Cornwall Fire Service helps locals cool off

Image of Shawna O'Neill
By Shawna O'Neill
Cornwall Fire Service helps locals cool off
John Bergeron playing in the sprinkler (Shawna O'Neill/Seaway News).

CORNWALL, Ontario – When two fire trucks pulled up to Lamoureux Park around 1 p.m. on Friday, July 5, the anticipation in the air was almost as palpable as the humidity. Curious toddlers anxiously waited to see what would happen next.

When Cornwall Fire Service rigged up the city’s largest-ever sprinkler, the park erupted in screams of excitement, which could be heard until 2 p.m. when the trucks departed.

“It’s very hot in Cornwall today,” said Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Weber with a chuckle. “We got the opportunity to come down today and share a bit of our time with the local community, create an opportunity for some kids to have some fun and share the biggest sprinkler in Cornwall. The kids are having a blast and will probably sleep a little better tonight as they cool off with our sprinkler.”

Environment Canada first issued a heat warning for the region on Wednesday, July 3, which lasted through Friday, July 5 as temperatures sat above 30 Celsius during daytime hours.

Deputy Weber said that this is the first time Cornwall Fire Service has offered the sprinkler service by spraying a hose through a fire truck’s extended bucket. He was happy with the feedback and turnout of around 60 children and said his team will consider hosting more cool off events in the future.

“We thought we would try it for an hour and wow,” said Mayor Bernadette Clement, who spoke with fire officials on Thursday, July 4 about how they could help locals beat the heat. “Big turnout, the kids have been smiling non-stop, the parents are happy…(we enjoy) anything we can do that brings families together at a low cost to participate in…also, it is hot.”

Mayor Clement said the City is happy to try new events of this nature to gauge public feedback and encourage a greater sense of community. There was no cost for this event, and Cornwall Fire Services gave children a tour of their fire trucks.

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[…] The free occasion will also feature the renowned firetruck sprinkler that grew in popularity throughout the city this summer, cooling off locals and offering fun for the whole family. The original story on the biggest sprinkler in Cornwall can be read here. […]