Alpharetta Firefighters Welcomed the Heat at Fire Station No. 1

The fire was at Alpharetta Fire Station No. 1, but it was restricted to the pots of chili being served, and the mouths of the local residents attending the 2012 Chili Cookoff.

Alpharetta Public Safety Director Gary George described it as"simply another big, huge community event sponsored by the Alpharetta Public Safety Foundation."

"But this is really not all about public safety. It's about partnerships with the citizens of Alpharetta, the businesses of Alpharetta and all the Alpharetta city employees," he said.

The foundation sponors the event and it's a fundraiser for them.

"But at the end of the day it's about connecting the city government of Alpharetta with the citizens and businesses of Alpharetta, period. That's what it's really about," George said.

He estimates 800-900 people had attended. They provided hot dogs for children who might not want chili, and all 400 were gone by 1 p.m., with an hour left in the event. The 30, 32-quart containers of chili ran out by 1:30 p.m., he said.

"It's huge," he said.

Those attending the event paid $5 to get in, and then could taste all the chili they wanted. In return, they picked the best chili by businesses, and made by police and firefighters.

(Editor's Note: In the original posting of this story, we reported in a photo caption that J.C. McDonald had placed second in the chili cookoff. He finished first.)