Chelsea Fire Department holds annual water war with residents

CHELSEA, Okla. — Residents in the City of Chelsea beat the heat at their annual water war with the Chelsea Fire Department on Saturday.

The Chelsea Fire Chief says the event isn't just a way to beat the Summer heat, but it's also a cool way for first responders to connect with the community.

Chief Craig Sampson says the event takes the fire engines down as many streets in town as possible, sparing no one from the fire truck's hose.

"If there are kids that come out and play, we squirt them with a water hose," said Chief Sampson. "If there are elderly people, we do the same."

The community brings their own backup.

"They use water balloons, water hoses, the whole list of things, they use," Chief Sampson said.

However, Chief Sampson says the event holds more meaning than just a water battle. He says it provides first responders with a lighthearted way to connect with the community, an occasion he feels is few and far between.

"Police and fire, you know, there are not times that we get to go out and have this fun and relax with the public," he said. "Usually when we get called it's something bad or emergencies."

Chief Sampson says it's another way to give back to the community that supports their department.

Larry Copeland, vice mayor of Chelsea, says he is always appreciative of what these first responders do for the city.

"It's something we look forward to each year," Copeland said. "We are a small community but as you can see, we have a lot of people participating."

The Fire Department made sure to bring in some reinforcements.

"The police department is helping us. They are riding along with us as well and other agencies from other counties and fire departments are joining us," Chief Sampson said.

By the end of the battle a number of Chelsea residents were already ready for a rematch.