Barge Facts
Two sand-covered barges anchored 300 metres (1000 feet) from the shore at English Bay will set the stage for the HSBC Celebration of Light.
Why are fireworks fired from a barge?
Barges provide a safe firing location for fireworks. They are flexible, fireproof launching pads, approved and carefully inspected by the Ministry of Natural Resources Canada.
Length of the barge
150 metres (500 feet)
Number of anchors positioning the barge
Six 4-ton anchors
Total amount of sand on the barge
1000 tons. The sand is spread evenly 20 cm (8 inches) deep from one end of the barge to the other. Mortars (the cylinders from which the fireworks are launched) are then planted into the sand.
Facilities
The barge is equipped with a firing booth, sheds for storing mortars and supplies as well as three trailers: one housing a kitchen and dining room, one with showers and bathroom facilities, and the third housing an office and broadcasting facilities (for the music).
Access
The only way to get to the barge is via water – usually in a tugboat. The crew is picked up each morning at the Vanier Park launching ramps and taken out to the barge and returned to shore each evening. Only authorized visitors are allowed on the barge.
Work schedule
Each of the three competing teams is given three days to set up the barge for their individual shows. It also takes three days to prepare the barge for the grand finale. Generally, the work schedule consists of 12-hour days as follows:
Day 1 -
Preparation of the barge
Placing the mortars in the sand with exact precision
Day 2 -
Loading of bombs (wrapped in plastic) into the mortars
Covering the mortars with foil (to avoid any excessive amount of sparks)
Covering each mortar in its entirety with plastic (in case of inclement weather)
Day 3 -
Wiring the bombs to the firing panels
Double-checking all the firing lines
Number of person-hours involved in setting up each show
Approximately 600 person-hours. It takes a crew of 16 people, three days (12 hours minimum) to prepare the barge for each show.
Number of bombs (shells) in each show
Anywhere from 2,000 to 4,500 bombs, depending on the show.
© 2008 Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society
Suite 1600, 777 Hornby Street. Vancouver, BC V6Z 2T3.
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