The Owensboro Fire Department is sharing some favorite firehouse recipes through their new Facebook cooking show called “Food on Fire.” The show gives viewers a look into the kitchens inside the fire stations.
OFD Captain Bobby Grant said since the stations are like second homes for the firefighters, they often cook most of their meals there while on the clock. Sometimes, they must leave for a call before eating a freshly prepared meal.
“There’s been many times where we’ve cooked a nice meal, and we’ve got called out to a run, and we come back to a cold dinner, but that’s just part of the job. We know that going in, and we just warm it up and eat,” he said.
The idea for the show came after a conversation between Shaelie Velez, the City of Owensboro’s Communications & Marketing Manager, and OFD Fire Chief James Howard. He mentioned the department should bring back the cooking show, and while he may have been kidding, Velez looked into the idea.
“They make many of their meals there. They spend a lot of their time there, and they have some favorite and fun recipes, and now they’re getting to share those,” Velez said.
In the first episode of Food on Fire, Bobby and his wife Amber make a crockpot lasagna with a bit of a health kick. Bobby said he and Amber try to eat as responsibly as possible but also want to enjoy traditional food. So, their recipe includes a healthier alternative of cheese, meat, and noodles.
Bobby enjoyed welcoming people into their house and the station during the filming of the episode.
“I like having people to get a look at our industry and what we do for the general public. It’s also good for recruitment to show people how we live because this is our second home [as firefighters]. Just like you cook in your house, we cook here,” Bobby said.
Velez said they already have a second episode showing how to cook shrimp and grits that will be released on the OFD Facebook page next month. Episodes also include a recipe with instructions so families can try cooking the dish.
