The Port Blandford Volunteer Fire Department provides fire protection services to the Town of Port Blandford and immediate area.
The Port Blandford Volunteer Fire Department was formed on October 7, 1974, and consisted of 20 members. As of this date there is only one chartered member still active. Currently, the fire department roster consists of 19 firemen and a treasurer, 5 honorary members and 1 chartered member. The Department is headed by volunteer fire chief, Kirk Kirby, who was newly elected in October 2010 and has been with the Department for 20 years. Winston Peddle was the former fire chief for 16 years.
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The Port Blandford Volunteer Fire Department has three vehicle units.
In June, 2006 the Port Blandford Fire Department took delivery of a new fire truck: a triple combination pumper. The chassis is by Freightliner, powered by a 6 cylinder 300hp Mercedes diesel engine coupled with an Allison EVS 3000 automatic transmission. The truck is equipped with a single stage QFLO125-21L pump, capable of pumping 1050 IGPM. It carries 1250 gals of water and has a Class A foam system which holds 20 gals of foam concentrate which, in turn, supplies us if needed with foam to three 1-1/2" and 2-1/2" discharge.
The new fire truck is a much needed addition to our Department as well as to our community. It replaces a 1975 Chev. Intermediate pumper which has served the community for 31 years, and is still used on an "as needed" basis.
The Port Blandford Fire Department also has a 1975 Chev Intermediate Pumper fire truck which carries 500 gallons of water, has a Wajax MK75 pump mounted at the rear, capable of pumping 400 IGPM. It also carries a 10hp portable pump, a number of lengths of 2-1/2" and 1-1/2" hose, a portable foam system, two sets of self-contained breathing apparatus and various other equipment needed for fire fighting duties.
The department also has a 1992 GMC cube van which carries firefighters bunker suits, a quantity of 1-1/2" hose, a 18 hp portable pump, two sets of SCBA and spare air cylinders, first aid kits, back boards and during the winter months and ice rescue sled and related equipment and various other equipment required for fire fighting.
Volunteer membership is available to citizens at 18 years of age and older who are willing to donate some of their time and talents to helping the community. Applications are available at the Town Office. All Active members are expected to attend all meetings and training sessions whenever possible, help clean apparatus after a fire or a training, and help with any fundraisers that the PBVFD hold.
Once a year, elections are held for positions for Chief, 1st and 2nd Assistant Chiefs, 2 Captains, 2 Lieutenants, and Secretary/Treasurer. Also in October the department holds it's annual Fireman's Ball. This consists of a supper and dance held at the local Legion Hall celebrating the anniversary of the Fire Department and all of the accomplishments and dedication of the Fire Department Members.
Volunteer membership is available to citizens at 18 years of age and older who are willing to donate some of their time and talents to helping the community. Applications are available at the Town Office. All Active members are expected to attend all meetings and training sessions whenever possible, help clean apparatus after a fire or a training, and help with any fundraisers that the PBVFD hold.
On June 29, 2003 at the Annual Fire Chiefs & Firefighters Convention Mr. Richard Murphy presented special awards to the five firemen who helped save Mr. Michael Carroll who was trapped in a vehicle which had plunged into the Southwest River on the TCH at 3 P.M. on January 2, 2002.
The firemen who received the special awards were as follows l-r on photo: Raymond Chatman, Arthur Chatman, Alvin White, Richard Murphy (presenter), Jim Perry & Shannon Penney.
The Port Blandford Volunteer Fire Department has various fundraisers during the year. Each week on Monday evening at 6:00 P.M. the department runs a community television bingo.
In May, the Department runs a live mini TV telethon in aid of the Janeway Children's Hospital in St. John's. On a Sunday afternoon on the local channel, the telethon is held for approximately six hours. During this time people can visit the fire hall or telephone in pledges. Local talent from the area can come and perform skits or play musical instruments and/or sing.
During the month of August the Fire Department establishes Toll Gates at all entrances to Port Blandford for approximately four hours gathering donations.
In September the Bobber Race takes place. Sheets of numbers are placed in the local businesses where for a fee people can purchase the numbers. On a selected date, ping pong balls with the associated numbers are dumped into the Middle Brook River. The first three balls passing the finish line in order wins first, second, and third prizes.
Sometime during the winter the Fire Department also sponsors an eight week series of card games.
February is the time for the annual snowmobile poker fun. Participants pay an entry fee to participate in a snowmobile run. During the run they stop at various places to pick a playing card, the value of which is recorded by a member from the Department. At the end of the run, back at the fire hall, each participant has a total of five cards recorded. The participants with the best poker hands made from the five cards wins. They also enjoy soup and sandwiches and hot chocolate during and after the run.
