Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service is sparking community spirit among kids again this summer.

The AFRS has relaunched its "Heat in the Street" community hockey program.

The second of three evenings is set to take place at Eugene Reimer Middle School on Thursday, Aug. 9.

Emergency responders from fire, police and ambulance head into local neighborhoods and host fun, non-competitive hockey games, said AFRS acting Lieut. Martin Sunderland.

While older kids play ball hockey shoulder to shoulder with emergency workers, younger children can take part in other fun activities, chat with emergency responders and check out fire trucks, police cars and ambulances.

The goal of the Heat in the Street initiative is to create community connections in different neighborhoods within the city in a fun and casual environment, said Sunderland.

All the necessary hockey equipment is supplied to players and there is no cost to participate.

The program was introduced last summer and was very successful with hundred of kids showing up at each event, said Sunderland.

The fire prevention officer expects this year to be as popular as the last.

"It's a free activity during summer when kids are looking for stuff to do," he said.

"It also gives young people the opportunity to rub shoulders with firefighters, cops and paramedics in a friendly way.

"Hockey is also a huge part of our culture . . . and this is a non-competitive format where no one has to worry about winning or losing.

"Regardless of their age and skill level, they can come out and enjoy themselves."

- The next Heat in the Street evening is Thursday, Aug. 9 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Eugene Reimer Middle School, 3433 Firhill Drive.

The final community street hockey tourney will take place on Aug. 30 at Clayburn Middle School starting at 7 p.m.

RBaker@abbotsfordtimes.com

http://twitter.com/RochelleBaker1

http://twitter.com/abbytimes