Fireworks At Nationals Park To Resume After Halted By Fire Chief

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- The ban on fireworks at Nationals Park was lifted Monday evening. The pyrotechnics will continue to be fired from the roof behind home plate despite statements by DC Fire & EMS Chief Dennis Rubin just a few hours earlier that "it's probably going to have to be moved".

Chief Rubin was with his grandson in Section 130 along the first base side at Sunday's game against the Mets when debris from fireworks fell on him during the National Anthem. Rubin says that shouldn't happen, and he ordered the immediate halt of all fireworks at the stadium.

In testimony before the DC City Council Monday afternoon, and in interviews with reporters, Chief Rubin indicated there needed to be a greater safety zone to protect fans from falling fireworks debris. The fireworks launching area had previously been moved from the scoreboard because of similar problems. The chief said a person was slightly burned by falling debris at the ball park last year.

In his testimony before the Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary Rubin told Chairman Phil Mendelson, "To launch those types of devices over the heads of literally hundreds if not thousands is probably going to have to change."

Rubin talked with reporters about the Nationals possibly moving the fireworks to the barge on the Anacostia normally used for the more extensive displays during Friday evening games.

But in a written statement issued Monday evening under Chief Rubin's name, confirmation came that the fireworks will continue to be fired from the roof, with modifications. According to the press release, "The District of Columbia Fire and EMS Department met with the Washington Nationals to identify additional measures to ensure spectator safety during pyrotechnic activities at Nationals Park. These new measures will be put in place to serve as an additional layer of protection to reduce debris when fireworks are used ...".

When asked for details on this "additional layer of protection" a department spokesperson said it involves altering the firing angle and changing the material that is being fired.

In his interviews earlier in the day Rubin denied a report by Washington City Paper reporter Jason Cherkis that the chief had a run in with Nationals officials and had to pull rank saying, "Do you know who I am?" Rubin says it didn't happen that way.

The fireworks displays are scheduled to return for Tuesday evening's game against the Cincinnati Reds.