Redlands Fire Explorer Post 261 Car Washes Start Saturday at Hatfield Buick

Explorers with the Redlands Fire Department are planning three car washes to raise funds for their program, beginning Saturday Aug. 4 at Hatfield Buick.

Redlands Fire Explorer Post 261, founded in 2001, provides opportunities for teens and young adults ages 15 to 22 to learn basic fire service skills and contribute volunteer service hours in the community.

Individual Explorers perform more than 400 service hours a year, according to Redlands spokesman Carl Baker.

Proceeds from the car washes will help pay for uniforms, equipment and training for the Explorer program, a city spokesman said in an announcement. Organizers also hope to raise enough to send 10 participants to the Inland Empire Fire Explorer Association Fire Academy in November.

"There are currently 21 Explorers in the program," Baker said. "Explorers must maintain a 2.0 Grade Point Average and attend meetings twice a month, participate in two ride-alongs each month and take part in other training.

"In addition, Explorers assist with numerous City and Department activities including non-safety related support functions on emergency scenes, the annual Fourth of July celebration, the Redlands Professional Firefighters Car Show, the Redlands Emergency Services Academy, the engineer’s promotional test and Muscular Dystrophy Association fund raisers."

The Inland Empire Fire Explorer Association Fire Academy provides hands-on experience to Explorers in firefighting, auto extrication and other emergency service skills, Baker said. The cost of the academy can be more than $250 for each participant.

Redlands Firefighter Jerome Mathiasen is an advisor to the Fire Explorer program.

"My goal with the Explorer program is to prepare them not only for a possible career in the Fire Service, but to make them all-around great candidates for any career they may choose," Mathiasen said.

The car washes are planned 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday Aug. 4, Aug. 18 and Sept. 8 at , 301 E. Redlands Blvd. Pre-sale tickets are available for $5 at Fire Station 1, at the corner of Redlands Boulevard and Citrus Avenue, or at the Fire Administration Office at 35 Cajon St., Suite 12.