Spectators of the 49th annual Macy's 4th of July fireworks show were wowed by explosions that looked like a waterfall cascading from the Brooklyn Bridge into the East River. Getty Images Independence ...

A behind-the-scenes look at fireworks displays and the safety reasons certain shells aren’t used, highlighting careful planning and expert handling.

In the middle of Lake Union sits a grayish barge, framed by Seattle’s skyline and cloudy skies. The vessel’s surface appears unassuming, but on the inside lies almost 11,000 pounds of fireworks.

BAY CITY, MI – No injuries were reported early Friday, July 4, when a trailer of fireworks caught fire, prompting some of the explosives to ignite. Sparks from shells that ignited during the Thursday, ...