Sproat Lake Fire Department has a long and varied history, and has been in the community of Sproat Lake since 1965.
The Beginnings
Sproat Lake Fire Department started as a result of the residential and commercial growth seen in the Sproat Lake area in the late 1950s and through the 1960s. In 1964, a small 16' x 20' firehall was built on Lakeshore road just across from Lakeshore services. This hall was built by Robert MacPherson and volunteer efforts by his neighbours. On April 7, 1965 a fire destroyed the home of Darwin Bjornson on Blower Road, and this galvanized the residents of the area to put organized fire protection in place.
A meeting was held at the home of Robert MacPherson, and it was determined that a small fire department was needed, and the organizational structure was put together, with the appointment of directors, and the determination to seek out funding options for the new fire department. On February 23, 1965 the Sproat Lake Fire department was registered as a society, and the real work of building a fire department could begin!
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The first public meeting was held at the Sproat Lake Community Hall on June 18, 1965. At this meeting, it was determined that the fire department would not be funded by tax assessments, and that it would be funded by donations and volunteer contributions. To assist with this fundrasign effort, a magical wishing fire plug. This was a hydrant with a slot cut in the top that was placed in front of the humble fire hall on Lakeshore Road.
Another approach that was arrived at was the issuance of Honorary Fire Cheif certificates. These certificates, along with decals proclaiming honorary cheif status were distributed far and wide, and were purchased by the likes of Lester B. Pearson, Phil Gaglardi, Phyllis Diller, and Jack Wasserman to name a few. One certificate and decal was even personally delivered to Inuvik for the "Inuvik Drum" by Edward Keate.
SLVFD Women’s Brigade
In the 1960s, fire departments were almost entirely male groups, and women were not typically included in them. However, due to the nature of Sproat Lake's population, and the fact that during the day most of the men were off working in the woods, it became necessary to organize the women of the community to fight fires as well. Thus was formed an SLVFD Women’s Brigade.
The Women’s Brigade received it's first call on May 10th, 1967 to rescue an elderly gentleman from a bathroom he could not unlock the door to. Peggy Bishop had to bring a ladder from home, as the department didn't have one yet. Fundraising efforts by the women's brigade quickly raised enough for a ladder, which they donated to the department.
The Women’s Brigade members held their practices every Wednesday. The general fire department held its meetings and practices every Monday at the fire hall.
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