110 years of Fire Fighting in Creston
The Village of Creston established by a motion of committee the establishment of a fire department on February 21, 1899, which was to meet on Thursdays. 110 years later, the fire department still meets Thursday evening for weekly training.
Mr. Joseph Wilson was appointed as the first Fire Chief of the fire department and a proposed list of 29 names was presented for fire department volunteers. Throughout the years, the number of members has gone up and down, but consists of 29 paid on call members and 2 career staff as of March 2009.
In 1925 a building on 11th Avenue was purchased, next door to where the Creston & District Credit Union sits today, housing the fire department until 1961 when this building was demolished and replaced with a new building, which still there today. In 1982, the fire department moved from this 11th Avenue building to its current location on 10th Avenue with the official opening of this facility during Blossom Festival.
In February of 1951 a new fire engine built by local persons was put into service to protect the community with a 175 gallon per minute pump and a 250 gallon water tank. Today, a 2001 Superior Fire Engine with a 1050 gallon per minute pump with a 500 gallon water tank and a carrying capacity of six firefighters is the first line of defense for our community.
Fire Chief Bill Carter, (Fire Chief 1965 – 1980), over saw the expansion of the Town of Creston’s fire service to include areas of the Regional District Central Kootenay, which includes portions of Areas A, B and C. Today, residents of Erickson, Highway 21 and north of Highway 3 & 3A junction are still protected through Creston Fire Rescue through this agreement.
Under Fire Chief Reg Longhurst, the fire fighters went to a paid on call system in March of 1980 leaving behind the volunteer system which the department had been built upon.
Fire Chief Bruce Mabin, replacing retiring Chief Longhurst in August 2000, has seen through a number of accomplishments for the department during his tenure. His proudest achievement since becoming the Fire Chief was having 16 fire fighters receive accredited certification in the National Fire Protection Association 1001 Standard for Professional Fire Fighter Qualifications. This level of training bringing the quality of professionalism to the local fire service to new levels, and is now on going training for all fire fighters within the department.
With this 110 year anniversary celebration of serving our community since 1899, the fire department will be developing commemorative t-shirts and hats which will be sold at various locations throughout Creston. The proceeds generated from the sales will be put towards a much needed training centre for all Creston Valley fire fighters to build and maintain their fire fighting skills.
Even though the names and faces of the fire fighters have changed, the commitment and pride towards serving the community for which they live has not. This continuation of dedication has always been the foundation which the local service has built upon to ensure the protection of the residence from fire.
On May 9th in the mall parking lot, join all the valley fire departments from Creston, Canyon-Lister, Wynndel-Lakeview and Yahk-Kingsgate as we look for new prospective members to join our local fire services. This joint event will have out our fire trucks, BBQs and prizes. Come visit us and consider joining one of our local services providing a invaluable service to our residents.
During Blossom Fest week-end, a number of antique fire trucks from the region will be in the annual parade in honour of Creston’s 110 year accomplishment and will be on display as part of the car show for the public to see up close.