Officials with Griffin Fire-Rescue are pleased with the safe outcome of the Fourth of July holiday.

Fire Marshal Capt. Mitchell Cardell reports there were no fireworks-related problems as a result of the annual pyrotechnic presentation in City Park.

Fire personnel were initially concerned with the possibility of fire emergencies due to the drought conditions the area is experiencing.

The concern was not only for the professional fireworks show but for the residents who chose to use the fireworks now legal in Georgia as part of their holiday celebration.

Chief Tommy Jones had expressed concern, saying “amateur fireworks enthusiasts using fireworks in our area do pose a safety concern.”

It is likely that recent rains reduced the risk level for fireworks-related fires.

Following a meeting with city officials in late June, Griffin Fire-Rescue initiated its Incident Action Plan to handle the holiday needs.

Cardell reports Griffin Fire-Rescue utilized a concept known as Fire Task Force Teams inside the park Wednesday night, with each self-supporting unit consisting of rescue technicians, firefighters or safety officers and equipment such as ladder or pumper trucks.

The plan was implemented to address concerns about less-than-rapid response time due to traffic congestion within the park.

Due to a mutual-aid agreement with the Spalding County Fire Department, firefighters with that agency also assisted with personnel and equipment during the annual festivities.