Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department

Located at 30 S Railroad Street, The Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department (HVFD) serves a large area within Eastern Lycoming County. The HVFD was organized on January 21, 1892 initially for fire protection of the Hughesville Borough. Since then, the Fire Department has added EMS/ Ambulance coverage and other services to the borough and surrounding townships to keep up with the evolution of the community's needs. 

The department has seen an increase in utilization of their services for QRS (non-emergency) calls such as lift assists, fall victims, traffic control, and downed trees, as a result of the recent shift in the fire service to fit the public service needs of our community. In recent years, training requirements have been increased for volunteer firefighters and EMT's.  In the past, Volunteer Fire Departments were funded primarily through fundraisers, however, with the increased time commitments for training and increased calls, our department (and many others) have had to dedicate the man hours to these efforts, and shift away from fundraising efforts, relying on government tax dollars and donations. Additionally, the state wide decline in membership in volunteer fire departments, the ability to staff fundraisers has become difficult for many. Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department has been fortunate with it's membership roster that has seen some new members in recent years. All members support the community events such as the annual carnival, two gun raffles, multiple breakfasts, social hall events, building upkeep, and craft shows. As our community knows, the cost of everything is on the rise, including the costs for new apparatus, building upkeep, protective equipment and tools have increased beyond our ability to raise our own money through annual fundraisers in most cases. With an aging member base, declining membership totals, increased costs, the need for community donations is increasingly important for the department to continue safely and successfully.  

The Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department is asking for your donations and support during this year's Raise the Region campaign to assist with the purchase of a new Industrial Gear Washing Machine (approx. $16,000). Based on studies related to carcinogens remaining on turn out gear after fires, carcinogens are a contributing cause of cancer to firefighters. Due to these findings, the need to routinely wash and maintain gear is imperative to the health of volunteers at HVFD. Each set of gear costs roughly $5,000. With the purchase of an industrial gear washer, our gear would be able to be maintained for longer periods of time, and safer for volunteers to use. This washer is specifically made for the gear's material and weight allowing for continued use, and the machine will last longer than a standard machine. 

Call Volume:

As a snapshot of what HVFD had in 2024:

• Fire incidents: 253 (up from 2023)
• Ambulance responses: 750 (+126 from 2023)

We were able to respond to approximately 99% of all EMS incidents. While we wish this number could be 100%, we are constantly working to evolve our department to be the best we can be. A drastic increase in calls can make it difficult to keep up. 

We are always accepting new membership applications for those interested in getting involved! We have multiple ways to get involved, including the fire service, EMS service, social member to assist with fundraising, and others! If you are interested, please reach out to us via our Facebook page, stop by the station on Monday night, or call 570-584-3940. We would love to have you! 

The HVFD appreciates all donations given to them, and the ongoing support from the Hughesville community and beyond. Without you, we would not be able to serve our community to the capacity that we do!