Arden firefighters Open House & BBQ

Sep 13, 2012

Photo: Captain Jeff Matson and volunteer fire fighter Leigh Baese with Jennifer Matson and Mena Scott at the Arden firefighters open house and BBQ in Arden on September 8

On Sept. 1, Captain Jeff Matson, who has been a volunteer fire fighter for 30 plus years, flipped the burgers at Arden's Station #1, where members of the community braved the rain and winds to enjoy a free lunch and to get to know the local volunteer fire fighters in their community.

The fire fighters set up a number of displays to acquaint the public with their gear, which included their bunker gear, tools for auto extrication, ice and water rescue gear, medical bags and defibrillators. They opened up the rescue unit #15 truck, a vehicle that houses living quarters for volunteers when they are out on a call and require relief when fighting fires. Also on view was their class A pumper, which can hold 1000 gallons of water. Mixed with foam it can be transformed into 4000 gallons.

The fire fighters also answered questions from the public regarding burn bans and general safety. Fire fighter Leigh Baese said that the fire fighting team is like a second family and said that the event is a great way for the public to get to know their local fire fighters. The fire fighters will be continuing their Alarm for Life campaign, where they visit homes door to door to ensure the dwellings are equipped with working fire alarms for the upcoming winter season.