Forest Hill Station (House 2)

27 East Jarrettsville Road
Forest Hill, Maryland 21050

Phone: 410-638-4402

Year Opened: 1979

The Forest Hill Fire Station serves the northern response area of the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company’s first-due district. Located on East Jarrettsville Road, the station houses frontline apparatus and provides rapid response capabilities for fire suppression, emergency medical incidents, and specialized operations throughout the Forest Hill community and surrounding areas.

Station Fleet

The Forest Hill Station operates several key apparatus designed to support fire suppression and rural response operations.

Fire Suppression

Engine 316

2016 Pierce Enforcer Pumper

Brush 3-2

2017 Ford F350 / EBY 4 X 4 Brush Truck

Support Vehicles

Utility 3-1

2005 Chevrolet 2500 Command / Utility

Utility 3-8

2007 International 4100 Support & Rehab Unit

Station History

The development of a fire station in Forest Hill began in 1973 when residents of the community expressed interest in establishing a fire protection presence in the area. In May of that year, a meeting was held with community members to discuss the possibility of creating a station to better serve the growing population.

Following the meeting, it was agreed that interested Forest Hill residents would join the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company, complete required training, and become active members. In return, the fire company committed to exploring the establishment of a fire station in the community, provided the overall membership supported the effort.

A membership drive was conducted in the Forest Hill area to recruit additional volunteers. As membership from the community increased, support for the project continued to grow.

In 1975, the fire company’s officers formally reported to the Board of Directors that they supported the creation of a Forest Hill station. Discussions were held with the Forest Hill Association to coordinate plans for the project.

While land was being sought for a permanent station, a temporary location was established in a small building on the Hicks property at the intersection of Route 24 and Old Jarrettsville Road. In January 1976, the company placed Air 361, an emergency support unit, in service at the temporary station.

In March 1977, the station had to be relocated when the Hicks property was sold. The fire company then moved operations to the Forest Hill Airpark, where a rented hangar was converted into a temporary fire station.

In May 1977, the company placed a 1948 Mack engine into service at the Forest Hill station. This was followed by the addition of a 1969 Seagrave engine in September of that same year.

A permanent location for the station became possible in early 1978 when Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Klein, respected Forest Hill residents and business owners, generously donated a parcel of land on East Jarrettsville Road for the construction of the new station.

Groundbreaking for the Forest Hill Fire Station took place in October 1978. The station was completed and opened on September 1, 1979, and officially dedicated on October 28, 1979.

As operational needs evolved, the station underwent significant renovations beginning in 2006. Plans included expanding storage capacity, adding bunk rooms, creating an exercise and workout area, and upgrading kitchen facilities.

During 2007, the necessary planning, bidding, and contract approvals were completed. Later that year, all station apparatus, equipment, and personnel were temporarily relocated to a nearby building owned by Benfield Electric while renovations were underway.

Construction began in early 2008, and the renovated Forest Hill Fire Station was completed and reoccupied in September 2008, providing modern facilities to support both members and emergency operations.