Kamloops Fire Rescue set to celebrate 140 years of serving the community

KAMLOOPS — This weekend, Kamloops Fire Rescue kicks off a month-long celebration in recognition of its 140 years of service to the community of Kamloops.

It began as the Kamloops Fire Brigade in August 1884, as a result of a pair of fires that occurred in the community. According to current Fire Chief Ken Uzeloc, the community banded together and raised $165 for buckets, axes and ladders and the Kamloops Fire Brigade was born.

“We’re going be having barbecues at each fire station and making it a bit of a barbecue open house,” Uzeloc tells CFJC Today. “Each community around the fire stations can come to celebrate. Get a burger, a hot dog, and meet the crew. Have a tour, look at the trucks and get some education. I think it’s going to be good to have that relationship. We hope to see our members and retirees come out to those events, as well.”

The first event takes place Saturday, July 27 at Fire Station Number Five in Heffley Creek from 11:30 am until 2:00 pm, while the second is on Sunday at Fire Station Number Four in Westsyde. The open house events are opportunities for the public to engage with KFR members outside of emergency situations.

“It’s really a commitment to serve, and serve citizens and your community and our team is proud of that,” Chief Uzeloc says. “They want to show that off, so when they get that opportunity to go out there and really engage with kids, see kids smile, educate someone and feel really good about how you made a difference today, that was positive. Not all the things we go to have positive endings, so this really helps balance the other work we do.”

For a full list of Kamloops Fire Rescue’s 140th Anniversary celebrations, you can visit the City of Kamloops website.