File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)
140 Years of Kamloops Fire Rescue

Kamloops Fire Rescue announces community barbecues to celebrate milestone anniversary

Jul 18, 2024 | 12:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops Fire Rescue usually puts out fires — but has announced plans to fire up the grills to celebrate a milestone anniversary.

In a news release, Chief Ken Uzeloc says KFR will host a series of barbecues over the next few weeks to mark 140 years of service.

The organization was formed as the Kamloops Fire Brigade in August 1884. Uzeloc says it has grown over the decades and now responds to more than 10,000 emergencies every year.

“There has been a tremendous amount of change over 140 years, with advancements in equipment and apparatus to new fire stations and the numerous chiefs at the helm leading a dedicated team,” said Uzeloc. “At the heart of it all, it’s always been about our family helping your family. We are incredibly thankful for the community’s support, and we want to be able to say thank you and celebrate this milestone with the residents we protect every day.”

The community barbecues will take place on the following dates and locations:

  • Fire Station 5 (Heffley Creek Road), July 27
  • Fire Station 4 (615 Porterfield Road, Westsyde), July 28
  • Fire Station 3 (1625 Valleyview Drive, Valleyview), Aug. 10
  • Fire Station 6 (5300 Dallas Drive, Dallas/Barnhartvale), Aug. 11
  • Fire Station 7 (1301 Aberdeen Drive, Aberdeen), Aug. 17
  • Fire Station 2 (1578 Tranquille Road, North Shore/Brocklehurst), Aug. 18
  • Fire Station 1 (1205 Summit Drive, South Kamloops/Sahali), Aug. 24

The barbecues will run from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on all dates.

Members of the public will be invited to enjoy some lunch, meet the firefighters, tour the fire halls and get an up-close look at the trucks and equipment.