A fireworks display near 19 Wing Comox early Thursday morning was not the type of bright lights air traffic controllers were hoping to see.
Lieut. Trevor Reid, public affairs office for 19 Wing Comox, said employees working in the air traffic control tower noticed some flashes being set off at the end of Runway 30 around midnight.
“An aircraft was in the air at the time; the aircraft did a quick flyover to see if it could spot anything. Shortly thereafter a flare was noticed, which was proved to be a firework that was set off to the air,” he explained.
Reid said the fireworks created multiple safety hazards both in terms of the flash and any potential shrapnel that could be launched.
“Of course, during an approach, the pilot needs to have maximum concentration on what he or she is doing, and that bright flash can sometimes destroy the pilot’s night vision,” he added.
Comox Valley RCMP were called to the Point Homes area and did spot a group of people who quickly dispersed. Reid added the police were unable to apprehend any suspects.
He encourages anyone who may spot any suspicious activity in the area to call Comox Valley RCMP immediately.
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