An unauthorized fireworks display set off from Lehighton Area School District’s lower fields on Saturday night has district officials eyeing ways to curb similar activity in the future.

Justin Smith, Lehighton’s director of buildings and grounds, said someone accessed the property and lit fireworks in a field to the south of the administration building and east of the high school.

“There were 18 canisters with the largest one featuring about 288 fire holes,” Smith said. “This was no little display.”

Lehighton Fire Department was called and responded to the scene.

“After the fireworks were shot off, there were some fires burning in the cardboard boxes,” Smith added. “We’re not 100% sure how they got the fireworks onto the property, whether they walked them over or drove. The bottom line is that they don’t belong here.”

One of the biggest concerns, Smith said, was the direction in which the fireworks were set; toward Lehighton’s athletic stadium and toward Ninth Street.

“We have heard that someone’s windshield was blown out as a result of this,” Jack Corby, Lehighton’s acting superintendent, said. “That is very dangerous. When you’re driving along and your windshield is blown out, it’s a very, very big hazard.”

Saturday’s show wasn’t the first time fireworks have been found on district property.

“Our turf field had a burn mark last year and we were not really sure how that happened until our crew cut the grass in the surrounding fields and found remnants of fireworks then as well,” Smith said. “There is no way to say for sure that fireworks caused that mark last year, but I believe they did.”

Board President Jeremy Glaush credited the district staff for its response and handling of the situation.

“In future years, maybe we can have a discussion with the police department and ask them to take a couple rides through the property in an effort to help deter this activity,” Glaush said.