Clay Township Volunteer Fire Department is having a “Flame Feastival,” including food, a large auction and attractions for kids from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, to help raise money for a new fire station in Greens Fork and for equipment.
The fire department is raising money to help replace the fire station and outdated equipment, said Doug Wheeler, fire chief. A preliminary estimate is that a fire station to house seven vehicles and equipment will cost about $350,000.
In addition, new personal safety gear is about $8,000 for each of the 25 firefighters, costing another $200,000.
The department is currently housed in the former Greens Fork school building. Dating from the late 1930s, the large brick building is expensive to heat and maintain, Wheeler said.
The fire department stores its vehicles and equipment on the lower level, has meetings and activities on the second floor and does not use the third floor. Repairing the brickwork alone would cost more than a half-million dollars, he said.
Among the department’s vehicles are a 31-year-old tanker, a 25-year-old engine and a “people mover” dating from 1998.
Much of the turnout gear — coats, boots, helmets and equipment — is older than the 10 years recommended by national accrediting organizations. For instance, a pair of boots costs $600; gloves, $110; helmet, $550.
The volunteer fire department serves all of Clay Township and the Jacksonburg community, Wheeler said. At the end of 2023, Clay Township had $88,706.77 in its cumulative fire fund, which could help pay for a new station. The fire department is planning to become a charitable organization
As the term “Feastival” implies, food will be featured Saturday. Donuts and coffee will be available all day. Starting at 11 a.m., the menu includes pulled pork and chicken, smoked fresh on site, and side items. Pretzels and ice cream will be available.
An auction will include a large selection of power tools, gift cards to local businesses and restaurants, garden décor and more. An auction starts at 10 a.m. with silent bidding, and live bidding begins at 1 p.m. Steven Beiler is organizing the auction and Samuel King will be auctioneer.
The event is for all ages. Attractions for kids include a bounce house, Touch-a-Truck, fire safety education, balloon animals, games and more.
The “Flame Feastival” will be at the Greens Fork Fire Station, 114 E. Pearl St., Greens Fork.
If you go
Who: Everyone’s invited, all ages
What: “Flame Feastival,” including auction of new tools, gift cards, garden décor, beef; a meat or smoked meat and fixings meal starting at 11 a.m.; bounce house, Touch-a-Truck, fire safety education, games.
When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14
Where: Greens Fork Fire Station, 114 E. Pearl St.
Why: Raise money for new fire station, fire equipment
A version of this article appeared in the September 11 2024 print edition of the Western Wayne News.