In December 1994 the Lakemont Volunteer Fire Company was the first due company for one of the largest fires in Central Pa. The Logan Valley Mall was reported to be on fire at 2:29 a.m. on December 16th, 1994. 59 fire companies were involved from all over central Pa. 15 stores and 9 kiosks were completely destroyed along with smoke and water damage to most of the mall. For the entire report you can look at the technical report from the US Fire Administration.

Origin of
Lakemont Volunteer Fire Company No. 1

The following is gleaned from a history dated June 24, 1916, on the minutes stationery of L. H. Barnett, secretary and read by G. N. Eagan.

A fire, which occurred the night of February 17, 1912, completely destroyed the butcher shop of G. B. Vipond and the home and store of Mrs. M. G. Feltwell was the instigation of organizing the Lakemont Volunteer Fire Company No. 1

A few citizens of lakemont Met the morning following the fire and discussed the necessity of having fire protection. A meeting called for the purpose of organizing a volunteer fire company held February 28, 1912 in the Church of God (now St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church) at which time a committee was appointed to see the Allegheny Water Co. concerning water plugs.

On September 13, 1912 an organization was formed with E. H. Flick, president: J. H. Summers, secretary and D. M. Snowberger, treasurer. A committee was appointed to call on all residents of Lakemont and vicinity for the purpose of raising money for the purchase of fire equipment.

One hundred thirty dollars and seventy-five cents was received the first year which included $32.74 dues and $3.00 application fee for membership. Sixty-six dollars and sixty cents was paid out for fire equipment.

Our ladder truck was built by the firemen from an old delivery wagon donated by W. C. Marks. The equipment was housed in the stable owned by W. M. Leake on the corner of Baynton avenue and Beech Street and consisted of one ladder truck, 1 extension ladder, 2 rexes, 2 dozen buckets, 4 lanterns, 2 axes and 200 feet of garden hose. the business meetings were held in the park greenhouse.

The Charter was received in March 1913. On March 27, 1914 a plot of ground was purchased for $400. The contract for a building was let to Fissel & Clark for the sum of $629, the lowest bid received.

On January 29, 1915 the company purchased a chemical engine from the American La France Fire Engine Co. Costing $330, which amount was raised by subscription.