THE HISTORY OF

IRVONA VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

In the early days, the people of Irvona, Pennsylvania were terrified at the sound of a fire alarm, as many fires had previously destroyed as much as an entire block. The earliest recorded fire on file was on Berwind Street, the same street the fire company calls home today. Four buildings were destroyed by that fire in 1910.

It was in 1910 that the very first firefighting equipment was purchased. It was purchased by Irvona Borough. It was a four-wheel, hand drawn, hand operated pumper.

In 1923, the first fire company was organized, and in 1928 fire protection was improved a great deal, when an American La France gasoline pumper was purchased. In 1932 another devastating fire hit the small town, and five buildings were destroyed, including Salem's Store and bowling Alley, Publer's Barber Shop, The McRoson Hotel, and a house next to the Hotel.

In 1945 the firefighters were reorganized and replaced the American La France when they purchased an Army Surplus U.S.A. Hollobird fire engine and 1,500 feet of hose. Then in 1950 a New 1951 Chevrolet, 500-gallon per minute pumper was purchased which had a high pressure fog of 400-gallons.

In 1973 a new Chevrolet Pumper was purchased and replaced the 1951 Chevy, which was in active service for 29 years! The 1973 pumper was active until the mid 1990's, when an International was purchased. 

In August of 1952 ground was broken on the Firemen and Community Hall. The building was completed in August of 1953. A grand opening was held when everything was ready. The firemen did all the work themselves. The building was 50 feet by 100 feet, and the materials were purchased at a cost of $17,500, but the actual estimated cost of the building was about $40,000. This was a commendable enterprise and the citizens were highly appreciative. The building still stands today and houses the Irvona Dollar General Store.

The fire company is now housed at the corner of Berwind and Julia Streets. At one time it was in the old theatre building and the old bank. The building was also an opera house and had been standing for a long long time.

In the past the fire company held a carnival in town at Elderberry Park, they stopped having it in 1980, and began holding the annual antique and classic auto show, again at the park in town. That show is still held every year and is one of the largest shows in the area. They also hold a chicken barbecue and flea market, along with some other events, such as games and a DJ always comes to play for those in attendance. The BBQ is always a sell out and as many as 900 dinners were sold. Not bad.

In 2005 "Old Home Week" was held for the first time in 25-years as the carnival returned. It is being held each year with great appreciation from the community.

Some of the old equipment included at 1967 Mack tanker, that carried 4000-gallons of water, a 1982 Sanford pumper and an army truck that has been converted into a brush tanker. We also used to have a 1960 Brockway, that was purchased from Dale Borough, near Johnstown. It was sold and has been refurbished for a museum in New York. Pictures of the old equipment can be seen elsewhere on this site.

Today (2007) the firefighting equipment includes a 2006 Spartan Engine, a 1993 Rescue (an old ambulance), a 1978 Mack Engine-Tanker that hauls 2,500-gallons of water and is also and engine and the old army surplus truck is still used as the brush tanker. A newer brush tanker and a pick-up truck are currently being restored as brush fire equipment.

In December of 2000, just before Christmas, the fire hall was hit by fire. It's true and sad. It was a total loss. The new hall is on the original sight. There is now a large social hall and we have five bays, two of which the ambulance rent.

Irvona Volunteer Fire Company provides protection for Irvona Borough, Beccaria Township, Chest Township, and Jordan Township, as well as to any surrounding areas that may require mutual aide.

The Irvona Firefighters are also proud of the fact that we were the first fire company in Central Pennsylvania to have yellow trucks, and run with high visibility lights, they were BLUE!

Today that has changed, the trucks are white with yellow stripes and red lights.

Well, that's the update on the history of the fire co. As more history is made, we'll print it here.

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