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Brian Moore shines a 1928 Graham Ladder Truck at the Kelowna Fire Museum. Volunteers are working to get the museum finished in time for September. (Photo Holly Miyasaki)
By Holly Miyasaki
Volunteers are working hard to make the Kelowna Fire Museum come to life, hopefully in time for a September opening.
Currently an empty building located right near the Water Street fire hall, the museum will be home to old fire engines, photos, informational displays and other artifacts from the past.
“There’s a lot of dedicated volunteers,” says Brian Moore, executive director of the museum and Kelowna firefighter, adding he’s always looking for more help.
Right now volunteers are working to paint walls and clear space for the museum’s exhibits.
In addition to antique fire equipment, the museum will be home to the Firehouse Kitchen Coffee Shop, which will assist in generating revenue.
Located at 1360 Water St., the building is being leased from the August family, which has ties to the fire department.
Archie August was a volunteer fire fighter and chief for 40 years, and the building is owned by his sons Gary and Brian.
The Kelowna Fire Museum Society was created in 2004 as local firefighters were concerned valuable artifacts from the department’s history were being lost.
In the past five years the society has made a coffee table book and procured and restored items like a 1928 Graham Brothers Ladder Truck.
For more information visit the fire museum website. To volunteer call Kelly Paley at (250) 717-FIRE (3472) or apply online.
entertainment@kelowna.com/(250) 575-0613
Tags: brian moore, kelowna fire museum
