For a century the residents of Munson have been protected by a group of brave men and women. The Munson Fire Department is celebrating its centennial this year.
The Drumheller Mail had a chance to speak with Steven Wannstrom, current fire chief, and Larry Burfield, former fire chief, and learn about the rich history of the department.
The Munson Fire Department was established on July 29, 1912. The first fire chief was George Robinson.
Things were fairly primitive by today’s standards. In the early days there was no running water and so the solution was to strategically place eight barrels around town and used buckets and a bell tower was placed on the SW corner of Centre Avenue.
The nascent department also got two fire carts, one of which is housed at the Homestead Museum. It will be brought up to Munson for the celebration.
That would be the status quo until 1957 when the department got a new truck, but it would remain difficult to modernize their equipment for many years afterwards.
“It was then that we got our first real fire truck, a ‘57 Mercury with a front mount pump,” said Burfield. “But, I was on the department in 1975, we had trouble raising a few dollars to upgrade anything.”
Unfortunately, the department had to rely on hand-me-downs and improvisation to grow their fleet.
“In the 70’s, we bought a used milk van from Red Deer and made it into the first rescue van. The second one we rigged up was an old farm truck, because most of the fires are rural. After Munson got water, that’s when we started looking for a true pumper truck,” said Burfield.
In the 1970’s the department purchased a 1967 Chevrolet pumper truck that could pump and move.
The milk/rescue van served the department until after Wannstrom joined in 1990.
“It served us well and that was always my fight to always have something where we could get warm. We went to two fires where that truck was the best thing in the world, because it was freezing out and when you have your gear on and have water freezing on you need that,” said Wannstrom.
The new generation of trucks came rolling in starting in the early 2000’s. The new generation, which includes three vehicles. The newer trucks are custom built in South Dakota.
“Starland upgraded the trucks starting in 2000,” said Wannstrom. “We went from a ‘69 to a new 2001. We have a new rescue/command, pumper, and quick attack four wheel drive for getting into rough terrain. We order them to our spec. To think, we went from barrels to that.”
The trucks aren’t the only things to have advanced over the years. In the early days, little or no training was required to fight fires and people showed up with the clothes on their back.
“We had no training before and no equipment. People would show up with just their street clothes on, no turnout gear, no helmets. The money just wasn’t there then. We needed to have something. We have people who are volunteers who need the best,” said Burfield.
It wasn’t until the 1970’s when the department got their first turnout gear and breathing apparatus.
Since the 1970’s, there has been a push to provide more training for the firefighters. It was not uncommon to see someone show up, with little to no training.
“For the first years, there was no practice. Practice was at the fire,” said Burfield. “Now they’re always trained and have equipment. Before, everyone called themselves volunteers and would show up for a fire.”
“I ended up going out to help at a fire as one of those people who just show up. I was given a broom and beat on a fire. I eventually joined,” said Wannstrom.
Over the years, firefighters have gone through extensive training and are required to do so much more.
“You’re called for so much more nowadays,” said Wannstrom. “Some years, over half our calls are accidents or EMS assists.”
There have been a few devastating fires in the long history of the Munson Fire Department. Burfield recalled one such fire from 1963.
“I remember a devastating fire in 1963 that destroyed the curling rink and nearby residence. The only fire extinguishing equipment were two old chemical fire extinguisher carts purchased in 1912,” said Burfield.
Wannstrom recalls a spectacular blaze in Munson early one wintery October morning. The fire consumed the old Munson Hotel.
“I live north of Munson and when I opened my door, I could see the flames. The building was abandoned and full of junk for 60 years. Middle of the night, we had loads of guys and we called Morrin in to help,” said Wannstrom.
The responsibilities of the department have grown over the years. In the early days, the Munson firefighters only responded to fires, but now respond to motor vehicle accidents, assisting EMS, and more. In some years, most responses by the Munson Fire Department are not fires. Through mutual aid agreements, the department also responds to a far greater area.
Perhaps the greatest thing that has grown over the century is the camaraderie and the family amongst the firefighters.
“It’s like a family. You find those are the people you end up hanging out with most of the time,” said Wannstrom.
For Burfield, the Munson fire Department literally is family.
“My great uncle signed the original document [George Robinson]. My two sons are on the department now. I’m very proud of my boys,” said Burfield. “My family was always involved helping people somewhere.”
The department always welcomes new volunteers.
“We’ve been pretty lucky. We’ve had pretty good people, but could always use more during the day,” said Wannstrom. “I’ve seen a lot of people over the years. When I first joined there were four or five of us. It’s a big commitment.
I have great respect for those who drop what they are doing, whether it be work, spending time with family or just relaxing, these firefighters are there to help the public in whatever situation we are called upon. I personally would like to thank all the members of the Fire Department and their families for their commitment.”
Apart from volunteers, the department is also in need of a new fire hall. The current hall houses two trucks. A separate building houses the quick attack truck. The trucks have gotten larger over the years, because so much more equipment is needed.
“We’re in need of a hall, we’re pretty much bumper to bumper in there. It’d be great to have a hall for all three trucks and training space,” said Wannstrom.
“When that hall was built, it looked so huge,” said Burfield.
To celebrate, the department will be having an open house and barbecue on July 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The trucks will be pulled out of the hall, one of the old wagons brought up from the Homestead Museum, giveaways, and photos.
Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to visit www.albertavolunteerfirefighters.ca.
