Bow Island Fire honours anniversary with open house

Posted on May 25, 2023 by Ryan Dahlman

By Anna Smith

Commentator/Courier

Celebrating 75 years of protecting their community, Bow Island Fire is opening their doors to the public for a day of food, fun, and demonstrations.

“The firehouse was formed in 1948. According to the records that we can find, anyhow,” said fire chief Blaine O’Donnell. The station doesn’t often do these kinds of events, but they’re looking forward to inviting everyone to the fire hall.

“Come visit us and firefighters, fire trucks and ambulances. Get your photo taken, taken in fire gear. Watch the vehicle extrication at 1pm. We’ll be doing children’s activities, vehicle tours, fire and EMS equipment, on site and more,” said O’Donnell. 

“So we’re just so busy, we haven’t had a chance to plan. So we’re doing it now. We’ll get it together. There’ll be door prizes, raffle prizes, a silent auction, a 50/50 draw,” said O’Donnell. “We’re going to have coffee, juice, freezies, donuts, hotdogs and hamburgers.”

He added that they’re currently looking for a vehicle to perform a maneuver they refer to as ‘cracking an egg.’

“It’s a way of opening a car up. And hopefully it all goes well. And we’ll do it to demonstrate, that is what they plan on doing. It’s kind of neat to see,” said O’Donnell.

The department’s been busy with training, so some plans might be subject to change, but the event will be held on Saturday, June 3rd from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.