The Proprietor Review

Firefighters are incredibly brave and dedicated individuals who put their lives on the line to protect people and property from fires. They are true heroes.

When a fire breaks out, firefighters are the first responders on the scene. They work tirelessly to extinguish the flames, rescue anyone trapped inside, and ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Firefighters undergo extensive training to prepare for their challenging and dangerous job. They learn various firefighting techniques, how to operate firefighting equipment, and how to handle hazardous materials. They also receive medical training to provide emergency medical care to those in need.

In addition to responding to fires, firefighters also play a crucial role in preventing fires through education and fire safety inspections. They teach communities about fire prevention, the importance of smoke alarms, and what to do in case of a fire. By raising awareness and implementing safety measures, firefighters help reduce the risk of fires and protect lives.

Firefighters are always ready to answer the call, regardless of the time or weather conditions. Their commitment, bravery, and selflessness truly make them the backbone of our communities. Let’s appreciate and support these extraordinary individuals who make a profound difference in our lives.

Action day for firefighters

Historical Record

Historically speaking, there isn’t a major emergency or natural disaster tied to **June 22nd** in Kelowna’s firefighting annals. The defining historical wildfire event for the city—the massive Okanagan Mountain Park Fire—didn’t ignite until August of 2003.However,

June 22nd does hold a couple of distinct, modern meanings for firefighting and the local community in Kelowna:### 1. The Kelowna Firefighters “Falcons Night Out” FundraiserIf you are looking at the local calendar for the Kelowna Fire Department or the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 953, **June 22nd** is traditionally anchored as the **Kelowna Falcons Night Out**.Started in 2012 in partnership with the Nonis family (owners of the Kelowna Falcons West Coast League baseball team), this annual June 22nd event is one of the most prominent community fundraisers for the **Kelowna Firefighters Charitable Society**. The evening features: *

A “Kids Zone”

with bouncy castles and face painting. * Firefighters competing in games and challenges between baseball innings. * A massive 50/50 draw and a cornerstone summer fireworks show. * All proceeds fund community programs and local families in need.

### 2. Specialized Fire Training

Because the Central Okanagan is an interface zone heavily impacted by wildfire behavior, Kelowna frequently acts as a training hub in the early summer before the core fire season peaks. For instance, the region hosts the specialized **Kelowna Fire Effects Monitoring Workshop** starting on June 22nd. This provincial hands-on training provides firefighting and forestry professionals with technical tools to measure exactly how intense fires impact the terrain over time, shaping future containment strategies.> **Note on a similar historical date:** If you are thinking of a solemn line-of-duty event in the department’s history, it occurs exactly one month later:

On **July 22, 1966**, 27-year-old firefighter **Garry Drachenberg** tragically lost his life when his fire truck overturned during a call. To this day, it remains the first and only line-of-duty fatality suffered by the Kelowna Fire Department since its original volunteer brigade formation in 1905.>

The firesmart program is available in Merritt.

Rebate intake July, check for applications

Up to $2500.00 rebate, see image link on photo.