About Us
The Black Forest Fire Company was founded
in 1983 when Chief “Bucky” Stella and the other Charter
Members recognized the need to improve the emergency response time within
the remote areas around Black Forest Village.
We serve a 250 square mile area within the Tiadaghton, Sproul, Susquehannock,
and Tioga State Forests. This includes the communities in the Pine
Creek Valley, and those along the Coudersport - Jersey Shore Pike
( PA Route 44 ).
Many sight-seers, campers, hunters, fishermen, bike riders, snowmobilers,
cross-country skiers, motorcyclist, canoers and rafters, and hikers
constantly visit our area. There are a number of businesses within
the area to cater to the needs of the visitors.
Black Forest Fire Company was the first in the State of Pennsylvania
to be certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Health as a Medical
Quick Response Unit.
In 1986 the Black Forest Fore Company had certified their first Emergency
Medical Technician and two First Responders. This established the
first Medical Response from within our Township.
Black Forest Fire Company’s Truck 36, Mini-Pumper/Special Rescue
Unit, was one of the first units to be certified by the Lycoming-Tioga-Sullivan
Counties EMS Council as a Medical Quick Response Unit. This was based
upon the Medical Training, carrying the required Medical Equipment, Radio
Communications, and MED Policies set up in advance for response.
Radio Communications was brought to the Northern Tier of Lycoming
County, which resulted in a Radio Repeater near the Pump Station Fire
Tower. This is three miles from Station 36 equipped with Fire and
Medical Channels and a standby generator. Paramedics and First Responders
are able to talk directly to the hospital and/or Life Flight Helicopters
from our area. We can rapidly attain other resources to address any
emergency.
Sixteen pre-designated Life Flight Helicopter Landing Areas, with
latitude and longitude readings, have been set up, and the helicopter
is able to fly direct line to the scene with use of an on-board computer.
The Fire Company also has GPS capabilities to assist air support from
other locations.
Land Rescue and Standard Operating Procedures have been addressed
for lost hunters and hikers. Some of these procedures were adopted
by the Lycoming County Fire/Rescue Advisory Board.
An Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) program was placed into
service in February 1999. A second AED was placed on Truck 136 in
2004.
Rope Rescue capabilities have been incorporated into Station 36’s
services. Our personnel have special training in this area.
Our Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) have been upgraded
on all three of our trucks and meets FEMA standards.
A modern Polaris 6 X 6 ATV serves well during wildland fires and
for rescues in remote areas. A rescue sled and snowmobiles are used
in the winter.
In the year 2003 Black Forest Village started work on becoming a
Pennsylvania Firewise Community, and in 2005 they were accepted as
a Firewise/Community USA. This effort was largely directed through
the Black Forest Fire Company and Pennsylvania’s DCNR.
