New State Fair firehouse doubles as first-aid and cooling center, staffed by volunteers

The new firehouse at the Missouri State Fairgrounds has become a focal point for public safety this week, offering first-aid services and acting as a cooling center for visitors while drawing a steady crew of volunteers.

Volunteer staffing and daily operations

Fair officials said the facility is staffed largely by volunteers, with more than 80 volunteers on site each day of the fair. The structure is operated by members of the fair’s longtime volunteer firefighting force, a group that has served the event for decades.

Assistant Chief Larry Eggen described the work the crew is doing across the grounds, saying the firehouse expects to support large numbers of visitors seeking medical attention or relief from heat. The building also serves as a staging point for demonstrations and public education events designed to promote safety at the fair.

"Eggen says the all-volunteer fire crew will also stage safety demonstrations in front of the firehouse and throughout the fairgrounds."

Public services offered

Organizers emphasized the dual role the firehouse plays during the fair: immediate medical care for minor injuries and illnesses, and a place where attendees can cool down during periods of high heat. Fairgoers directed to the firehouse can expect basic first-aid treatment and assistance determining whether additional medical attention is needed.

• First-aid: treatment of minor cuts, scrapes, sprains and heat-related symptoms.
• Cooling center: air-conditioned space for visitors experiencing heat stress or seeking relief.
• Safety demonstrations: scheduled events including live demonstrations on fire prevention and a sprinkler demonstration.

One scheduled highlight is a sprinkler system demonstration planned for Thursday, Aug. 20, which organizers said will take place in front of the firehouse. Demonstrations like this are intended to show how systems respond during emergencies and to illustrate practical safety steps for attendees.

History and structure of fair firefighting services

The Missouri State Fair’s firefighting operation has a long volunteer tradition. According to fair materials, the fair has maintained a dedicated fire department for 65 years, staffed by volunteers whose local agencies are members of the Fire Fighters Association of Missouri. That continuity has informed the fair’s approach to on-site safety and emergency response.

Because the department is volunteer-driven, organizers rely heavily on pre-event training and coordination to ensure consistent coverage throughout the fair. Volunteers rotate through shifts and are positioned to respond quickly to medical and fire-related incidents across the grounds.

Practical information for fairgoers

Visitors should note the following practical points while attending the fair:

• Locate the firehouse early in your visit so you can get quick assistance if needed.
• Use the firehouse as a cooling refuge during hot afternoons, especially for young children, older adults and people with underlying conditions.
• Attend safety demonstrations to learn simple prevention measures that can reduce risk during your visit.

Why it matters

Large public events like state fairs concentrate crowds, food concessions and activities that increase the potential for minor injuries and heat-related illnesses. A staffed, visible firehouse on the fairgrounds functions both as a deterrent to unsafe behaviors and as a rapid-response hub should incidents occur. The heavy reliance on volunteers also highlights the role local first responders play in supporting community events.

Fair officials and volunteers encouraged attendees to prioritize safety, stay hydrated and make use of the resources available at the firehouse if they feel unwell or witness situations that may pose a hazard to others.

Coverage of the fair’s operations will continue as the event progresses and additional demonstrations and safety events are held.