ATF demonstrates human - illegal fireworks interactions

Photographer Steven H. Robinson attended an ATF demonstration in Seattle on Wednesday. The purpose of the demonstration was to illustrate what happens to the human body when it is too close to various illegal fireworks.

Text and photos by Steven H. Robinson

ATF’s Explosives Enforcement Officer Brennan Phillips provided demonstration of various illegal explosives (non-legal / non-safe and sane fireworks). 

The demonstration used plywood cutouts of humans to show the devastation which can be caused by such illegal items.

The demonstration started with flash poster items and proceeded up to mortar shells as used in authorized public displays that are licensed by state and federal agencies that you would see in your local public displays.

The photos show the explosion and the damage that inappropriate use can cause from different types of explosives.