What better place to enjoy a bowl of full-blown, mega-scorching-hot chili than at a fire station stocked with wildfire equipment, fire extinguishers and a building full of professionally trained firefighters, EMTs and Quick Response personnel?

Not that anyone is expecting a chili emergency in DeBorgia on Saturday, Nov. 7, when the West End Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department hosts its fourth annual Chili Cook-Off beginning at 4 p.m. But if somebody’s bowl happens to be a little too enthusiastic with the peppers, help is conveniently close at hand.

More than just a chili contest, the evening is a chance for neighbors to gather, families to have some fun, firefighters to show off some of the equipment that helps them do their jobs, and everyone to enjoy a little friendly competition. And, of course, there’s the raffle with a couple of very nice firearms up for grabs.

Fire Chief Frank Magee gives much of the credit for the event to his wife, Louise.

“Louise came up with the chili cook-off idea as she thought the department needed a recruiting event during the winter months,” Magee said. 

The idea proved to be a good one. 

“The first year went great, with about eight chilis entered. The next year the raffle was formed with a Henry rifle as the big prize, and many businesses in the county happily agreed to make donations,” Magee said. “This year the raffle is even larger, with two rifles which will be the Henry donated by West End Fire Department and a Ruger 10/22 donated by Superior Towing, along with many other large donations.” 

The event continues to grow. More than 40 people attended last year.

And then there’s the chili. 

There are no official categories this year, although perhaps there should be. Imagine trophies for such culinary masterpieces as Holy Hot Hell, Mild but Mischievous, Chicken Chili, Wimpy and Wonderful, Jalapeño Heat, or Family Friendly. Maybe next year, but for now, the rules are simple: Bring a crockpot full of your best chili. There is no cost to enter, and WEVFD will provide bowls and utensils. 

“We had about 14 chilis entered last year. Hoping for more this year,” Magee said. Judges will be selected at the event, presumably people who can be trusted around a crockpot. “We usually pick five judges that love chili,” Magee said. 

For those who prefer their food a little less fiery, hamburgers and hot dogs will also be available, along with all the fixings. And if someone wants to bring a dessert to share, that would be greatly appreciated. While the adults visit, sample chili and catch up with neighbors, there will be games on the tables for the kids. The fire department will also have information available on wildfire mitigation and ways to keep homes safe during fire season, along with information about fire extinguishers and smoke alarms as winter approaches.

The department recently received a $10,000 grant through the State Farm Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program. The money helped purchase a specialized extractor washing machine and drying closet for the department’s new turnout gear. The equipment should be up and running and available for people to see during the chili cook-off. It may not look as exciting as a fire truck, but it is an important piece of equipment. 

Firefighters can be exposed to carcinogens and other hazardous substances while fighting fires. The new system allows contaminated turnout gear to be cleaned at the fire station instead of being taken home, helping keep those substances out of firefighters’ houses and away from their families.

The evening also offers a chance for residents to get to know the people behind the department and learn more about what it takes to keep a volunteer fire and rescue operation going. Former WEVFD Chief Bruce Charles has nothing but praise for Magee and the direction he has taken the department. 

“Frank has done an outstanding job rebuilding the West End Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department since he took over a department that had deteriorated badly,” Charles said. “He has dramatically increased the number of volunteers, including two new fully trained EMTs.” 

Charles said Magee has also personally written numerous grant requests that have resulted in more than $700,000 in grants for the department since he became chief. Under Magee’s leadership and through extensive volunteer training, the department is now able to contract with the U.S. Forest Service to fight wildland fires. That work provides important income for both the department and the volunteer firefighters who participate. Crash rescue operations, primarily along I-90, provide additional revenue and that income is critical. 

The department receives only about $30,000 in tax revenue, while its annual operating expenses are approximately $90,000. Keeping the doors open, the equipment running and trained volunteers ready to respond takes a tremendous amount of work. 

“The position of chief of a volunteer fire and rescue operation is a full-time, 24-hours-per-day, seven-days-per-week responsibility,” Charles said. “It’s a complex job of recruiting, retaining, funding, and presenting the same to the community under various and often unanticipated conditions.” 

For Magee and the volunteers of WEVFD, however, community is at the heart of it all.

Last year, Joanne Heacock of St. Regis took first place in the chili contest, while Anna Graham, also of St. Regis, went home with the Henry rifle. Who will take home the bragging rights and who will take home this year’s prizes is anybody’s guess. The West End Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department headquarters is located in De Borgia, next door to the historic schoolhouse. 

For information about entering the chili contest, the raffle or becoming a volunteer firefighter, call 208-651-7700. Come hungry, bring the family, meet the firefighters, check out the equipment, visit with your neighbors, and maybe go home with a rifle.