A unique opportunity for youth to get a taste of what it takes to be a firefighter is being offered in Redwood Meadows on Canada Day.
By popular demand, Redwood Meadows Emergency Services (RMES) is hosting its second annual Junior Fire Fit Challenge from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. near its fire station.
Sponsored by WFR Wholesale Fire & Rescue, the event aims to promote fire safety education and introduce youth to firefighter duties in an engaging and active way. It also helps build community confidence and pride in the volunteer fire service.
The Junior Fire Fit Challenge features a firefighter skills course for children aged four to 11, offering a glimpse into what it’s like to serve as a volunteer firefighter. Stations will include a ladder climb, tool carry, tunnel crawl and putting out a fire.
Safety remains the top priority. Each junior firefighter will team up with an RMES member to complete the course.
“It shows them the safe way to do things,” said Evans. “Handle an extinguisher, for example.”
Participants will extinguish a small, controlled propane fire.
“We control the flames, but it shows them how to do it properly and safely. We talk to them while they’re doing activities—about 911, about being safe, climbing ladders the right way,” he said.
“And the kids are sponges—it’s a cliché, but it’s true. Everything you tell them, they soak it up like crazy.”
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Recruiting volunteer firefighters continues to be a challenge, and organizers hope the event sparks interest among young participants—including girls.
“We had a lot of little girls go through it last year and it was great to see,” said Fire Chief Rob Evans. “We had our female firefighters mentoring them—nothing wrong with male mentors, of course—but it’s great for girls to see female paramedics and firefighters and realize that can be them in 10 to 12 years.”
WFR Wholesale Fire & Rescue has provided a wide range of giveaways for participants.
Unlike last year, advance registration is not required.
Canada Day Bike Parade is a Redwood Meadows tradition
Redwood Meadows has a long-standing tradition of holding a bike parade on Canada Day.
The Redwood Meadows Community Association invites residents and those in the Bragg Creek area to take part. Bike decorating runs from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in front of the Redwood House, followed by a loop through the community.
The event continues with live entertainment featuring Big Red, The Spittons and the Craig Riders. There will be kids’ games and activities, a beer garden, and food sales with proceeds going to Redwood Meadows Emergency Services.
Fireworks cap off the day at 10:30 p.m.