Fireworks Didn’t Damage West Virginia Capitol Dome

August 7, 2014

An architectural firm says an inspection of the West Virginia Capitol’s dome didn’t find any damage from fireworks shows during last year’s celebration of the state’s 150th anniversary.

Thousands of fireworks were shot over the dome during the three-day celebration.

Swanke Hayden Connell Architects says in a report that the inspection found “selected areas of deterioration.” The report attributes the damage to weathering and possible impact from wind-blown dirt particles.

The firm didn’t recommend any touch-up gilding.

The Charleston Gazette says the Department of Administration released the report Tuesday.

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin moved up a scheduled 10-year inspection of the dome after concerns were raised that the 2013 pyrotechnics might have damaged it.