About Us
Bristol Volunteer Fire Department
The earliest documented conversations regarding fire protection in the town of Bristol took place in 1947 with the establishment of the Bristol fire protection district, which the East Bloomfield, Honeoye, and Canandaigua Fire Companies were contracted to protect.
It was a devastating local fire at Schenk’s Garage in Bristol Center that led to the creation of a volunteer fire brigade.
In 1952, the Men’s Club of the Bristol Congregational Church recognizing that a localized response could reduce loss in the event of a fire, came together to form what they called the Bristol Bucket Brigade. The initial interest was so strong they decided to formalize an organization under the name Bristol Valley Volunteer Fire Dept. When interest in the town proved to be sufficient the name was changed to the Bristol Volunteer Fire Department.
In the first year of its existence, the BVFD was able to secure a squad car from another local company and fit it with a tank, pump, and hose. It responded to several fires, and the value was recognized almost immediately with the loss mitigation BVFD provided. Because of this, they were able to apply for and receive a 20% insurance cost reduction for all residents living within 3 miles of the truck’s storage place. The group held its first annual Field Day and raised enough money to purchase its first truck. Construction on a fire hall began and before the end of the first year, they received their corporation charter.
From these humble beginnings, and the selflessness of the countless volunteers, BVFD has maintained an active presence in the community for 70 years. Generations of volunteers have served the community of Bristol based on the idea of neighbor helping neighbor. For an even deeper level of security, they have a mutual aid agreement with the towns of Richmond, Cheshire, Naples and East Bloomfield.
The town of Bristol continues to experience the benefits of fire prevention education, reduced loss in the case of fire, and quick access to basic life support and first responder services. Today the BVFD is housed in 2 locations. Station 1 on Route 64 and Station 2 on County Road 2.
The BVFD is always ready and responds to hundreds of calls every year.
“In fire, you can plan everything out to the minute, and a minute before that, everything changes.”
