PONTOTOC, Miss. (WTVA) — Firefighters in Pontotoc spent Monday morning burning grass on the lake levee at Howard Stafford Park.
The burning was in advance of the July 4 fireworks show at the park, and it was done to reduce the threat of a fire starting from any fireworks.
"Right now, the county and the city of Pontotoc as well are really in very dry conditions," says Lance Martin, Pontotoc fire chief. "We're just trying to be a little proactive and control this fire, do a controlled burn on it in a controlled setting."
The dry ground provides a perfect setting for a potential fire to spread quickly.
"The fire conditions are very great right now for the entire north half of the state," adds Martin. "The water table is really low compared to what the normal conditions are."
With such a high risk of fire danger, firefighters will be present at the fireworks show with their equipment.
"We'll be out here just as a precaution if anything may arise," adds Martin. "Pyrotechnicians will be at their beck and call and give them any assistance needed."
The fireworks show is expected to start shortly after nightfall on Wednesday.
