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Volunteer Fire Department Near Me: Meet the Departments Serving Central West Lancaster

If you’ve ever searched for a “volunteer fire department near me”, you’re not alone, and if you’re in Lancaster County, you’re in the right place. With more than 40 volunteer fire departments serving communities across the region, Lancaster stands out as a stronghold of community-based emergency service. And right at the heart of it is a group of nine departments working together as the Central West Lancaster Fire Consortium.


This collaboration isn’t just about shared training or recruitment—it’s about strengthening neighborhoods, protecting lives, and encouraging everyday people to step up and make a difference. Let’s take a closer look at the municipalities these departments serve and how you can get involved.


Serving: Mountville Borough and parts of West Hempfield Township

Located just west of Lancaster City, Mountville Fire Company responds to a wide range of calls from structure fires and vehicle accidents to public service calls and their annual fundraising events, such as Mountville Days Carnival.


Serving: East Petersburg Borough and nearby communities

East Petersburg Fire Company has a strong community presence and a long history of service. Whether it’s responding to emergencies or participating in local events, their volunteers are deeply rooted in the borough’s daily life. 


Serving: Manheim Borough and parts of Rapho Township

Located near Route 72, the Manheim Fire Department protects a historic borough and surrounding rural areas. Known for their dedicated team and strong community ties, they welcome volunteers with or without experience.


Serving: Rural Rapho Township

Nestled in the farmland of Rapho Township, Mastersonville Fire Company is the definition of a rural response team. Volunteers here respond to everything from barn fires to car crashes on winding back roads. 


Serving: East Hempfield Township and neighboring communities

Rohrerstown Fire Company handles a high volume of calls in one of the county’s busiest suburban townships. With a growing population and increased traffic, they’re always training and ready to respond. 


Serving: East Hempfield Township and the surrounding area

Also serving East Hempfield, Hempfield Fire Department shares responsibilities with neighboring companies. They work as part of a larger cooperative model, making them a vital link in the region's emergency response network. Training is provided, and there’s room for volunteers in both operational and non-operational roles.


Serving: Mount Joy Borough and parts of East Donegal, Mount Joy, and Rapho Townships

With one of the largest coverage areas in the consortium, Fire Department Mount Joy covers a wide and diverse area. They respond to everything from highway incidents to structure fires and public safety calls. Their team offers mentorship and training for volunteers of all experience levels.


Serving: West Hempfield Township and surrounding areas. 

With both residential neighborhoods and large commercial areas in their territory, West Hempfield Fire & Rescue stays busy. They offer a range of opportunities from interior firefighting to fire police and provide comprehensive training to support volunteers in every role.


Serving: Columbia Borough and neighboring communities.

Along the banks of the Susquehanna River, Columbia Borough Fire Department brings a mix of traditional firefighting and specialized rescue operations, including boating & water rescues. The department is proud of its deep roots in the borough and encourages residents to become part of the tradition.


Why Joining a Volunteer Fire Department Near Me Makes a Real Impact in Lancaster County

Volunteer fire departments are the backbone of emergency services in Lancaster County and across Pennsylvania. But today, the need for volunteers is greater than ever. If you’ve been thinking about how to get involved, searching for a "volunteer fire department near me" is a great place to start. And now that you know who’s serving your community, the next step is easy.


Ready to Serve?

Whether you're interested in fighting fires, managing traffic at scenes, helping with fundraising, or simply supporting your neighbors, there's a place for you in one of these departments. Training is free, and the impact you’ll make is priceless.



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