2025 Fireworks Incident

Updates: 

7/15/25 – Results: Safe Drinking Water Confirmed

July 4th Fireworks Incident: Water Quality Remains Safe

In light of community concerns surrounding the July 4th fireworks barge incident in Incline Village, the Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID) would like to provide a detailed update on the proactive water quality monitoring that has taken place – and to reassure the public that our drinking water remains safe and unaffected.

Proactive Monitoring Before the Holiday

Ahead of the planned Fourth of July fireworks display, IVGID developed a non-regulatory water quality monitoring plan specifically targeted at detecting perchlorate – a chemical found in fireworks that can be of concern for public drinking water systems. The plan called for water sampling both before and after the fireworks display at key locations near IVGID’s lake water intake: Ski Beach and Burnt Cedar Beach. 

Adjusted Response After the Incident

When the fireworks barge unexpectedly sank into the lake before the show began, IVGID quickly adapted its monitoring plan. In addition to the baseline samples taken on July 2, samples were collected around midday on July 4 and again on the morning of July 7. A final round of sampling was conducted on July 11.

All water samples were sent to a third-party laboratory in Reno, which then forwarded the perchlorate samples to an out-of-state lab for specialized analysis.

 Results: Safe Drinking Water Confirmed

As of July 14, 2025, IVGID has received lab results from all samples collected prior to July 11. The outcome: all results were non-detect for perchlorate, meaning the chemical was not present above the detection threshold of 0.50 µg/L (micrograms per liter). These results have been shared with all relevant regulatory agencies.

IVGID will update the community once the July 11 results are received.

Our Commitment

The safety and quality of our community’s drinking water is IVGID’s highest priority. We will continue to monitor, report, and communicate transparently with residents and regulatory partners as part of our commitment to environmental stewardship and public health.

Thanks to Our Partners

We extend sincere gratitude to all responding agencies involved in the July 4 response. Their swift and coordinated action – particularly the successful removal of most of the explosives from the sunken barge early that morning – helped mitigate any potential impact to our public drinking water system. 

If you have questions about our water quality monitoring program, please contact IVGID Public Works by using the Contact Us form on our website.

7/11/25- Ski Beach Boat Ramp is OPEN!

7/11/25 – Hermit Beach is OPEN!

7/6/25 – Hermit Beach remains closed. You may get your stored watercraft and launch at Ski Beach in the non-motorized watercraft area. 

7/9/25 – Red, White & Tahoe Blue II, also known as Incline Fireworks Statement:

While under the coordinated efforts of North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD), Washoe County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), and Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID), a little over 95% of the 1,270 fireworks intended for the July 4th Fireworks event are believed to have been successfully recovered. The current inventory is identified in the table below.

Much of the recovered fireworks was transported out of Incline Village on July 4th, in full compliance with strict DOT regulations. Fireworks recovered after July 4th have been released to the WCSO Bomb Squad for safe disposal.

Less than 60 shells remain unaccounted for. Video footage from the Washoe County Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) team suggests that many of these are submerged near the barge location. The recovery of the submerged barge and fireworks is ongoing. This area remains off-limits to anyone other than authorized recovery team members.

Important Notice: ATF Involvement
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is involved in the investigation. The ATF investigates such incidents due to public safety concerns surrounding the possible misuse of explosives. The ATF may offer rewards for information that leads to the arrest of persons responsible for thefts and possession of these explosives. Violation of these laws may subject the offender to felony criminal prosecution.

Community Assistance Requested
Incline Fireworks is asking community members to help in the recovery efforts. If you come across any fireworks or debris related to the July 4th incident, please:

• Do not touch what appears to be fireworks or the tubes.
• Take a photo of the item.
• Note the exact location.
• Call the recovery hotline at (775) 241-8572.
• In case of an emergency, call 911.

Click here for the link to photos and recovery breakdown

7/6/25- Red, White & Tahoe Blue II, also known as Incline Fireworks Statement:

7/6/25 – Both Incline and Ski Beach (including the Boat Ramp) will be OPEN from dawn to dusk!

7/6/25 – Incline Spirits is hosting Music on the Beach featuring the band “Jacked Up” who was initially scheduled for the 4th of July.

7/6/25 – Hermit Beach will remain closed until further notice.

7/5/25: The Boat Ramp, Ski, Hermit Beach, and Incline Beaches will remain closed for safety reasons until further notice.

7/5/25: Burnt Cedar will be open from 7:00 am – 8:00 pm

7/5/25: IVGID GM Statement

Re: IVGID GM Statement Regarding Fireworks Barge Incident on July 4, 2025:

We understand that this Fourth of July was not what many of you anticipated. The cancellation of the fireworks and the temporary closure of the boat ramp, Incline and Ski Beaches were difficult decisions, but they were made with one priority in mind: the safety of our community.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our local authorities for their prompt and effective response to the fireworks barge incident that occurred in the early hours of July 4th. Their swift actions not only ensured public safety but also demonstrated their strong commitment to protecting our local environment. We are truly thankful for their professionalism and dedication.

Today, our staff, in coordination with local agencies, is continuing efforts to secure the affected area, recover materials, and reduce any potential environmental impact. These steps are critical before we can safely reopen the beaches and boat ramp. Please know that we are working diligently to make that happen as quickly as possible.

Despite these challenges, we hope you were still able to enjoy the festive events throughout Incline Village and Crystal Bay this past week, honoring our local heroes. We trust you made meaningful memories with your friends, family, and neighbors.

Thank you to all community members for your continued patience, understanding, and support as we respond to this unexpected situation. Your cooperation helps keep our community safe and strong.

Respectfully,

Robert “Bob” Harrison

General Manager, Incline Village General Improvement

7/4 Updates: 

7/4/2025 Joint Agency Press Release

7/4/2025: Burnt Cedar Beach is closing at 8:00 pm

Fireworks are canceled

Due to damage sustained on the fireworks barge during last night’s storm, the 2025 Incline Village fireworks show has been canceled.

Out of an abundance of caution, Incline and Ski Beaches are closed until further notice while community partners assess the situation and develop a recovery plan.

Your Safety is our top priority.  Please stay tuned for updates through official channels.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.