Lower Bucks Co. Fire Company Faces Elimination After 100 Years

LOWER BUCKS COUNTY, PA — A fire company that has operated in Lower Bucks County for nearly 100 years faces elimination due to what the township said are operational issues.

The Newportville Fire Company No. 1 has served Bristol Township since 1927, but faces closure by the Bristol Township Council, which is expected to vote on an ordinance on the measure at its meeting next month.

"This proposed action would end nearly 100 years of service to our community," the fire department posted on Facebook on Sunday. "Since 1927, we have responded to emergencies, protected lives and property, and supported our residents whenever needed."

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Township officials said in response that they recognize and respect the many volunteer firefighters from the company who have served the community.

"This matter is not about the dedication or sacrifice of individual volunteers," officials said. "It is about the township's legal responsibility to ensure reliable, accountable, and effective fire protection for all residents."

The fire company said the decision comes after it has spent the past two years making "a significant effort" to address the township's concerns.

In that time, the fire company has corrected and stabilized its finances, implemented accountability measures, improved operations, and reduced response issues.

"Despite these improvements, the township is now considering closing a volunteer fire company that has taken substantial steps to strengthen its operations," the fire company said.

Township officials said that — as outlined in a July 10 legal correspondence — they have spent years working with the fire company to address "significant operational, governance, and compliance concerns."

Officials said they have concluded that those improvements have not happened, and that recent audits and findings have confirmed the issues remain unresolved.

"We believe eliminating a fire company should be the last resort, after all alternatives have been explored and meaningful discussions have taken place," the fire company said.

The fire company's leadership and legal counsel reached out to township officials to set up meetings to discuss potential solutions, but have not heard back.

The fire company is urging residents to attend the August meeting.

"At a time of continued growth in Bristol Township, reducing emergency resources deserves careful public consideration," the fire company said.

Township officials said that the ordinance would be discussed at the August public meeting. Officials said that no decision has been made yet.

Township officials said if the ordinance is approved, fire protection services would continue uninterrupted, with the remaining volunteer fire companies filling the void.