“Fourth at the Firehouse” allowed community to meet Black Forest Firefighters

The Fourth at the Firehouse event was held at Station One in Black Forest. It featured demonstrations of firefighting and rescue operations, the landing of a medical helicopter, tours of the station and an opportunity for the community to shake the hands of the firefighters who helped extinguish the Black Forest Fire.

“We had fire to the east, to the west, to the north and the south. Somehow, they were able to keep the fire off of our property,” said Bud Blumke, a resident of Black Forest. “We just feel blessed and wanted to come out and say thanks.”

Fire Chief Bob Harvey said this is the first time many of the firefighters have had an opportunity to meet with those whose houses they worked endless hours to try to defend.

“It’s amazing how many faces we’re now putting to the houses that we were defending,” said Harvey.

According to Black Forest Fire and Rescue, Fourth at the Firehouse was supposed to be a one-time event, but because of the impressive turnout, it says this event may become an annual tradition.