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A recent fire at Magnolia’s campground prompted the Magnolia Fire Department to host a community gathering Aug. 9.
According to first-year fire chief Scott Dohlmann, some people were surprised Magnolia had its own fire department, so he hoped Tuesday’s event would be educational for the community.
Community members enjoyed grilled hot dogs, chips and a beverage served by the firefighters and first responders.
The public was also able to view the new tanker truck, the updated rescue rig and the pumper truck, as well as some of the equipment of the 14 volunteers.
“People don’t realize what it costs (to operate a volunteer fire department),” Dohlmann said.
The department spends $4,000 to outfit a firefighter including the air pack ($2,039). Training costs are an added expense, he said.
Within the last year the Magnolia fire department has received various grants to update vehicles and equipment.
Dohlmann, who has been a volunteer firefighter since 2000, went door to door in Magnolia informing residents of the picnic event.
In past years the department used to host a hog roast and softball tournaments. Increasing expenses and inclement weather slowly forced the department-sponsored activities to stop until this year.
The Magnolia Fire Department serves the town of Magnolia and 16 sections in Magnolia Township.