Whitby residents can get an inside look at their local fire service on October 17, when Fire Headquarters opens for a day of truck tours, emergency demonstrations and activities celebrating 175 years of service.
According to a Town of Whitby announcement, the event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 111 McKinney Drive as part of Doors Open. Visitors will also be able to preview the design of a memorial honouring Whitby firefighters who died in the line of duty.
Opening remarks from the mayor and local dignitaries are scheduled for 10:15 a.m. in the fire truck bay. Throughout the day, residents can explore the station, meet fire service members and take a closer look at the trucks and equipment they use.
Hands-on activities will include an obstacle course, fire extinguisher instruction and a hose target where visitors can test their aim.
Demonstrations scheduled throughout the day
Fire tower demonstrations are scheduled for 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. A live-fire learning session at 1 p.m. will feature a thermal imaging camera, followed at 2 p.m. by a vehicle extrication demonstration using the jaws of life.
The demonstrations will give visitors a view of how firefighters train and use equipment to respond to emergencies, according to the town.
Family activities include colouring sheets and airbrush tattoos, along with music by the Community Concert Band of Whitby. Visitors can also take self-guided museum tours featuring historical photographs and artwork from Junior Fire Camp.
A preview of the firefighter memorial
The anniversary event will include a first look at a rendering of Whitby’s Fallen Firefighter Memorial, created by Canadian sculptor Ruth Abernethy. The town says the memorial is scheduled to be unveiled in 2027.
Visitors will have an opportunity to learn about the memorial project and the firefighters it will commemorate. In the announcement, Whitby MP Ryan Turnbull said the tribute will remember seven local firefighters who died in the line of duty.
The Government of Canada has provided support for both the anniversary event and the related memorial project, according to the town.
Interim Fire Chief Mark Pankhurst described the anniversary as a chance to recognize the department’s history, the contributions of past firefighters and its continuing role in community safety.
Fire Headquarters is one of several Whitby locations participating in Doors Open on October 17. Other sites include Burr Lodge, Lynde House Museum and Warren General Store. The full list of participating locations is available at whitby.ca/DoorsOpen.
