Two Pottsville Fire Companies Announce Consolidation

A pair of Pottsville fire companies announced Tuesday that they’re consolidating operations.

Humane Fire Co. No. 1 and Phoenix Fire Co. No. 2 said in a statement that the decision to consolidate was made, essentially, out of necessity to survive.

“As pressure continually increases on volunteer fire companies in terms of funding, recruitment, and retention, and of course, emergency response (the two companies) have taken what is both a positive and progressive step toward ensuring continued service to the City of Pottsville and surrounding region,” the statement reads.

Humane, located along Third St., and Phoenix, Pottsville’s lone fire company on the East Side, are two of seven fire companies operating in the city. These are the two oldest firefighting companies in Pottsville, each tracing their history all the way back to 1829.

The companies say there is “much work to be done legally, administratively, and operationally” before the consolidation is completed and formalized. They say this transition will “result in a more efficient and effective service delivery model.” The goal is to create a new firefighting and emergency services organization.