Arlington Heights police and firefighter/paramedics responded about 9:50 PM Saturday to 2200 West Euclid Avenue Arlington Heights, IL. Police and firefighter/paramedics received a report of a structure fire on the race track grounds. Firefighters requested the show stop so that they could safely enter the area.
Firefighters were requested to enter the park by Ditka’s, but extra equipment was held up as firefighters discovered they could extinguish the fire with equipment already on scene. Every year there is fire equipment already standing by for any possible fires caused by the fireworks.
Firefighters on scene discovered they have a trailer fire, not a building fire.
The fire was reported extinguished by 9:55 p.m.
There are reports of some disgruntled people leaving the area before the finale at about 10:01 p.m.
The fireworks resumed about 10:15 p.m. and the grand finale just ended at 10:31 p.m.
Pictures posted on Twitter show that the fire was obviously visible to people sitting in the grandstand, and was burning while fireworks were still ongoing. The fire appeared to be behind the Tote Board — possibly more toward the west side of the infield.
Arlington Park giving a whole new meaning to "fire" works. The show will go on, however. pic.twitter.com/OW9iDJnWOS
— Ryan Parks (@rjp11) July 5, 2015
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Fire at @Arlington_Park during fireworks oh no!!! pic.twitter.com/y88Q4zB3e1
— Simone Elkeles (@SimoneElkeles) July 5, 2015
Our fireworks show will resume shortly. Thank you for your patience as we work to provide a safe yet spectacular experience for everyone.
— Arlington Intl. (@Arlington_Park) July 5, 2015
@Arlington_Park Fireworks were amazing! Ended with a bang! Worth the wait! 🎉 pic.twitter.com/w0R3rKoion
— Tracy (@tracy80s2003) July 5, 2015
A small fire of debris in the infield caused a delay in the fireworks. Thanks for your patience as the show built to a spectacular finale.
— Arlington Intl. (@Arlington_Park) July 5, 2015
This show sure was worth the wait. #ThisisArlington pic.twitter.com/KQwchIJg0m
— Arlington Intl. (@Arlington_Park) July 5, 2015