About Us - Lake Ariel Fire Department

About Us - Lake Ariel Fire Department

Welcome to the Lake Ariel Fire Department, a cornerstone of safety and community spirit in Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania. Located at 1381 Lake Ariel Highway, our department has a storied history dating back to 1916, when our community first formed a bucket brigade to protect the beloved town and its residents.

Lake Ariel, once renowned for its amusement park and crystal-clear lake waters, was a cherished getaway for city visitors. Amidst this vibrant backdrop, our firefighting journey began near Patterson’s Department Store, evolving over the years to meet the growing needs of our community. A pivotal moment in our history was in 1946, following a devastating fire on Maple Avenue that spurred the transformation of our brigade into a fully-fledged Fire Department. This led to a massive community effort where over 10,000 people attended a gala to raise funds for a modern fire truck and a new centrally located headquarters.

The present-day Lake Station was constructed in 1948, thanks to the dedication of Arley Chapman and numerous volunteers. Positioned strategically on Route 191, it not only serves Lake Ariel but also extends its protection to neighboring towns, ensuring safety across a broad area.

Since the 1970s, The Hideout community has been integral to our operations, contributing both land and volunteer firefighters, many of whom brought valuable experience from their original home communities. The establishment of The Hideout Sub-station in 1988 marked another milestone in our history, reinforcing our commitment to meeting the increasing demands of our growing community.

Today, the Lake Ariel Volunteer Fire Department operates three stations: in South Canaan, at The North Gate of the Hideout, and at the Lake Station. Our fleet of eight fire vehicles and our dedicated team of volunteers respond to approximately 250 calls each year, serving not only Lake Ariel but also neighboring communities such as South Canaan, Waymart, Ledgedale, Maplewood, and others.

An interesting facet of our local history is that the New York Giants trained in Lake Ariel during the summer of 1926, staying at the Hotel Ariel and practicing on the field across from the Lake Station.

We invite you to join our ranks and make a difference in your community. Whether as a volunteer firefighter or through other means of support, your involvement helps us continue our mission of safeguarding Lake Ariel and its neighboring areas.

Visit our website, designed by Market Genius USA, for more information or to become a member of our dedicated team. Together, we can ensure a safe and thriving community for generations to come.