Kelowna

A new home will soon be open for the Kelowna Fire Museum & Education Centre.

The new location for the museum will soon be opening its doors in downtown Kelowna, next to the historic Water Street firehouse.

Brian Moore, of the Friends of the Kelowna Fire Museum Society, says they are thrilled with the location.

“We can’t wait to get up and running to showcase our memorabilia and educate people on how to reduce the risk of unintentional injuries,” says Moore.

He says the 10,000 square foot building at 1630 Water Street was originally built for Kelowna Motors in 1950.

“The August family, which has a long association with the city and the original Kelowna Fire Brigade for over 60 years, has made the property available.”

Regarding their relationship with the fire department, Brian and Gary August say when their father came to Kelowna in 1945, he became a volunteer fire fighter and actually lived at the Water Street Fire Hall until he was married in 1947.

“His relationship with the Fire Department continued and he became Deputy Chief of the volunteer fire fighters. Many employees of Kelowna Motors were also volunteer fire fighters and there were many times when a fire would occur and most of the employees would leave to fight the fire, with only a skeleton staff remaining to operate Kelowna Motors.”

Once the required plans and permits are in place, renovation work will begin with a planned opening during August this year.

The Museum and Education Centre will be made possible through a combination of volunteer labour, donations and fund raising.

The Friends of the Kelowna Fire Museum Society is in the process of launching a volunteer recruitment program and fund raising campaign.

The Museum's collection includes a fully restored 1928 Graham ladder truck, a 1961 American LaFrance pumper, chemical wagon, hose wagon, a Gamewell pull box alarm system and many other artifacts showcasing 100 years of service to the citizens of Kelowna.

Link: Fire Museum website