Around 500 people attended a community barbecue organized by the Killarney-Turtle Mountain fire department on Thursday.

Deputy chief Kelly Lee says the group would like to update their equipment, and requires funds do so. He says the items are more 'wants' than 'needs', so they are not covered by the municipality or towns.

These include items like a thermal imaging camera and improved breathing apparatus.

Updated equipment is essential to the health and safety of fire fighters, Lee says, yet a lot of it is made of carcinogenic plastics.

"It's important, there's no question about it," Lee said when asked how crucial it is to have up-to-date apparatus.

Currently there are 18 members with the fire department, but Lee says he would like to see that number increase to 25.