During Carlton Fun Days, the Carlton volunteer fire department proved it knew a thing or two about fire, and not just the structural kind. The group barbecued hot dogs and hamburgers from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the event. Their specialty dish: a three-alarm burger.

"If it's hot, it has it on it," firefighter Jeremy Proffitt said, listing chipotle sauce, pepperjack cheese, onions, jalepeños and pickled peppers as toppings for the fiery hot burger.

The barbecue was a fundraiser for the fire department's new fire hall, which it hopes to move into by Oct. 1, fire chief Terry Lucich said. The money from this event will go toward kitchen equipment, firefighter Darci Ancalade said.

Two years ago, the last time Carlton firefighhters held their barbecue during Fun Days, they raised about $600, Ancalade said. This year, they spent about that amount -which was less than they spent last time - so they hoped to make a larger profit.

Lafayette Fire Department members Don and Diana Gonzalez helped run the booth even though it didn't benefit their department.

Event chairman Jeremiah Cook said helping nonprofits raise money is one of the primary goals of Fun Days, which are sponsored by the city of Carlton, overseen by an organizing committe and paid for by donations from area businesses and individuals.

"We create a venue so they can make money," he said.

Several area nonprofits participated, he said, naming several churches and the Yamhill-Carlton High School Grad Night committee among them.

Another participating nonprofit, also barbecuing, was the American Legion. Their booth sold out of hamburgers and hot dogs by 1 p.m. on Saturday, member Walt Fulcher said. They were left with only chicken and ribs.

The Legion also put on a chili cook-off, which drew in three contestants. Alfred Reigard won the competition. He said he cooks the beans and sauce separately and then combines them proportionately.

However, he said, "my secret is just make it well."

Although nonprofits such as the CFD and American Legion did show up, Cook said, overall "participation is a little down this year. I wouldn't say a lot down."

Fun Days itself was smaller than in the past, he said. "We toned this year down quite a bit."

Ancalade said she noticed a smaller number of participants as well, but said the CFD barbecue had done well and drew steady business.

Chief Lucich also had a positive view of the day and the fundraising effort.

"It's always nice to be out here and be part of the community," he said.