
Noah Stahlecker for the Criterion
On Friday, Aug. 16, the second day of the 51st annual Palisade Peach Festival came to a close with a fireworks show.
The fireworks were supposed to be the highlight of the event, with many vendors and performing artists trying to hype up the crowd.
Noah Stahlecker for the Criterion
Towards the end of the fireworks show, however, a fire started on the hillside. Although small at first, the fire quickly grew within minutes.
By the end of the show, the majority of the hillside that was being used to launch the fireworks was engulfed in flames. Shortly after that, the park was evacuated and attendants were told to leave.
Noah Stahlecker for the Criterion
Noah Stahlecker for the Criterion
The quick action of both the Palisade police department and the fire department allowed the park to be evacuated in under 20 minutes from when the fire first started.