The Great American State Fair on the National Mall was temporarily closed on Friday because of extreme heat in Washington, D.C. Before the shutdown, 11 people were transported to the hospital, and emergency crews responded to dozens of medical cases.
The fair is part of President Donald Trump’s Freedom 250 events marking America’s 250th Independence Day celebration.
DC Fire and EMS Responded to 44 Patients
According to NBC News, DC Fire and EMS confirmed that before the fair temporarily closed, emergency responders had 44 patient contacts at the event.
Of those cases, 11 people were taken to the hospital for various illnesses and injuries.
Emergency officials said seven of the hospitalized individuals received advanced life support, while four received basic life support.
Heat Illnesses Reported at the Fair
DC Fire and EMS also confirmed to NBC Washington that more than a dozen of the patient contacts were connected to heat illness or heat-related injury.
The dangerous conditions came as Washington, D.C., experienced extreme heat during the holiday celebrations.
The temporary closure was ordered to protect visitors, volunteers, performers, vendors and staff from worsening heat-related risks.
Freedom 250 Says Safety Is Top Priority
Freedom 250 released a statement saying the safety and well-being of every guest is its highest priority during the historic 250th Independence Day celebration.
The organization said it worked closely with several agencies to adjust the event schedule and expand safety measures.
Those agencies included:
- United States Park Police
- National Park Service
- United States Secret Service
- Federal Emergency Management Agency
- Freedom 250
Officials said additional cooling resources, water stations and medical support were being added across the grounds.
Fair Was Expected to Reopen Later Friday
Earlier Friday, Freedom 250 posted a statement on X announcing the brief closure of the fair.
The organization said conditions were expected to improve later in the afternoon and that the fair planned to welcome visitors back at 5:00 p.m.
Preparations were also continuing for the evening’s scheduled festivities.
Fourth of July Events Delayed Due to Heat
The heat also affected other Independence Day events in Washington, D.C.
Saturday’s Salute to America Celebration and Fireworks event was pushed back because of the extreme conditions.
Organizers said the timing changes were meant to help protect public safety while still allowing people to take part in the historic celebration.
Independence Day Parade Canceled
In addition to the fair closure and event delays, organizers of America’s Independence Day Parade canceled a planned parade because of the extreme heat in Washington, D.C.
The cancellation added to the growing list of schedule changes caused by high temperatures during the holiday period.
The Great American State Fair on the National Mall was temporarily shut down Friday after extreme heat led to 44 patient contacts, including 11 hospital transports. DC Fire and EMS said several cases involved heat illness or heat-related injury, with seven people requiring advanced life support and four receiving basic life support.
Freedom 250 and federal agencies responded by adjusting event schedules, expanding cooling areas, adding water stations and increasing medical support. With the Salute to America event delayed and America’s Independence Day Parade canceled, the heat significantly affected Washington, D.C.’s 250th Independence Day celebrations.