Nothing compares with the rush of hand-lighting fireworks.

At least that’s what James Irby believes. He has sky-dived and bungee-jumped, but says he would choose the thrill of lighting a firework any day.

"It’s indescribable," said Irby, of Altavista. "There’s nothing like it."

Hand-lit firework shows are quickly being replaced by electrical ones, even though Irby would prefer the adrenaline rush of the lit ones.

Irby worked as the lead shooter for Pyrotecnico at The Roanoke Times Music for Americans’ fireworks show Friday night. Pyrotecnico has put on the fireworks show for the last 10 years.

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