Fireworks Cause Blaze At NJ Baseball Stadium

LAKEWOOD, NJ — Sparks from the postgame fireworks caused a blaze at the Jersey Shore BlueClaws stadium Monday night, sending smoke billowing but causing no injuries.

The fire started less three minutes into the July 4 fireworks display, when sparks landed in shrubs behind the centerfield wall, said Greg Giombarrese, communications manager for the Jersey Shore BlueClaws.

He said the fire happened in an area that is always cleared by staff members after the seventh inning of games where the fireworks display is held, so there were no fans in the area when the sparks fell.

"As per standard procedure for all of our fireworks nights, Lakewood Fire Department and the Ocean County Fire Marshal were on site. They acted quickly and extinguished the fire in a safe manner," he said.

The club, the High-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, holds several fireworks nights scattered throughout the team's season, including the July 4 display.

"We thank the Lakewood Fire Department and the Ocean County Fire Marshal for continuing to help make the BlueClaws experience a safe night out for friends and family," he said.

Michael Piscetelli, who was attending the game, said the fireworks display resumed after the fires in the shrubs were extinguished.