History of the Lilly Volunteer Fire Company

The Lilly company, which began about the time of the Borough's incorporation June 11, 1883 officially received its charter on September 08, 1903.  In September, 1936, at a meeting of the citizens of Lilly Borough and Washington Township, it was agreed to include the Township in it's charter, because for quite a while back the company had been answering calls in the Township.  A new constitution and By-Laws were drawn up for a company to be known as the Community Fire Company.  In May 1938, the company purchased a Ford chassis with Seagrave Equipment, which is still in good condition and is currently used as a back up pumper. Following the destruction of the Lowery Building, the apparatus were housed in rented and donated facilities at scattered sites. The need for a firehouse was urgent, which led to the purchase of the present property in 1941. Shortly after World War II, The property was converted into the present fire hall with the adjoining building serving as a meeting hall for business and social purposes.  The charter was given to the Citizens' Volunteer Fire Company, and the late Charles H. Brown, then a member of the borough council, was named chief.

Then on March 21, 1941, when the Hughes store company building was destroyed, causing 40,000 in damage, Lilly experienced its second major loss in terms of property damage.

    After this there followed 45 months ending in November 1947 when not a single fire alarm sounded in the borough, although a few calls were received from Washington and Cresson Townships.

    In 1948, the company acquired a Packard pumper purchased from the Hastings company and a resuscitator as a gift from United Mine Workers Local 1294, and in 1954 the GMC Pumper was purchased and in 1956, the first squad truck, a Chevrolet Panel Truck.

    In terms of property loss, no major fire hit the Lilly area from March 1941 until February 1, 1972, when St. Bridget's Catholic Church, a landmark structure, was destroyed.  Companies which came to the aid of the Lilly company were Cresson, Portage, Cassandra, Gallitzin and Hollidaysburg Volunteer Fire Companies.

    The next major blaze to strike Lilly didn't occur until December 18, 1996.   Where the former Ben Franklin 5 and 10 was completely destroyed.  The building was vacant and set for demolition at the time the fire broke out.  Over 50 firefighters from Lilly, Cresson, Gallitzin, Cassandra, Portage, Revloc, and Ebensburg were able to bring the blaze under control with in 2 and half hours.  Also damaged were the fire station which recieved 25,000 dollars worth of damage and the Lilly VFW which recieved 2,500 dollars in damage.  Also saved was the insurance building that was located only a few inches from the 5 and 10 and it only recieved smoke damage no fire damage.  This fire was a major undertaking for the companies involved.  It took 120,000 gallons of municipal water and 50,000 gallons of tanker water to bring the blaze to a hault.  If not for the quick response and heroics of all the departments involved this could have been an even bigger tragedy than it was.

The worst blaze in terms of human life occurred almost 69 years ago when 24 young railroad workers in the bunkhouse of a labor gang which was working on Pennsylvania Railroad track improvements between Lilly and portage were burned beyond recognition.  Almost 125 Italian immigrants lived in the bunkhouse - a wooden building, 100 feet long and 16 feet wide, located more than a mile west of the town.  That same year, 1903 the James McCann Wholesale Liquor house was completely destroyed.  On its site the Liberty Theatre was erected.

    Only two house fire have been recorded where there was a loss of life. 

Also the Lilly Volunteer Fire Co is always accepting new member from the lilly boro and washington twp area.  We accept men and women from the ages of 14 and up.   They may join as active, contributary, and social members.

Active members participate in active firefighting and fire police.

Contributary members attend meetings and fundraisers.

Social members help during activities and fundraisers.

Also our Jr. Firefighter program is designed to train young adults in all aspects of firefighting.

If anyone is interested in becoming anyone of the types of members our meeting is held the first monday of every month at 7:30 pm or you can call the station at 886-2259 or go to the fire hall for an application.

The purpose of the Lilly Vol. Fire Co. is to provide fire protection for the Lilly Boro and Washington Twp. area.  We also provide mutual aid fire protection for the surrounding boro's and townships.

-2005 -  The Lilly Volunteer Fire Company became a Participating Department.

-2005- The Lilly Volunteer Fire Company became Q.R.S. Certified.