evacuated the area and battled the ensuing blaze caused by the fireworks. Three other volunteer fire departments—Lingle, Yoder and Veteran—assisted with the response.
One firefighter suffered minor injuries in the incident. The first responder was taken to the hospital and later released, according to the department.
The incident caused heavy damage to the department's lower station at the park, according to The Torrington Telegram.