Two Bristol Borough Fire companies announced they are combining stations officials announced on Friday.
America Hose, Hook and Ladder #2 (Station 25) and Bristol Consolidated Volunteer Fire Company (Station 50) announced through the recently formed Bristol Borough Fire Association they will “co-house” operations as of October 1.
“Main fire operations will be housed out of Station 25” located in the Boroughs east ward on Farragut Avenue. Engine 50 will be housed at Station 25 with Ladder 25 and Rescue 25. Main fire operation will be conducted from Station 25,” fire officials said.
Credit: Submitted
Special Service 25, Marine 25 and Air 25 will be housed at Station 50 with Tac 50. Supportive services, such as marine, air, foam, supplemental fire suppression equipment and fire police, to be conducted from Station 50.
All personnel will respond to Station 25 for all fire, hazmat and medical related calls, officials said.
Credit: Submitted
All personnel will respond to Station 50 for marine rescues for the deployment of Marine 25 and to manage any additional resources.
The announced move, “is not a merger” but “a temporary solution to improve manning and response times as we evaluate fire protection services” BFFA officials said. However consolidating the services of the borough’s four fire companies is a long term goal of the BFFA and is a project initially spearheaded by former Mayor Joseph Saxton, who passed away in July.
A 2021 fire study made strategic suggestions to the borough namely a restructuring of fire services, such as “restructure the fire chiefs reporting responsibilities to the borough manager.
The report also suggests changes to the fire ordinance be made to determine the needs of borough and community the fire companies serve” and form an association which oversees and manages operational issues of the four first responder companies.
“This is a move to unite fire company resources and to better serve the residents of Bristol”, said Council President Ralph DiGuiseppe.
