Aug 15, 2008- Kelowna Firefighters Local 953 would like to thank the Capri Rotary for this $500.00 donation the British Columbia Professional Firefighters Burn Fund.

Without donations like this we would not be able to help as many people as we do. Thanks again!

Here is a link to the BCPFF Burn Fund to learn more about what its all about.

April 3, 2008- Kelowna Firefighters Local 953 presented a $500.00 check to Jennifer Davies to help with her goal of raising $50,000.00 for Kids Cancer.

"I am a life long athlete, a wife, a mother, a Kinesiologist and Registered Massage Therapist.   I am also a person blessed with healthy children, a passion for cycling.  I have a desire to be an example of love and community contribution and compassion for my kids and make a difference in the lives of others."

You can logon to her website at http://2008.snkcr.com/jennifer/ to learn more about Jennifer and possibly help her with her goal to raise money to help children diagnosed with Cancer.

Local 953 wishes her all the best in achieving her goals. Way to go Jennifer!

Feb 12, 2008 - Here is a final list of the Kelowna Fire Departments call volume for the last 3 years to the end of 2007.

January 21, 2008- Every winter we seem to get a cold blast from the artcic. Subzero temperatures are not only a nuisance when your car won't start and your heating bills are high, but they are also very dangerous for firefighters.

It is extremely difficult for firefighters to fight fires while temperatures are at all time lows. We have to deal with things such as hose lines freezing, fire pumps seizing, air pack lines icing over, two way radio's freezing, slip hazards, building collapse due to ice buildup, bunker gear freezing making it difficult for firefighters to move, keeping our core temperature warm, the list goes on and on.

Here is a link to a couple of pictures from subzero temperatures that we have dealt with in the past.

Always make sure to be prepared when travelling mountain passes as you never know when your vehicle will let you down. Here is a list of must haves if you are leaving town.

• Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Booster cables
• Fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type)
• First aid kit and manual
• Bottled water and non-perishable high-energy foods, such as granola bars, raisins and peanut butter.
• Compass and road maps
• Shovel
• Tire repair kit and pump
• Flares
• Extra clothing to keep dry
• Sack of sand or cat litter (for tire traction)
• Tow rope
• Knife

December 18 , 2007 - Every christmas season we have a christmas party for the children of Local 953 members and this year was another great success as the kids had a fun time filled with activities. Santa always pays a special visit at our parties and gives each child an early christmas gift. Our members would like to say a huge thank you to Kyle Wiberg for organizing yet another great party. Have a safe and happy holiday season!

Here is a link to the photo gallery.

Here is another link if you would like to track Santa on Christmas eve!

December 8 , 2007 - Fires in high rise buildings pose a special problem for firefighting crews. By definition, a high-rise is a building in excess of 75 feet tall. A standard fire hose can spray water approximately 100 feet straight up, but of course, many city buildings tower well past that height. And high pressure hoses tend to push smoke backwards into a structure, which places those trapped inside in even more danger.

October 9 , 2007 - The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure is an extraordinary single-day experience that unites more than 170,000 Canadians in 53 communities across the country. Together, we're raising millions of dollars to fund innovative and relevant breast cancer research, education, and awareness programs in the communities where you live.

The Kelowna Professional Firefighters Charitable Society donated $5000.00 toward this event to help support relevent and innovative research, awareness programs, early diagnosis and effective treatment, and a positive quality of life for those suffering from breast cancer. We would like to thank you for your support that enabled us to donate to this important fundraiser. Click Here for our Charitable Society Photo Gallery.

September 26 , 2007 - The Kelowna Firefighters took part in the First Annual Muscular Dystrophy Walk on Saturday September 22. The walk went from the Water Park to The Grand Okanagan then back to the water park again.

This is a picture of our cheque presentation for $500.00 on behalf of the Kelowna Professional Firefighters Charitable Society.

September 6 , 2007 - Firefighter Robert Hall dedicated his life to making it easier for firefighters with cancer to receive compensation benefits.

He was proud when, in 2005, the provincial government introduced legislation recognizing cancer as one of the hazards firefighters face in the line of duty.

Last week, Hall became one of those firefighters he lobbied to protect when he died in hospital after suffering from colorectal cancer. He was 51.

"He was very proud of that day and he should be because he [worked hard] on behalf of the guys to get there," said Rod MacDonald, president of the Firefighters Union Local 18. Click here for full story.

Click Here For CTV Newscast Of Funeral

Click On Wednesday September 5 And Jump To 10:35 For Newscast

September 5 , 2007 - Cancer adversely affects the lives of many, but firefighters have higher occurrence rates for many types of cancer when compared with the general population. Firefighters have come to accept this one of the many risks associated with firefighting. In discussions with non-firefighters, we are amazed to find that the average person has no knowledge of this added risk to firefighters.

Lung, bladder, brain, kidney, colorectal, testicular, breast, multiple myeloma, and non-hodgkins lymphoma cancers are two to four times greater among firefighters when compared to the general population. All research knowledge pertaining to "firefighter cancers" will be benefit everyone since these same cancers also occur across the general population. Click here for an article in Fireengineering Magazine on these cancers and how you can help.

August 25 , 2007 - The Tradition of a bagpiper performing at a firefighters funeral dates back some 150 years. In the mid-to-late 1800's, a large influx of Irish immigrants came into the U.S.

Unfortunately, due to local prejudices, many of them were unable to find work in the fields other than the most dangerous jobs. That's why many urban police and fire departments had a high percentage of Irish-American employees. These men brought their Celtic traditions alond with them, including playing of the pipes at funerals.

Non-Irish families soon started requestion that the haunting and mournful sound of the bagpipes be played at the funerals of their fallen firefighters as well. It is now a universal tradition for there to be a piper at any police of fire memorial service. Even the most hardened firefighter can't help but shed a tear during the solemn strains of "Amazing Grace"