The Board of Directors has made the decision that we will no longer be renting the Social Hall for events of any kind.  

Bingo will continue on Friday and Sunday evenings, since this is a fire department function and not a rental.

Fire departments are dispatched according to the information received by the 9-1-1 operator. We follow a predetermined planning matrix that dictates what apparatus responds to each type of call.  There may be two or three fire department vehicles on the scene for what appears to be a "simple" incident to ensure the anticipated personnel and equipment is available as needed. Because certain scenarios require particular tools or apparatus needs, you may even see multiple fire departments at the same scene. For example, rural calls may require a tanker for additional water support while a multi-floor structure fire may demand tower apparatus.

The first unit on the scene of a call may have surveyed the situation and determined any additional units are not needed and can return to the firehouse. This is called placing a responding department "back in service."

Call Millcreek Paramedics at 814-836-8677

Yes, if you are involved in the incident, the legal representative of someone involved, or a member of law enforcement. Call the office at 814-825-4359. There is a small fee.

Back in the late 1960s, insurance companies were urging fire departments to use brighter colors on their vehicles rather than the standard red. Soon after that, a new piece of fire apparatus was ordered, and the department chose to use orange because it was easier to see than red. Then in 1987, we added the cream color to the cabs. 

Not normally. Only under special circumstances.

We are happy to check your blood pressure, as long as our EMS personnel are in the station. We appreciate your patience.

We recommend using your preferred search engine to look for "fire extinguishers"

As much as we'd like to help, we cannot fill swimming pools, wells, cisterns, or holding tanks due to liability concerns. 

You must be 18 and have either a high school degree or a GED equivalent. You must also have a valid driver's license.

Of course not! Our volunteers come in all shapes, sizes, and ages. While active members must pass a physical exam, we have several membership options that are less physically demanding. 

While we don't utilize residential boundaries, you should live in an area where your response time to the station is reasonable: south of 28th Street, north of Mark Road, west of Station Road and east of Peach Street. Outside of that area, you will need approval from the Chief and President. Associate member's residence location is not a factor.

You must pass a required physical exam and drug screening. All costs for these are covered by the department. You must also undergo a criminal history background check by the Pennsylvania State Police.

Upon a vote of acceptance by the membership, you will be placed on a one-year probationary period. During this period you need to complete the requirements of membership, such as required training. If you fail to meet the requirements, you may have your probation extended, or you will be terminated from the department. During that period, at the discretion of the chief or officer in charge, you may be allowed to ride along when space permits to observe. 

We always need members willing to help as part of the Auxiliary or to help with operational tasks. You can also volunteer as fire-police, joining the team that helps keep first responders on scene protected from traffic.

Please call or stop by the station and let's talk! The best time to visit are Wednesdays between 6:30 and 7 p.m.

Belle Valley Volunteer Fire Department covers the cost of all training once you join our team. Members interested in the fire service must complete required training within their first year of membership.

Ongoing training occurs regularly. Some training is hosted by the department. If a course is offered elsewhere, members can request reimbursement with prior approval by the chief.

The department also provides all equipment and gear, such as turnout gear, helmets, and other protective equipment.

Members interested in the fire or medical service are required to complete:

• Essentials of Firefighting course
• Advanced First Aid/Emergency Responder (or higher) course

The department trains each Wednesday night throughout the year in addition to other announced training dates and times. 

The department will also pay for additional training such as emergency vehicle operation, basic vehicle rescue, and emergency medical technician, with prior approval.

Each member commits to being on call for fire and medical emergencies. Members are expected to attend drill nights (training) and a monthly departmental meeting each Wednesday evening. Members also support major fundraisers hosted by the Auxiliary and community events such as parades, National Night Out, and more.

It is as simple as donating .1% of the value of your home. For example, if your house is valued at $100,000, we are asking for only $100 in support of the emergency services we provide. We also accept vehicle and building donations, which we use for training purposes.

In Millcreek Township, you are taxed to support the paid Millcreek Fire Department, which was established in late 2022. However, as of September 2024, there is no paid fire presence in the Belle Valley response area, which means Millcreek Fire Department responders are traveling from the Kearsarge area (West Gore/West St.) or the West Ridge South station on Sterrettania Road, both more than 6 miles from our valley.

Belle Valley Volunteer Fire Department has an average response time of less than 10 minutes. Your support allows our local volunteers to respond to a Belle Valley area emergency quickly and with the required lifesaving apparatus. The Belle Valley Volunteer Fire Department does not receive any of the funds raised by the fire tax in Millcreek Township.

No. Our volunteers respond 24 hours a day without compensation. This often means leaving or missing work, family functions, and other responsibilities to serve the community.

Your donation helps us with equipment purchases, maintenance and fuel; emergency medical supplies; safety equipment for our volunteers; training; repairs and upkeep of the station; community education; and more.

While in the past, our department has earned funding from the state, we expect to see a 60% cut to funding from those sources as the bulk of that money is funneled into the paid Millcreek Fire Department in 2024 and then a total elimination of that funding in 2025. 

To offset that significant loss, your Belle Valley Fire Department will continue to generate revenue to cover expenses and fund necessities through fundraising activities and grants. We raise funds through our annual community drive, as well as weekly bingos, two purse bingos each year, and an annual garage sale. We also actively pursue grants to offset equipment and training.