Hairy Hill Fire Department Hosts Open House

Hairy Hill Fire Department Hosts Open House

Hairy Hill Fire Department Hosts Open House

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

The Hairy Hill Fire Department held its first ever community barbecue and open house on July 28.

Chief Don de Beaudrap was very happy with the turnout, especially considering it was the first time the fire department had put on such an event. Around 130 people were in attendance, and members served up 255 hot dogs and hamburgers to the hungry crowd.

He said the open house was a great opportunity for people to get out and socialize, view the firefighting equipment and for them to tell people a bit about what they do. Sparky was definite hit with the kids who also took home special activity kits and hats, courtesy of the fire department. “I’m grateful to everyone who came out to support the department,” noted de Beaudrap.

Attendee enjoying time in the driver’s seat.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

He said the Hairy Hill Colony has been “very supportive” of their work and often brings coffee and sandwiches out to firefighters if they are out on a long call. Deputy Chief Sam Hofer said the rapid response unit is housed at the Colony and has proven to be very useful as there have been instances where having the unit on-site and quickly deploying it has contained fires in ditches and in combines. It is designed to tackle wildfires and comes equipped with the Jaws of Life which is used in vehicle extrication.

De Beaudrap said they have responded to 15 calls so far this year, and that the number of incidences involving heavy rescues and farm rescues is on the rise. “Typically we respond to 30 to 50 calls a year.” De Beaudrap said that includes mutual aid which occurs fairly frequently with the Two Hills Fire Department and occasionally with the Willingdon Fire Department.

Hairy Hill resident Austin Badry.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

“No two situations are the same and we always deal with it as quickly and efficiently as possible,” noted de Beaudrap.

As well, they “keep abreast of developing issues and continue to improve their capabilities” to improve response times.

Anyone interested in joining the department must be 16 years of age. De Beaudrap said they provide standard training which can take a couple of years to complete and to receive certification for. They are also looking into offering a junior firefighting program in the future.

In the future, they may see Hairy Hill resident Austin Badry suit up. The sevenyear-old said he wants to be a firefighter because, “It’s really cool. There’s a lot gadgets and you can help save people.”

Rescue training exercise.

(Hairy Hill Fire Department/Submitted Photo)