Washington lights up with historic fireworks for U.S.'s 250th anniversary

Washington D.C. marked the United States' 250th Independence Day with a spectacular fireworks show, billed as the largest in the capital's history. The celebration on Sunday morning featured around 850,000 pyrotechnic projectiles launched from 10 sites, including the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and barges on the Potomac River.

The 40-minute display, twice the usual length, was part of the "Freedom 250" events organized by an entity created by the White House. Organizers, backed by the Trump administration, aimed to make the event a world record.

"This is not simply another Independence Day. It is the 250th anniversary of the United States. And history only happens once," stated Danielle Alvarez, an advisor for Freedom 250.

The festivities, however, were overshadowed by a severe heatwave gripping 70% of the country, with Washington experiencing temperatures reaching 39 degrees Celsius (102 degrees Fahrenheit). Major events like traditional parades in the capital and Philadelphia were canceled due to extreme heat alerts. Concerns were also raised about air quality, with internal documents from the National Park Service warning of dangerous pollution levels and "very unhealthy" conditions around the National Mall, potentially causing irritation for attendees for up to six hours after the show.

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This is not simply another Independence Day. It is the 250th anniversary of the United States. And history only happens once.