Burnt-out Rogersville fire station holds fundraiser

CBC News Posted: Mar 4, 2012

A New Brunswick village held a fundraiser this weekend to replace three fire trucks lost to flames in January.

The fire destroyed a one-storey building containing Rogersville's town hall, RCMP office and the fire station on Jan. 9.

Firefighters were quickly on the scene, but could only watch helplessly as the inferno destroyed all of their equipment, including three of the village's five fire trucks.

Insurance will cover the replacement cost of only one fire engine and the village needs at least three, said Marc Pitrie, the village's fire chief. His brother Mike Pitrie managed to climb into the burning station and save two older trucks.

"To be able to function, we need support. And we're getting it. We're getting support from council. We're getting support from my firefighters," he said Sunday.

"No one's lost faith and hope. It was a discouraging day that day and we were in shock. But now that it's starting to wear off, we're very happy and we've got to go ahead."

Firefighters face off against musicians

This weekend, firefighters took to the ice at the local arena and faced off against musicians and radio hosts in a fundraising hockey game.

After the game, the musicians will stage a free show around a bonfire with donated hot chocolate, burgers and hot dogs on sale to raise more money.

It marks the start of a year-long campaign to raise $300,000 for a new truck.

Pitre said his department has already received about $40,000 in donations and this weekend's events could boost the total to more than $60,000.

Until it is back on its feet, Rogersville has borrowed fire trucks from Miramichi and Oromocto.