BAVFC 1966 Activity History Highlights Fires, Mutual Aid Responses, Fatal Crash, and Winter Operations

The Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company’s 1966 activity history reflects a steady year of fire suppression, EMS support, mutual aid response, and community emergency service. Throughout the year, BAVFC crews responded to dwelling fires, building fires, barn fires, garage and shed fires, mutual aid assignments, and a fatal motor vehicle collision.

The year began on January 3 with a dwelling fire on MacPhail Road near Shamrock Road. Crews used approximately 100 gallons of water, and D. MacLean served as acting officer.

On January 10, BAVFC responded to a building fire on Grafton Shop Road south of Route 23. The fire involved a barn, and crews used approximately 1,100 gallons of water. D. MacLean served as acting officer.

On January 12, crews responded to a dwelling fire on Asbury Road, approximately one mile off Route 22. Company 1 assisted with two engines. Firefighters used approximately 100 gallons of water. D. MacLean served as acting officer.

On January 29, BAVFC responded to a building fire in the 1600 block of Rock Spring Road involving a barn. Crews used approximately 1,225 gallons of water. D. MacLean served as acting officer.

February included local and mutual aid dwelling fire responses. On February 11, crews responded to a dwelling fire in the 30 block of East Broadway. Firefighters used approximately 30 gallons of water. D. MacLean served as acting officer.

On February 26, Company 3 assisted with a mutual aid dwelling fire on Asbury Road south of Edwards Lane. The fire involved the basement and attic. Company 3 responded with three engines and used approximately 1,000 gallons of water. D. MacLean served as acting officer.

March included several significant fire responses. On March 18, BAVFC assisted with a mutual aid dwelling fire near Asbury Road and Edwards Lane. Engine 34 arrived first, and Company 3 responded with two engines. Companies 1, 2, 3, and 4 operated on the scene. Crews used approximately 2,300 gallons of water. M. Purcell served as acting officer.

On March 19, crews responded to a building fire near Reckord and Guyton roads involving a barn. Livestock died in the fire. Company 8 also assisted, and crews used approximately 1,200 gallons of water. Damage was estimated at approximately $60,000. D. MacLean served as acting officer.

On March 22, BAVFC responded to a building fire near Route 22 and Corns Drive involving a barn. Company 1 assisted with two engines, and crews used approximately 800 gallons of water. D. MacLean served as acting officer.

On March 30, crews responded to a vacant dwelling fire on Route 1 south of Benson. Company 8 assisted with one engine, and crews used approximately 1,500 gallons of water. G. Greenfield served as acting officer.

April included mutual aid and local fire activity. On April 6, BAVFC assisted with a mutual aid dwelling fire near Bramble Lane and Route 22. Crews used approximately 150 gallons of water. D. MacLean served as acting officer.

On April 9, crews responded to a building fire on North Tollgate Road at the dump entrance involving a shed. Firefighters used approximately 300 gallons of water. D. MacLean served as acting officer.

On April 21, Company 3 assisted with a mutual aid dwelling fire in the 2600 block of Rohe Drive. Company 3 responded with three engines and used approximately 400 gallons of water. D. MacLean served as acting officer.

On May 21, BAVFC responded to a building fire involving a garage on MacPhail Road near Route 24. Crews used approximately 600 gallons of water. D. MacLean served as acting officer.

June included a major mutual aid building fire and a local shed fire. On June 1, Company 3 assisted with a mutual aid building fire at Acme near Edgewood Road and Hanson Road. Company 3 responded with one engine, operating with Companies 4, 8, 12E, 3, and 2. Crews used approximately 10,000 gallons of water. D. MacLean served as acting officer.

On June 14, BAVFC responded to a building fire on Route 24 involving a shed. Firefighters used approximately 200 gallons of water. M. Purcell served as acting officer.

On July 28, Company 3 assisted with a mutual aid dwelling fire near Glenville and Cool Branch roads. Crews used approximately 850 gallons of water. D. Woodward served as acting officer.

August included a fatal crash and a mutual aid barn fire. On August 6, BAVFC responded to a personal injury collision on Rock Spring Road. One fatality was reported. That same date, Company 3 assisted with a mutual aid building fire at the McLean farm near West Wheel Road and Route 24. The fire involved a barn and was listed as arson. Crews used approximately 1,900 gallons of water. M. Purcell served as acting officer.

September included building and dwelling fire responses. On September 24, crews responded to a building fire on Cedar Lane near West Lane. Company 4 assisted with three engines. Firefighters operated for approximately two hours and used about 2,500 gallons of water. D. MacLean served as acting officer.

On September 28, BAVFC responded to a dwelling fire in the 1500 block of Southview Drive. Crews used approximately 50 gallons of water. M. Purcell served as acting officer.

On October 31, crews responded to a dwelling fire in the 1500 block of Churchville Road. Firefighters operated for approximately two hours and used about 500 gallons of water. D. MacLean served as acting officer.

November included two fire responses. On November 15, BAVFC responded to a vacant dwelling fire near Laurel Brook Road and Friendship Road. Company 7 also operated on the scene, and crews used approximately 200 gallons of water. D. MacLean served as acting officer.

On November 29, crews responded to a building fire in the 100 block of Gordon Street. Firefighters used approximately 850 gallons of water. M. Purcell served as acting officer.

The year closed with two December fires. On December 25, BAVFC responded to a dwelling fire in the 1100 block of Tollgate Road during drifting snow conditions. Crews used approximately 200 gallons of water. D. MacLean served as acting officer.

On December 31, crews responded to a building fire near Roland Avenue and Howard Street involving a shed. Firefighters used approximately 200 gallons of water. M. Purcell served as acting officer.

The 1966 activity history demonstrates the broad range of services provided by the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company, including fire suppression, EMS support, mutual aid coverage, water supply operations, and response to serious emergencies. The year included several barn and dwelling fires, one fatal crash, and winter weather conditions that added challenges for responding crews.

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