Hundreds gather for Franklin fireworks

While some fireworks shows are canceled, that was not the case Tuesday night in Franklin, where undreds of people gathered for the town’s annual fireworks celebration.

The city’s Parks & Recreation Department planned for the celebration all year. And because of the extreme dry conditions, Franklin fire crews worked up to the very last minute to ensure the celebration ended without random fires.

Up and down several tree lines, Franklin firefighters were busy working, watering down the woods to prevent fire.

"The area around where all the fireworks are being set up we want to make it good and wet," said Holly Johnston with Franklin Parks & Recreation.

Even before the fireworks were set off, Franklin firefighters watered down the dry vegetation as a preventative measure.

"There’s a lot of underbrush and stuff in there that's actually difficult to get to, so to prevent any leaves, any underbrush, we’re just going to go and pre-wet it, just taking it one step further," said Franklin Fire Deputy Chief James Reese.

Hundreds of people gathered to watch the city’s annual Fourth of July celebration. Some spectators said they thought this year was the hottest for the event, which is in its 10th year.

"I’d say it is one of the hottest because I’m 70 years old, I’ve lived here and it is one of the hottest," said Susie Ehrgott of Franklin.

She said while crews were looking out for the vegetation, she was taking care of herself in the extreme heat.

"Hydrate good, drink a lot of water, Gatorades, not much sodas," she said.

Park officials said they just want to have the upper hand.

"We’ve just tried to cover all of our bases, just to make sure that we’ve done everything we can to prevent anything bad from happening," said Johnston.

Franklin Park officials said medics and fire trucks were strategically placed around the park to respond to any fires or medical emergencies.