BAVFC 1952 Activity History Highlights Fires, Mutual Aid Responses, Barn Fires, and Busy Fall Fire Activity

The Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company’s 1952 activity history reflects a busy year of fire suppression, mutual aid response, rural water supply support, and extended fireground operations. Throughout the year, BAVFC crews responded to dwelling fires, building fires, barn fires, trailer fires, commercial fires, and numerous mutual aid assignments across Harford and Baltimore counties.

The year began on January 6 with a mutual aid dwelling fire on Old Stepney Road at the Scarbaugh property. Companies 2 and 4 also assisted. Company 3 responded with two engines, and crews operated for approximately two hours. B. Zimmerman served as acting officer.

February included several fire responses. On February 11, BAVFC responded to a dwelling fire at Michael’s Corner. Company 4’s tank truck also assisted. B. King served as acting officer.

On February 12, Company 3 assisted with a mutual aid dwelling fire in Abingdon involving the cellar and first floor. Company 3 responded with two engines. B. King served as acting officer.

That same date, BAVFC assisted with a mutual aid building fire at Wagner Farm in Darlington. Company 3 responded with one engine, and Companies 6 and 9 also operated on the scene. B. Zimmerman served as acting officer.

On February 17, Company 3 assisted with a mutual aid building fire at the Schuester Farm in Jarrettsville. The incident involved a garage and storage shed. Companies 7 and 6 also assisted. B. King served as acting officer.

March included mutual aid and local dwelling fire responses. On March 4, BAVFC assisted with a mutual aid dwelling fire at Paradise Cabins near Edgewood Road and Route 40. Company 3 responded with one engine. B. King served as acting officer.

On March 28, crews responded to a dwelling fire near Route 1 and Kalmia Road involving a trailer that burned down. B. King served as acting officer.

April included two dwelling fires. On April 15, BAVFC responded to a dwelling fire at the Wheeler property in Bel Air, where fire involved the second and third floors. B. King served as acting officer.

On April 30, crews responded to a dwelling fire on Thomas Run Road near Kalmia Road. Companies 6 and 9 each assisted with two engines. B. King served as acting officer.

On May 29, BAVFC responded to a building fire on Gordon Street at the Bull property. The incident involved a garage fire that started from a car fire. B. King served as acting officer.

On July 19, Company 3 responded with two engines to a building fire on Harford Road in Fork involving a barn. Battalion Chief 38 and Battalion Chief 8 also assisted. B. Zimmerman served as acting officer.

On August 30, BAVFC responded to a building fire in the 1000 block of Conowingo Road at the Irwin Farm. The fire involved a barn. Companies 6, 7, and 9 each assisted with two engines. B. King served as acting officer.

October began a period of heavy fall fire activity. On October 2, Company 3 assisted with a mutual aid building fire on Constitution Road involving a barn. Companies 10, 6, and 3 each operated with two engines at the scene. B. King served as acting officer.

On October 11, BAVFC assisted with a mutual aid dwelling fire in Baldwin involving a house and shed. Company 7, Company 3, and Battalion Chiefs 38, 39, 1, and 8 operated on the scene. B. King served as acting officer.

On October 15, Company 3 assisted with a mutual aid dwelling fire on Old Joppa Road near Route 7. Company 4 responded with two engines, and crews operated for approximately three hours. B. King served as acting officer.

On October 20, BAVFC responded to a building fire on Bond Street at the Harford Realty Company property, owned by Adolph Cosner. The building was the former Gazette Building. Crews faced significant exposure concerns, meaning nearby structures or property were at risk from the fire. Company 7 assisted with two engines. Damage was estimated at approximately $2,800. B. King served as acting officer.

November was especially active for dwelling fires. On November 6, BAVFC responded to a dwelling fire in Calvary. Companies 2 and 4 also assisted, and damage was estimated at approximately $7,000. B. King served as acting officer.

On November 8, crews responded to a dwelling fire on North Tollgate Road at the Sparks house. Company 4 assisted with a tank truck. B. King served as acting officer.

On November 12, Company 3 assisted with a mutual aid dwelling fire in Graceton. Company 3 responded with two engines, and Companies 6 and 10 also operated on the scene. B. King served as acting officer.

On November 13, BAVFC responded to a dwelling fire on Creswell Road at the Eugene Todd property. Company 4 assisted with two engines. B. King served as acting officer.

On November 30, crews responded to a dwelling fire in Upper Falls. Company 4 and Battalion Chief 8 also assisted, and crews operated for approximately three and a half hours. B. King served as acting officer.

Also on November 30, Company 3 assisted with a mutual aid dwelling fire in Aldino. Companies 2 and 3 each responded with two units. B. King served as acting officer.

December closed the year with multiple fire responses. On December 7, BAVFC responded to a building fire at Hollander’s Auto Store. B. King served as acting officer.

That same date, crews responded to a dwelling fire on Bel Air Road at the Durham property. B. King served as acting officer.

On December 12, BAVFC responded to a dwelling fire on Route 22 near Aldino Road at the Whitaker house. Crews operated for approximately two hours. B. Zimmerman served as acting officer.

On December 20, crews responded to a dwelling fire on North Tollgate Road at the Wildason property. Company 4 assisted with one engine, and crews operated for approximately two hours. B. King served as acting officer.

On December 23, Company 3 assisted with a mutual aid dwelling fire near Route 24 and Route 7. Company 3 responded with one engine. B. King served as acting officer.

The 1952 activity history demonstrates the wide range of services provided by the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company, including fire suppression, mutual aid coverage, rural water supply support, and response to residential, agricultural, and commercial fires. The year was marked by frequent mutual aid assignments, several barn fires, and a particularly active fall and winter fire season.

Residents are encouraged to follow BAVFC for department updates, fire prevention information, and opportunities to support or volunteer with the company.