After a First Night Bradford finale that left spectators and building owners questioning the safety of downtown fireworks, the First Night Bradford Committee is looking at different options to celebrate the start of 2021.

To celebrate the start of 2020, the committee hired a company to shoot a close proximity fireworks show in Veterans Square to accompany the annual gazebo drop at midnight. Unexpectedly, the fireworks were still on fire as they landed on buildings and in the street.

No injuries or major property damage were reported.

On Wednesday, the First Night Bradford Committee released its first statement regarding the incident, in which members explained they “were very disappointed in the finale brought to us by Skylighters Fireworks of Orchard Park, N.Y. This company had excellent credentials — the proper permits and necessary approvals were all completed and approved by the City of Bradford and Fire Chief Eric Taylor.

“We understand the community is concerned, as we were, about the unfortunate situation that happened with the fireworks New Year’s Eve,” committee members said.

They mentioned the process of validating the safety of the show, too.

“We regret what happened, however, Skylighters Fireworks, contracted by us, was fully vetted,” the committed explained. “Fire Chief Eric Taylor has been in close contact with Matt Shaw, the owner of the fireworks company.”

Shaw investigated the cause of the incident and reported to The Era that the fireworks became wet due to the weather. Because they were wet, they took longer to light fully, then continued burning longer than normal into their descent.

The First Night Bradford Committee will be looking at different ways to celebrate at midnight next year.

“Since the welfare and safety of the people in our community is our utmost concern, we will be looking at various options for the finale and ball drop for next year,” the committee members stated.

The First Night Bradford Committee has been hosting alcohol-free New Year’s celebrations in Bradford for more than 20 years, starting with an event Dec. 31, 1997, to mark the start of 1998.

During that time, they have observed the midnight celebration in different ways. The committee welcomed 1998 with a traditional ball drop, followed by a keystone drop in 1999, before organizers eventually settled on the now-familiar gazebo drop. Other spectacles have included light shows or fireworks — shot from elsewhere than Veterans Square.