Holy smoke

Father Anthony Koppman lights up community festivals with fireworks.

Story and photos by Kate Newsome

The priest wears orange coveralls and a balaclava when praying to St Barbara, patron saint of those who work with fire and explosives: “That everything operates safely, that we bring great joy and happiness to these crowds who gather today.” Father Anthony Koppman makes the sign of the cross – “Amen” – and folds down his face shield and earmuffs. He points a ‘portfire’ (effectively an oversized matchstick) to a snaking fuse.

A firework rockets a hundred metres up. Flash, BANG! Detonations kick like shotguns and reek of black powder. Amid literal fire and brimstone, Fr Anthony and his team members remain composed, igniting their way around the racks. “You feel the rush as they explode. You feel that air moving around you. But you’re in tune with each firework,” says Fr Anthony, better known as ‘Holy Smoke’ in New England, beyond his Catholic parish in Walcha, NSW.