Lyonel Doherty, Times Chronicle
While children got to play firefighter, adults danced to rock music at the Oliver Fire Department’s 100th anniversary on Saturday.
A children’s firefighter challenge was one of the main events, which saw kids carry hoses and shoot water at a target. There were also live fire demonstrations such as a cooking oil fire on a stove. A firefighter showed the audience what happens when you put water on a grease fire – instant explosion of flames. They were told the best way to deal with that is to put a lid on the pan and turn off the stove.
Other demonstrations included auto extrication and how fast combustion takes place in a live fire.
Fire Chief Bob Graham said they were very happy with the turnout for a first event. He estimated that 200 people showed up during the day, while 300 attended the evening concert and beverage garden. He said rain for 30 minutes may have scared some people away from the evening event, which featured music by Kael Koteles, Rebel Luv and The Tanner Olsen Band.
Graham said the highlight for him was meeting everyone who took part.
(Lyonel Doherty photos)
OFD life members
This is what happens when you pour water on a cooking oil fire.
It gets really big fast.
