Firemen to the Rescue
The City of Fairfax Fire Department is hosting its annual Old Fashioned Fireman’s Day following the City’s July 4th Parade.
Watch 5-6 area volunteer fire companies compete in a variety of wet and watery competitions using a range of firefighting techniques and equipment.
Fire teams compete in three types of challenges:
- Lay a Line – the fire truck drives to a point and stops momentarily to allow firefighters to connect a hose to a hydrant. The truck then moves down the road as the hose is uncoiled. The fastest team to deploy a hose and knock down three targets with water, wins.
- Bucket Brigade – Firefighter teams compete to fill a 55-gallon barrel with water, using only buckets.
- Battle of the Barrel – The firefighters version of Tug of War. A beer barrel is hung on a cable over a dividing line. The two teams take opposite positions, each manned with a large and powerful hoses. The objective — push the suspended barrel past the other team’s line.
This year, one team may be comprised of Fire Explorers, a youth group, similar to Boy/Girl Scouts or Sea Scouts, but with a fire fighting focus. The pressure will be on the professionals, as losing to a team of 14-21 year olds would be really embarrassing. And one year, I was told, a trainee team beat all the experienced teams. So you never know who might come out victorious and who might go home “all wet”.
In additional to the games, enjoy food, beverages, and games for the kids. And plan on getting wet if you get too close to the competition.
The City of Fairfax July 4th parade proceeds the games (10 a.m. – noon), and runs past the firehouse. Click here for the parade route map.
Old Fashioned Fireman’s Day
City of Fairfax Fire House 3
4081 University Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030 (map it)
703-385-7940
Dates and Times – Friday, July 4, 2008, 12:30 p.m. until about 2:30.
Admission - FREE
Nearest Metro Subway Station -Vienna/Fairfax-GMU, Orange line, then a 3.5 mile cab or bus ride.
Shuttle buses will run from 8:30-10:30 a.m. and 12:30 – 1:45 p.m. from three locations:
- George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax
- Frost Middle School, 4101 Pickett Road, Fairfax
- Fairfax United Methodist Church, 10300 Stratford Avenue, Fairfax
Parking – Street parking will be limited, so best to use the public shuttle service.
Images – fire training, kneeling fireman, firefighter with hose
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