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1966
The first attempt to form a volunteer fire department in Kaleden was in 1966.
At that time, members of the Kaleden Community Hall Board were concerned about fire protection for the hall and the community. It was decided to see if they could spark some interest in a volunteer department from other residents of Kaleden.
 Ten men headed by Robert (Bob) McKeeever as Fire Chief and Les Muller as Deputy Chief formed the first Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department. With financial help from the Hall Board a four cylinder, gear driven Continental fire pump on wheels was purchased from the Salmon Arm Fire Department (Civil Defense), along with two war time gas masks and two lengths of two and a half inch suction hose.
Bob McKeever
This pump could draft from the Lake or a pool supplying water to two 1 ½ inch hose and a nozzle which was kept along with the pump at the Community Hall
Continental Pump
in service 1966-1969
 Fire hydrants, as we know them, were nonexistent in the community. However, the orchard irrigation hookups did give us source of water. It was suggested to residents who did not have hookups, that they get to together with their neighbours and install a standpipe to which the firefighters could hook the hose. These standpipes were installed by the Kaleden Irrigation District at a cost of $75.00 to the resident.
In order to activate these standpipes a long metal rod was used to turn on a tap 4-6 feet down to the main water line. A few of these old-type stand pipes still exist in the community today (1997).
On any given day or night, a fire in Kaleden would mean a phone call to Jack Swales or Len and Rose Swales at Kaleden Service Station who in turn phoned a list of volunteers.
The first volunteer firefighter to arrive at the Community Hall would switch on the siren which was located on the top of the building. He loaded the hose box into the back of his truck and, if required, the pump was connected to his truck and he headed to the fire.
The firefighters did not have fire gear but made use of six construction hard hats, therefore, it was wear whatever you had on and bring your own shovel. As a result the firefighters would often end up with damaged pants and boots after a fire. Volunteers had problems with the pump as it kept breaking down and there was very little money for gas.
To help cover costs of this department, community residents who appreciated these men and their efforts, gave a donation. The department later asked for a $5 fee from each home.
Soon it became evident that the form of firefighting described above would not work and that a supply of water would have to be taken to most fires.  Len Swales donated a 1948 Reo Flatback truck, to be paid for when the department could afford it. The truck was painted white and lettered with Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department. With a donation from the Kaleden Irrigation District, four new tires were installed. The department also equipped this vehicle with a 300 gallon water tank and installed the Continental pump The fire truck was parked out in the open next to the Community Hall. Starting the vehicle in the cold weather and the possibility of no gas made this impractical.
In 1969 a 1942 Chevrolet wartime Crash Truck used by the Penticton Fire Department became available for a price of $4,200.00. As there was no money in the coffers for such a purchase, it was decided to go to the Kaleden Rate payers with a plebiscite for
$22,000.00 in order to purchase the truck, build a fire hall and buy equipment. The referendum was held on May 24, 1969, and received a “yes” vote of 54%. a vote of 60% was required in order to pass the vote and as such the plebiscite was defeated. With no money to buy the truck or maintain the fire department, the Chief and volunteers made good their decision to resign. The Reo Flatback truck was returned to Len Swales. This left the fast-growing community of 170 homes without fire protection.
It was shortly thereafter that the “Save the Fire Truck” committee was formed with Dick Gale as Chairman. In addition, 46 Kaleden residents each paid $125.00 to purchase and operate the 1942 Chev pumper with the hope that another plebiscite could be held at a later date. This was the beginning of the newly formed Skaha West Volunteer Fire Department. Fred Keenan served as the first fire chief, followed later by David Ure. The fire truck was kept in Dave Ure's barn. No regular practices were held and fortunately there were only .
The 1942 Chevrolet pumper was purchased from Skaha West Fire Department and was originally a WW II military vehicle. It was a four-wheel drive crash truck used on a United States Military Airfield The truck was purchased by the Penticton Fire Department in May 1951 and driven from Boston at speeds of 38-40 miles per hour. In 1970 it was purchased by the Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department. It was in service in Kaleden as their pumper until 1979. This truck was called No.3 truck. The fire truck was kept in Dave Ure's barn. No regular practices were held and fortunately there were only a few calls
In March 1972 a committee chaired by Bert Hall, and residents who had an interest in the 1942 Chev Fire Truck wanted to see if they could reactivate their department. It was felt that a department supported by the taxpayers was the only possibility. A referendum would again be held. A news circular was sent out to all residents explaining the Kaleden Fire Protection District proposal. It was proposed to borrow $32,000.00 over a 10 year period through the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen (RDOS). Following a 77% favourable plebiscite on May 13, 1972 to form the Kaleden Fire Protection Area, the RDOS appointed Bert Hall as Chairman along with 4 other Kaleden residents (Dick Gale, Erle Gardener, Doug King and Jack Rogers) to implement the terms of plebiscite.
The RDOS would acquire all real estate, equipment, etc. and lease it to the fire brigade.
 In June of 1972 the department was registered with the Registrar of Companies with a new constitution and By-laws and under the Societies Act became the Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department (1972). With Bert Hall as Chairman, Erle Gardiner as Fire Chief, and fourteen volunteers they began the task of building the department. Equipment required to meet the Fire Marshal's minimum standards was ordered. As well, plans for a fire hall were put out to tender.
Erle Gardiner Chief 1972-1986
The RDOS authorized the purchase of the 1942 Chev. 4X4 from the Skaha West Fire Department. The department was coming together very well. A number of residents gave firefighting a try. Some stayed, others decided after a couple of practices and fires that this was not for them.
 Len Swales returned the 1948 Reo flatdeck truck. This truck was equipped with 2 three hundred gallon water tanks, a portable pump, and hose. The truck as used as a nurse truck or tanker truck. This truck was called No.1 truck as it was already painted on the side and only required R.D.O.S and
K.V.F.D.(1972) to be added to each. You may ask how did this make any sense? Where was No.2 truck? The pumper came with number 3 on it and No.1 was put on the flatdeck truck when KVFD first received it in the late 1960’s. With money being in short supply, it was not going to be spent to change truck numbers. From that day on our main pumper has been known as Number Three.
 The department, for the first time, had women volunteer firefighters They were expected to learn and perform the same duties as the men. One of the few problems they encountered was that the fire gear did not fit very well. They didn't let this stop them. With the help of scissors, a needle and thread, things were soon in order
Left to Right: Debbie Huck, Linda McGill,
Gale Johnson, Darlene Bailey
The first Fire Chief was Erle Gardiner who remained Chief until 1986. Garry Sharpe signed on as Deputy Chief but was replaced by Bob McKeever a few months later. Bob McKeeever also served as Assistant to the Fire Marshall from 1972-1975. He held the Assistant Chief position until February, 1978. It was decided at this first organizational meeting that practices would be held every Wednesday from 7:00 p.m. To 9:00 p.m. Practices to this day total 51 a year.
 On July 26, 1972 the first practice was held at Bob McKeever's farm as the new hall was not yet built.
Left to Right:
Bob McKeever, Earl Gardiner, Rick Muller, John Hohn, Gary Boehm.
Property (120 ft x 150 ft) on Lakehill Rd was purchased from Fred King for $6,000.00. This site was chosen as it made response time from the top of the hill quicker. The site required fill to make a level building site for the hall. Plans for a cement block building(32x36) were made and approved by the Fire Marshal. Tenders for the construction of a two-bay hall went out. The cement block work was done by Schori Masonry. The remaining work, such as the roof and painting was done by the volunteers and contractors. The building was complete enough to move the trucks in October 25, 1972.
At this time the furnace had not been installed but with winter approaching it would soon be necessary.
The Community Hall Board needed more parking so a one time donation of $2,500.00 was given to the Fire Department to help offset costs. The parking lot to the west of the fire hall was made available for community parking.
In September, 1973 a concrete apron was completed at the front of the Hall.
As the fire hall was built to house the truck, no allowance was made for the volunteers to hold in-hall practices. Their fire gear was carried on the sides of the No, 3 truck. A small meeting area was behind the trucks but this was lacking in space and warmth.
In 1975 with firefighter Martin Springfield in charge, a loft was built at the back end of the fire hall. The volunteers worked on weekends to bolt and secure the loft to the roof and side walls. No lower supports were raised. This is still in use today and is used by the Fire Chief for an office and storage.
In 1974 the KVFD also purchased a 1958 Dodge Panel. This truck was to carry rescue equipment for the fire department. The truck was purchased from the Okanagan Falls Fire Department. It came equipped with warning lights and a siren.
The 1942 pumper was giving us mechanical problems. In 1975 the front mount pump on the Chev required rebuilding. As the truck was to be going out of service, an international 1953 pumper capable of pumping 500 gallons per minute was borrowed from the B.C. Fire MArshall’s Office in Kamloops. This insured fire protection and our insurance rating to Kaleden.
In 1976 a 1973 Maxi-Van, in excellent condition, became available.
With the help of the Kaleden Hall Board and with moneys from the firefighters’ Fund the truck was purchased to replace the 1958 Dodge Panel. It required painting and wiring for emergency lights and siren. The truck was purchased and outfitted at no costs to the taxpayers.
This then became No.2 truck. The department was now well equipped.
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