Established in 1994, the Upper Yaak Fire Department is an all-volunteer organization that responds to local emergencies.
The first fire chief was Martin Redlinger. Firefighters in the Yaak Valley respond to structure fires, wildfires, downed power lines, car accidents and medical emergencies.
This facility is expensive to operate, and the local tax fee of $60 per property owner does not cover all of the costs of equipment, training, and operations. Each year, the Upper Yaak Fire Department hosts a garage sale, encouraging local residents to clean out their closets, basements, and outbuildings and donate items for a sale on Labor Day weekend.
This community sale will help fund much-needed new equipment for our firefighters, all of whom are volunteers.
Sharon Sullivan, the event’s organizer, has been with the Upper Yaak Fire Department since 2003. She is the fire department’s clerk and handles the necessary paperwork with state and federal agencies. Sullivan organized the first flea market in 2009 when she realized the fire department needed to raise money for safety and communications equipment.
“I am passionate about this department and hope to inspire others to help their neighbors and the department by donating their time and energy. This is why I got involved so I can give back to my community,” Sullivan said.
The sale is scheduled to take place Labor Day weekend at the Upper Yaak Fire Station, 74 Shooting Range Road, Yaak. It will be held Friday, August 30th and Saturday, August 31st from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hot dogs, chips and bottled water are available for a donation. Upper Yaak Fire thanks the Yaak River Tavern in Yaak for providing these items.
For those wishing to donate items for sale, two drop-off dates are scheduled: Saturday, August 17, 8:00 a.m. to noon and Saturday, August 24, 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Upper Yaak Fire Station, Yaak.
For more information, contact Sullivan at 406-295-5985.
