Lower Burrell fire company plans food-truck rally to fill fundraising hole

Lower Burrell Volunteer Fire Company No. 3 is looking to fill a pandemic-related hole in its budget by filling people’s stomachs.

The department lost an estimated $12,000 to $13,000 when it had to cancel one of its largest annual fundraisers, the weeklong Fireman’s Carnival, because of the coronavirus pandemic, said Brennan Sites, assistant chief at Lower Burrell No. 3. The department operates on an annual budget of about $70,000.

It’s hoping a food truck rally, scheduled for 1 to 6 p.m. July 25, can offset that loss.

“This food truck idea was in motion for a year and became even more vital when we lost the carnival,” Sites said. “We had to shift, because of the big needs to keep our firefighters safe.”

Besides routine expenses such as fuel and maintenance of vehicles, Lower Burrell No. 3 is trying to raise $110,000 for 20 air packs, which are breathing apparatuses firefighters use when entering house fires and other hazardous areas, Sites said.

“Covid-19 changed our operation model. We had to retrain a lot of people on proper precautions,” he said.

CDC guidelines will be followed, including social distancing and wearing masks. Patrons can get their food to-go or graze from a selection of 10 food trucks as well as craft beer and wine vendors. The food trucks will offer wood-fired pizza, brisket, Asian cuisine, gourmet popcorn, ice cream, funnel cakes and more. Firefighters will raffle off 30 gift baskets.

Small games of chance will be offered, and fire company trucks and an Army Humvee will be on display.

The fire company will receive 20% of the proceeds.

“The pandemic made it impossible to open up our fire stations and EMS to the public for tours, and it’s changed our fundraising plans,” Sites said.

In addition to the Fireman’s Carnival, Lower Burrell No. 3 was planning a sportsmen’s bash this year, but those plans were canceled as well.

Besides filling an immediate fundraising need, the food truck roundup will be a good community event for the city at a time when the pandemic has nixed many events, said City Councilman Chris Fabry.

“I really hope the community comes out and shows its support,” Fabry said. “From a social side, this is a good event for the community and will potentially bring in people from other places.”