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Golden Fire Department Apologizes For 'Lack Of Communication' After Canceling Fireworks

GOLDEN, Colo. (CBS4) - Some people who were hoping to enjoy the fireworks display in Golden Saturday night were disappointed to find out they were canceled by the fire department.

Golden Fire Department Chief John Bales told CBS4 that because of the strong winds Saturday night there was a potential danger of fireworks landing on people and buildings at the Colorado School of Mines campus.

"We had sustained winds of 17 miles per hour," Bales said. "(The fireworks) would've gone on into the residential hall area, or maybe even a little further east into residential area, and that was not going to be acceptable."

The fire department posted a statement on its Facebook page apologizing for not better communicating that the show had been canceled.

Fireworks
Fireworks that weren't used in Golden (credit: CBS)

"We would like to sincerely apologize for our lack of communication with the public regarding the cancellation of fireworks on July 4th. Our fire department waited as long as they could to see if the winds would die down, but they didn't subside enough to make it safe for the show," the statement said. "That decision was made around 10 p.m. We should have gone through the crowds to keep you all updated on what was going on. For that we apologize, and we promise to do better in the future."

GOLDEN FIREWORKS CANCELED3 1
(credit: CBS)

While some people were disappointed, others understood the danger.

"The fireworks did not happen because it was way too windy like it is now, and that's a good thing because we didn't burn the city down," Golden resident Stacee Harp said.

A plan is in the works to reschedule the fireworks show. Some hope the show will be rescheduled for the last weekend in July during Buffalo Bill Days.

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