BAVFC 1955 Activity History Highlights Fires, Mutual Aid Responses, Barn Fires, and Extended Fireground Operations

The Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company’s 1955 activity history reflects a year of fire suppression, mutual aid support, rural water supply operations, and community emergency service. Throughout the year, BAVFC crews responded to dwelling fires, building fires, barn fires, garage fires, apartment fires, and several extended mutual aid assignments across Bel Air and surrounding communities.

The year began on January 20 with two mutual aid responses. BAVFC assisted with a dwelling fire on Glenville Road at the Fielder property, where Company 1 also operated. B. King served as acting officer.

Later that same date, Company 3 assisted with a mutual aid building fire on Berkeley Road involving a barn that was a total loss. Companies 9, 6, 1, and 3 operated on the scene for approximately three hours. B. King served as acting officer.

On January 28, Company 3 assisted with a mutual aid dwelling fire on Camp Tucker Road involving the side of a house. Company 3 responded with one engine. B. King served as acting officer.

February included mutual aid and local dwelling fire responses. On February 13, Company 3 assisted with a mutual aid dwelling fire near Fork Road and Harford Road. Company 3 responded with one engine, with Baltimore County Station 1 and Station 38 also operating on the scene. B. King served as acting officer.

On February 20, BAVFC responded to a dwelling fire on Sandy Hook Road. The home was a complete loss. Company 9 assisted with two engines, and crews operated for approximately three hours. B. Zimmerman served as acting officer.

On March 6, crews responded to a dwelling fire on Walters Mill Road involving fire around a chimney. Spicer served as acting officer.

On April 18, BAVFC responded to a building fire on Pleasantville Road at the Caine property involving a chicken house. B. King served as acting officer.

May included a mutual aid commercial fire. On May 5, Company 3 assisted with a mutual aid building fire at Heap’s Garage, also known as the old Robert’s Foundry, in Cardiff. The fire involved the garage and salesroom. Companies 3, 6, 9, and 10 operated on the scene for approximately three hours. B. King served as acting officer.

June included a building fire and a first-in dwelling response. On June 6, crews responded to a building fire on Hays Street behind the Welfare Office involving a chicken house. B. King served as acting officer.

On June 21, BAVFC responded to a dwelling fire in Upper Cross Roads, where Company 3 arrived first. Company 7 sustained a broken axle during the response. B. King served as acting officer.

August included several building and barn fires. On August 3, crews responded to a building fire on Gordon Street involving a barn. Firefighters operated for approximately two hours. B. King served as acting officer.

On August 8, Company 3 assisted with a mutual aid barn fire on Route 136 near Route 543. Companies 1 and 4 also operated at the scene. B. King served as acting officer.

On August 11, BAVFC assisted with a mutual aid barn fire on Bradenbaugh Road. Baltimore County Station 45, Stewartstown, and Companies 3 and 7 operated on the scene for approximately four hours. B. King served as acting officer.

On August 14, crews responded to a building fire on Friendship Road involving a garage. E. Hiser served as acting officer.

October was the busiest recorded month in the 1955 activity history. On October 10, Company 3 assisted with a mutual aid building fire at Moxley’s Garage in Churchville. Companies 1, 2, and 3 operated on the scene. The building was fully involved on arrival. B. King served as acting officer.

On October 18, crews responded to an apartment fire on Chestnut Hill Road. Companies 7 and 9 also assisted. B. Zimmerman served as acting officer.

On October 29, Company 3 assisted with a mutual aid building fire involving three motel units on Route 1 south of Bel Air. Company 8 also operated on the scene, and crews worked for approximately three hours. B. King served as acting officer.

On October 30, BAVFC responded to a building fire on Watervale Road involving a barn. Crews operated for approximately two and a half hours. B. King served as acting officer.

November included two significant building fires. On November 2, crews responded to a building fire on Pleasantville Road involving a garage. A car, truck, and the building were a total loss. Company 7 assisted with two units. B. Zimmerman served as acting officer.

On November 15, BAVFC responded to a building fire on Route 1 near Hickory at the Spicer property. A barn and tool shed were a total loss. Companies 1, 9, and 7 also operated on the scene. Crews worked for approximately eight hours. B. King served as acting officer.

The year closed on December 26 with a building fire on Laurel Brook Road involving a shed and nearby woods. Crews operated for approximately three hours. B. Zimmerman served as acting officer.

The 1955 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 operations, and extended fireground support. The year was marked by multiple barn and garage fires, long-duration operations, and continued cooperation with neighboring fire companies.

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