This year marks the London Fire Department’s 150th anniversary – a century and a half of proudly serving London as a professional fire department. To commemorate this milestone, the public is invited to the London Fire Department 150th Anniversary Celebration taking place on Saturday, June 10 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Earl Nichols Recreation Centre.
This free celebration will include demonstrations from various special teams, family-friendly games and activities, displays of historical artifacts and antique firefighting vehicles, as well as live music. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from local food trucks.
Demonstrations and displays
The London Fire Department will be hosting demonstrations and exercises of its special teams throughout the day, including demonstrations of the hazardous materials team, water ice rescue team, technical rescue team and auto extraction team. Come watch our special teams demonstrate a vehicle extrication and perform a high-angle technical rescue. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn how the London Fire Department responds to hazardous materials and water ice alarms, as well as various fire prevention efforts to ensure you and your family are safe.
Children’s games and activities
Children will love the firefighting obstacle course, facepainting, balloon sculptures, and life-sized LEGO firefighter sculpture. They will have the opportunity to look inside a fire truck, touch and feel the equipment and meet London Fire Department employees and Sparky the Fire Dog! Commemorative stickers and tattoos will also be available for free.
Historical exhibit
An exhibit curated in partnership with Museum London, Western Libraries and the London Public Library will showcase artifacts going all the way back to the London Fire Department’s inception. In addition, several antique and modern firefighting vehicles will be on display, including the 1927 and 1957 models of the American LaFrance firetruck.
Other exhibits
The London Police Service, Middlesex-London Paramedic Service and London Search and Rescue will also be joining the celebration with informative displays and information booths. Come and learn how important each of these services are to keeping Londoners safe.
Entertainment and food
Enjoy live performances from the London Fire Fighters Pipe Band and MisterE while you grab some food and drinks from local food trucks, including Tikka Tomato, Mr. Cool Ice Cream, Grill 'Em and Thirst Burst. Purchase is required.
