China fires staff over viral Arc’teryx fireworks in Tibet

Four Chinese employees were fired over a firework display in the Himalayas last month by outdoor clothing brand Arc’teryx, which sparked widespread criticism.

Videos of brightly colored fireworks that apparently resemble a “rising dragon” erupting over a lush Tibetan landscape have sparked environmental concerns and a boycott campaign.

Arc’teryx and Chinese pyrotechnic artist Cai Guo-Qiang, who designed the show, later apologized.

Authorities in the Tibetan town of Shigatse said in a statement on Wednesday that more officials were being investigated and given warnings. They added that Arc’teryx and Cai should provide compensation and help with “environmental restoration.”

Authorities said the fireworks, which lasted nearly a minute and affected about 30 hectares (74 acres) of grassland, caused limited short-term damage, but said further monitoring was needed to assess “ecological risks”.

“The incident created debris from fireworks, plastic debris and other items that were not properly cleaned up,” the statement added.

“The momentary bright light and loud noise produced by the fireworks caused a brief disturbance to wildlife.”

The four officials who were fired included the secretary of the Communist Party of Gyantse County, the head of public security and two high-ranking members of county and city environmental agencies.

The artist who organized the exhibition, Cai, is best known for his role behind fireworks for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He said he would work with Tibetan authorities to help rebuild the area.

Social media users, who said the stunt went against Arc’teryx’s conservation-focused image, called for a boycott of the brand.

Arc’teryx was founded in 1989 and has more than 150 stores worldwide. It is now owned by Hong Kong-listed fitness equipment company Anta Sports.

The company claimed the display was aimed at promoting local mountain culture, but said in its apology that it was “not in line with Arc’teryx’s values”. He also said he used biodegradable materials and would work with an outside agency to assess the project’s impact.