MARQUETTE, MI-- The owner of the company that set off Marquette’s ill-fated Fourth of July fireworks display has apologized for the debacle.
Bruce Tyree co-owns Great Lakes Fireworks, whose display was cut short this year when a fire burned a main cable connected to most of the pyrotechnics. The fire then spread and safety concerns prompted officials to stop the show.
In a letter to Marquette Area Fireworks Committee chair Tom Baldini, Tyree says he and the crew are deeply remorseful over the incident. He says the committee will not be charged for any of the fireworks used and he will refund $20,000. The remaining money will be used to cover crew wages and a portion of other costs.
Tyree says his pyrotechnicians have a deep sense of pride in making shows successful and safe. He says they’re sorry they failed to perform a service Marquette paid for on such a celebrated time of year.