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History of the Quadra Island Fire Department |
Quadra, which was named after a Spanish naval officer, was a pristine wilderness
until the 1880's when logging and mining interests discovered its riches.
It became one of the few Gulf Islands where mining could be profitable.
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Russ Swanson, Sid Mace, Gilbert Krook, George Rose, John Blenkin, Henry Leask,
Hemming Ogren, Bill Nutting, Carl Martin with the first piece of equipment
purchased. |
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The Lucky Jim mine opened in 1903 and for a time it yielded tonnes of gold
and copper ore. A fish-canning plant also flourished in the early 1900s,
at its heyday employing between 200-300 workers. It burned down in 1941 and
was never rebuilt.
By 1904, Quadra had two post offices, a school, hotel, lumber camps, mills,
and a mission. A passenger ferry started in 1949 and a car ferry in 1960.
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Alex Mercier, Bill and Ted Nutting, Stan Bassett, Don Sumner Herby Joyce,
Bob Hendrickson, Dudley Richard, Henry Leask, Sig Haga, Ken Sumner, Oliver
Bjodin and Bill Navid 1965 Members.
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Sid Mace, Alex Mercier, Dougie Dowler, John Blenkin, Sig Haga, Oliver Sjodin,
Will Cooper, Bill Nutting, Carl Martin, Doug Leys, Ted Nutting, Henry Mottishaw
at an organization meeting 1960.
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As the communities on Quadra Island grew, it became necessary to provide
citizens with fire protection. The first organized fire protection service
began in 1969.
Today the Fire Protection Service is provided by 36 firefighters and support
staff. See our roster page.
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1972 First Hub Fire Truck Training in Matsqui
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No 1 Fire Hall Grand Opening 1965
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Quadra Island Fire Department's
first Truck as it looks today.
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