The Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company occupied its current building when it relocated from Truckhouse Road in 1957. Since then, the fire service in Anne Arundel County has evolved from an all volunteer force of independent fire companies into a world class combination all-hazards emergency response agency employing both volunteer and career firefighters.
Today, our Volunteers train and work side by side with Anne Arundel County career firefighters responding to structural and wildland fires, hazardous materials incidents, motor vehicle accidents, confined space entrapments, medical emergencies, waterborne emergencies, and a host of others.
With the increase in responsibilities has come the need for a modern facility able to house larger vehicles, specialized equipment, and training areas which prepare us for the hazards of the modern world. The current station is over 60 years old and was designed for an earlier time when fire vehicles were smaller, emergencies were less complex, and there were no full time living spaces because volunteers only responded from home or work when there was an emergency. A time when no thought was given to coed facilities or ADA compliance.
To meet our monthly expenses, our Volunteers must raise revenue through fundraising events like Bingo, Carnival, and Bull Roasts.To replace our aging fire station and purchase replacement fire vehicles, the Volunteers must look elsewhere to raise revenue.
In planning for the future, we considered many options to create a source of sustainable revenue that did not place a financial burden on the community. As we considered our options, we realized we already had what we needed to create sustainable revenue… our land. Our vision is to lease the frontage along Ritchie Highway for development, similar to the other three corners. Doing so will:
➡ Provide sufficient annual revenue to pay for a new fire station on the rear of the property,
➡ Allow us to replace our vehicles on a regular basis,
➡ Leave enough green space to continue our annual Carnival, Food Trucks, and other outdoor activities,
➡ See the installation of storm water controls that benefit the surrounding areas and waterways, and
➡ Allow Earleigh Heights to become more financially resilient, thus lessening our dependence upon taxpayer generosity.
The average life of a fire vehicle in Anne Arundel County is 10 years.
➡ Engine 122, was built in 2014.
➡ Engine 121 was delivered in 2022.
➡ Rescue Squad 12 was delivered in 2022.
The average cost of new apparatus is:
Ladder Truck (Aerial): $2,500,000
Rescue Squad: $1,800,000
Fire Engine: $1,400,000
Ambulance: $500,000