BAVFC 1964 Activity History Highlights Fires, Rescues, Mutual Aid Responses, New Firehouse Milestone, and Fatal Apartment Fire

The Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company’s 1964 activity history reflects a year of fire suppression, rescue operations, EMS support, mutual aid response, woods and field fire activity, and important department milestones. Throughout the year, BAVFC crews responded to dwelling fires, apartment fires, barn fires, building fires, woods fires, field fires, and rescue incidents across Bel Air and surrounding communities.

The year began on January 22 with a building fire on Chestnut Hill Road near Pyle Road on the Nelson property. Company 7 also assisted. Crews operated for approximately two and a half hours and used about 1,275 gallons of water.

February included two dwelling fires. On February 16, BAVFC responded to a dwelling fire on Bynum Road off Route 1 on the Hagy property. Crews used approximately 50 gallons of water. D. MacLean served as acting officer.

On February 17, crews responded to a dwelling fire near Chestnut Hill and Deer Creek Church roads. Firefighters operated for approximately two hours and used about 500 gallons of water. King served as acting officer.

On March 10, BAVFC responded to a dwelling fire on Route 23 off Route 1. Crews operated for approximately an hour and a half and used approximately 1,550 gallons of water. King served as acting officer.

On April 2, crews responded to an apartment fire at Lone Pine Trailer Court on Tollgate Road. Firefighters operated for approximately two hours and used about 200 gallons of water. D. MacLean served as acting officer.

May included woods and building fire activity. On May 6, BAVFC responded to a woods fire near Ring Factory Road and Hicks Road. Crews used approximately 300 gallons of water. Greenfield served as acting officer.

On May 25, crews responded to a building fire at St. Margaret’s Church in the 100 block of North Hickory Avenue. Fire damaged the kitchen, hallway, and kindergarten area. Firefighters used approximately 100 gallons of water. R. King served as acting officer.

July included a rescue and a major barn fire. On July 23, BAVFC responded to the 100 block of Victory Lane for a rescue involving a man pinned between two school buses after jacks slipped while a tire was being changed. Crews used jacks and blocks during the rescue operation. D. MacLean served as acting officer.

On July 29, BAVFC responded to a barn fire on Wheel Road at the MacPhail property after a lightning strike. Company 4 assisted with two engines. Crews operated for approximately four hours and used about 18,000 gallons of water. Damage was estimated at approximately $15,000. King served as acting officer.

August included one of the year’s most serious incidents. On August 2, BAVFC responded to an apartment fire with rescue in the 18 block of North Bond Street. Two fatalities were reported. One man jumped from the building while firefighters were preparing to place a ladder. Crews operated for approximately five hours and used about 8,500 gallons of water. Several firefighter injuries were reported, including burns, a sprained ankle, smoke inhalation, and a laceration. King served as acting officer.

On August 28, crews responded to a dwelling fire on Ruff’s Mill Road. Firefighters operated for approximately two hours and used approximately 250 gallons of water. D. MacLean served as acting officer.

September included two dwelling fires, a dump fire, and a major department milestone. On September 1, BAVFC responded to a dwelling fire on Walters Mill Road off Ady Road. Crews operated for approximately three and a half hours and used about 40 gallons of water. D. MacLean served as acting officer.

On September 9, crews responded to a dwelling fire on Prospect Mill Road near Thomas Run Road. Firefighters operated for approximately two hours and used approximately 75 gallons of water. D. MacLean served as acting officer.

On September 25, BAVFC responded to a building fire at the Harford County Dump. Crews used approximately 200 gallons of water. King served as acting officer.

On September 26, BAVFC handled a field fire on Kalmia Road. This incident was recorded as the first call taken out of the new Hickory Avenue firehouse, marking an important milestone in the company’s service history.

October included building and dwelling fire responses. On October 22, crews responded to a building fire at Shucks Corner involving a barn. Companies 1 and 2 also assisted, and crews operated for approximately two and a half hours. M. Purcell served as acting officer.

On October 28, BAVFC responded to a dwelling fire on Crestview Road in Fallston. Company 7 assisted with one engine. Crews operated for approximately three hours and used about 1,000 gallons of water. D. MacLean served as acting officer.

November included mutual aid, woods fire, building fire, and dwelling fire responses. On November 2, BAVFC assisted with a mutual aid building fire involving a barn on Rocks Chrome Hill. Crews used approximately 750 gallons of water.

On November 11, BAVFC responded to a woods fire on Carrs Mill Road. Two firefighters were overcome by smoke during the incident. Crews operated for approximately two and a half hours.

On November 12, crews responded to a building fire involving a shed near Ring Factory Road and Tollgate Road. Firefighters operated for approximately two hours and used about 600 gallons of water. D. MacLean served as acting officer.

On November 13, Company 3 assisted with a mutual aid dwelling fire near Sharon Acres and Bailey Road, operating for approximately two hours. That same date, BAVFC responded to a dwelling fire on Plumtree Road at the Magness property involving a cellar fire. B. King served as acting officer.

December closed the year with several dwelling fire responses. On December 1, BAVFC assisted with a mutual aid dwelling fire to the rear of the Churchville Post Office. Company 3 responded with one engine and used approximately 3,000 gallons of water.

On December 18, crews responded to a dwelling fire on Route 136. One engine responded, and firefighters used approximately 700 gallons of water.

On December 23, BAVFC responded to a dwelling fire on Parsons Lane involving a trailer. Crews operated for approximately two hours and used approximately 200 gallons of water. King served as acting officer.

The 1964 activity history demonstrates the broad range of services provided by the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company, including fire suppression, rescue operations, EMS support, mutual aid coverage, woods and field fire response, and major fireground operations. The year was marked by serious incidents, firefighter injuries, and an important department milestone with the first call from the new Hickory Avenue firehouse.

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