What is it with firefighters and chili?

I ran across a Pomona Now post that talked about a chili cook-off that will be held this Saturday. This cook-off happens to be sponsored by an Explorer post...who happens to be connected to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Why do fire departments often get involved in these chili cook-offs? Do they figure that if someone makes a really hot chili, the firefighters will treat the consumer?

A few details about the cook-off:

Chili cooks in the region are being invited to show off their cooking skills by taking part in a chili cook-off fundraising event organized by Los Angeles County Fire Department Explorer Post 15.

Contest judging will be at 2 p.m. June 6 at the Pomona Eagles Lodge, 954 W. Mission Blvd. in Pomona.