The Errington Volunteer Fire Department is celebrating 60 years this Saturday, July 26, with an open house celebration at their Number 1 Fire Hall at 960 Errington Rd, starting at 10:00 a.m. (EVFD on Facebook)

By Jordan Davidson

celebratory fundraiser

Celebrations planned for Errington Volunteer Fire Department’s 60th anniversary

Jul 26, 2025 | 5:54 AM

ERRINGTON — A dedicated volunteer fire department is celebrating 60 years in operation with a family-friendly community event.

The Errington Volunteer Fire Department is hosting its 60 anniversary celebration on Saturday, July 26, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at their Number One firehall at 960 Errington Rd.

EVFD Chief Steve Ternes said it’s a way for the community to celebrate the milestone with them and learn a bit more about their history.

“We’re going to have a table or two that shows our history and some of the things we’ve accomplished over the years. Basically, both halls we have been built by volunteers. Our main hall was volunteers, the secondary hall was actually students and volunteers combined. Over the years, we’ve just built ourselves from one truck to a progressive fire department.”

A BBQ, a dunk tank, and other family-friendly activities will be on site for the anniversary.

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Tours of the fire hall will also be available, as well as a chance to sit in one of four fire apparatuses and see how they work, regardless of your age.

Ternes said it’ll be a chance for residents to learn more about the important role they play in fighting fires, including their commercial-grade rating for shuttling water to fires.

“We can actually supply the same amount of water to businesses in Errington as we could if we actually had hydrants out here, so that’s good for a rural department…we can actually supply a certificate to members of the community and they actually get a break on their fire insurance.”

He also stresses the importance of learning how to make your property FireSmart, protecting it year-round from fire danger.

Money raised by donations or taking part in some of the events will go to purchasing an updated drone to replace their existing one.

Ternes said their drone is a big asset for themselves and the surrounding Oceanside departments they provide mutual aid to.

“We can record, we can do thermal imaging as well, and they’ve helped us find fires that were hard to find in the past. There’s been a few that we’ve had inside some gullies or ravines that you can’t spot at night, and we got the drones up and they help us find fires. We’ve actually been called out to assist in some searching as well, so it’s a useful tool.”

He said they’ll still be on active duty during Saturday’s event and will inform all attendees of the procedure if they have to pause the festivities to go fight a fire.

All proceeds raised from the event will go into the EVFD Fighfighters Fund, used to acquire needed equipment, such as a new drone. (EVFD on Facebook)

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