Indian River's First Fire Station - Oak Orchard 

The Indian River Volunteer Fire Company provides volunteer fire and rescue services to the communities of Oak Orchard, Riverdale, Long Neck, Warwick, Indian Mission, Rosedale Beach, Gull Point, Frames Point, Whits Point, White House Beach and many other surrounding areas.We have been providing our community and residents with 100% volunteer fire and rescue services, diligence and dedication since March of 1953.Our fire district is located within a few minutes east of the town limits of Millsboro and west of the town limits of Rehoboth Beach, and encompasses a large unincorporated, rural area of south-eastern Sussex County.

Our communities are rich in tradition and heritage which attracted many of the first inhabitants, settlers and pioneers to this region which included the Nanticoke Indians.

Today, our communities host a population of approximately 7,000 year round residents among many diverse communities; however, the summer months our population expands to approximately +/- 25,000 people each weekend, most of whom come to enjoy the recreational boating and fishing, as well as hunting, during the in-season, and other activities within our immediate region.

Facility Construction and Acquisition

In 1953 and 1954, a formation committee held meetings at Curt Spicer’s Store, immediately south of the current location in Oak Orchard. The first building used to house a fire truck was located on River Road across from Jack Birl’s residence nearby the marshy area between Oak Orchard and Riverdale. The building was a wooded garage that was relocated to this location.

In 1954, the organization committee borrowed money and built our first new building at the current site in Oak Orchard. The initial building was a 30’ x 60’ structure that included two engine bays, a kitchen area, and restrooms. John T. Rogers Construction Company built the structure of $6,500 http://www.irvfc.com/gallery/detail?id=33407 and the building was paid for within two years http://www.irvfc.com/gallery/detail/23093.

The fire company membership raised funds by hosting dinners, pigeon shoots, oyster ears, carnivals, 50-50s, stock car races at Georgetown Speedway, and numerous other activities.

During the summer months, commencing with the 4th of July weekend, the fire company members would conduct its door-to-door fund drive campaign and this would function as our corporate fund drive. The average donation was approximately $2 per household.

Station #1 - http://www.irvfc.com/page/station-one for additional information.

Illustrated herewith is a photograph of Indian River’s first building built in 1954.This photograph is circa 1962.  This photograph was donated to the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company from Frank Boyd's photo collection.