Newport Beach firefighters prepare to turn up the heat

June Casagrande

Even the menu says “firemen.” Four-alarm chili, hot dogs and

hotcakes are just some of the sizzling fun that Newport Beach

firefighters will serve up once they’re the proud owners of the

Newport Beach Fireman’s Grill.

The pet project of Commodores Club member Lloyd Ikerd, the

fireman’s grill will be a 7-by-10-foot-long tandem-axle trailer

mounted with enough cooking power to light up fund-raisers and other

fun events all over town. The grill will include a barbecue grill, a

pancake grill and three-burner range for heating up everything from

coffee to soup.

“It’s going to be really versatile,” said Ikerd, who got the idea

from the city of Long Beach, which has two firemen’s grills.

Ikerd’s goal of delivering the new grill by Sept. 1 is still about $10,000 away. The Commodores Club so far has raised about $5,000 for

the cost of the $15,000 grill. But Ikerd is moving full steam ahead

on the project. Creating the design himself, he has already given the

job to a welding company.

“We’re going to build it from scratch, and we really hope to have

it finished by Sept. 1,” Ikerd said.

Councilman Steve Bromberg, who has been drumming up support for

the grill, said he’s sure it will be put to good use.

“Balboa Island alone has two barbecues and one pancake breakfast

every year, and the Fire Department is always there to help,”

Bromberg said. “They’re very community-oriented. What we’re looking

at here is just another terrific way for the Fire Department to

expand even further their community involvement.”