"It is believed the victim was clearing one of the devices used for the display when the device exploded," a Ravalli County Sheriff's office press release said.

"It's tragic. There is a lot of power in one of the rounds," said Undersheriff Kevin McConnell said.

The bomb squad was called in from Missoula after the casualty to ensure there were no other unexploded rounds, according to McConnell.

An unexploded round is known as a "sleeper," meaning it is still live and in the tube.

"The shells are electronically ignited and once that happens any spark can ignite it," McConnell explained.

Static electricity, friction or a slow burning fuse can detonate the firework, he said.

"Even as a dud they are pretty volatile," he said.

The incident is still under investigation by Hamilton police, the Sheriff's office and the Missoula County Sheriff's office bomb squad.

Montana State Fire Marshal Dick Larson is expected to assist in the investigation because it had to do with pyrotechnics, according to McConnell.

American Legion Post 47 coordinator Red Caldwell, in charge of organizing the show, was just leaving the Ravalli County Fairgrounds Monday night when he heard a loud explosion and a large display.

"I thought it was just a late round. They have those sometimes," he said.

Caldwell didn't know about the fatal accident until Tuesday morning.

Northwest Display Fireworks out of Arlee has been putting on the display for a number of years, according to Caldwell.

Efforts to reach the fireworks contractor for additional information were unsuccessful Tuesday.

The fireworks are launched from the northwest corner of the horse track.

Reporter Timothy Mitchell can be reached at 363-3300 or tmitchell@ravallirepublic.com

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