Noxon tradition put on hold

Noxon Fourth of July fireworks cancelled one year after serious injury

The Noxon Volunteer Fire Department has been putting on fireworks for the town's Fourth of July celebration for years; shooting them off from a set of islands in the middle of the reservoir.

For years, the fire department would singlehandedly raise money from the community in order to put on fireworks for the community. Last year, however, the fireworks display went horribly wrong.

On Saturday, July 4, 2009, a crew of seven volunteer fire fighters donned in fire gear, from suits to helmets, headed out to the islands to set up that year's stock of fireworks. It was near the tale end of the show when the average Fourth of July took a turn.

Due to a still-unknown factor, one of the mortars inside a firework blew up inside the tube a mere three-feet from where the fire fighters were standing in what Tony Mascaro, volunteer fire fighter describes as a fortunate incident. Mascaro describes the scene as fortunate because only he was hurt, although severely, by the firework while everyone else on the scene walked away unharmed.

For 13 years Mascaro went out to the island to help set off the fireworks and for many years prior to that the fireworks went off as planned.

Following the freak explosion, Mascaro spent a month in the hospital, lost his right forearm due to the explosion that also shattered his left arm, which doctors were able to save.

One year later, Mascaro continues his duties as a volunteer fire fighter, doing everything he can to help out and continues to stay in remarkably high spirits.

"All in all life is good and I have no cause to be bitter and it was an accident and accidents happen," said Mascaro. "Fortunately no one else was hurt and I'm very thankful for my fellow firefighters because without them I wouldn't be here today because they were quick on their feet, thought fast and knew what to do and saved my life."

Mascaro has learned to adapt to life following his injury and recently received a prosthetic arm, which he is slowly but surely getting the hang of. Mascaro said he is extremely grateful for all of the support he received not only in Noxon, but the entire county following his injury.

"This is a beautiful place to live," said Mascaro.

As for the Noxon fireworks, the whole department unanimously agreed to cancel the fireworks this past Fourth of July.

Despite the cancellation, the town, with Mascaro and his family and friends in attendance, continued to celebrate the Fourth in style. Noxon hosted a parade, games and fun for all residents.

"It was kind of weird yesterday because instead of doing the fireworks we were going to bed," said Mascaro.

Travis Wilson, Fire Chief for the volunteer fire fighters said as of now they do not have any plans to reinstate the Fourth's fireworks, however, it is definitely a possibility that they will bring them back in the future if they are able to get a better setup to set off the fireworks.

"They (fire fighters) all agree it's just not worth it so if they ever do bring them back they will probably hire a professional to come in and do it," said Mascaro. "I'd hate to see a great, fun tradition be dissolved because of me but I also understand the reasons why not to do it."

The volunteer fire department has their annual softball tournament coming up on July 30 and 31 to raise money for their organization. Please contact Travis Wilson for more information on the tournament.