Indian River Volunteer Fire Company – Oak Orchard Facility Information

In 1953, various residents of the Oak Orchard-Long Neck area became concerned about the traveling distance that local fire companies incurred between the nearest towns of Millsboro, Rehoboth and Lewes. This traveling distance required substantial waiting time for responding fire and other emergency service apparatus during periods of need. This extended wait period at the scene of unfortunate incident was the motivating criteria for the local residents to pursue the formation of a new fire company to serve Oak Orchard, Riverdale, Rosedale and Long Neck communities.

Many community members, desirous to be volunteer firemen, donated their time, money and resources to form this volunteer fire company. The first meeting of the proposed organization was held at the Indian River Hotel, a very popular entertainment place located on the waterfront in Oak Orchard at the time. Thereafter, regular meetings were held at various gathering places in the immediate area.

In March of 1953, this formation committee filed information with the Delaware Secretary of State to be recognized as a legal corporate entity within the State of Delaware. The required filing fees were $21 and this was the first check ever written by the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company. Granville Hastings was elected our first fire chief and Raymond Trice was elected our fire company president.

While meeting at Short’s Garage on River Road, a fire broke out in a nearby residence and the persons in attendance formed a bucket brigade and retrieved water from the Indian River bay. This fire was extinguished without any assistance from nearby fire companies.

Facility Construction and Acquisition

In 1953 and 1954, the 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 door-to-door fund drive campaigns and this would function as our corporate fund drive. The average donation was approximately $2 per household.

In 1964, the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company expanded by doubling its current facility in Oak Orchard from two engine bays to four engine bays http://www.irvfc.com/gallery/detail?id=25467.  Photograph of Indian River's first station http://irvfc.com/gallery/detail?id=42914.

In 1984, additional rooms were constructed to the Oak Orchard facility to include a corporate meeting room, storage area, and a recreation room for members.

Our Board of Directors continued to monitor neighborhood growth patterns and encouraged the volunteer firemen to authorize the acquisition of adjacent residential parcels in Oak Orchard and Long Neck for future expansion requirements.

In 2002, our Oak Orchard facility expanded again to include a complete structural overhaul, four drive-thru engine bays, a formal reception hall as well as other amenities.

In May, 2003, the company authorized negotiations with the Shugard Family for the procurement of the residence and property immediately adjacent to Station #1 on Oak Orchard Road.

In September 2006, the company authorized the tree removal and clearing of the wooded Shugard Property parcel for the construction of a new 50 x 52 pole building for the storage of various company vessels, utility vehicles and other ancillary apparatus.

In January 2007, the company authorized the requisition of an architectural firm to continue the renovation design and planning of the Main Station kitchen and bathroom facilities in Oak Orchard. The firm George, Miles & Buhr Architectural and Engineering firm (GMB) was retained for this purpose. During the 2007 calendar year, the extensive demolition and renovation project commenced for the complete restoration of the current bathrooms, kitchen, formerly meeting room and lounge area, as well as the pantry of the Ladies Auxiliary. This project was completed in November 2007 has completely overhauled the bathroom, kitchen and pantry facilities into a comprehensive kitchen environment that will serve the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company extremely well in the future.

In the early Spring of 2012, the company authorized the commencement of negotiations to acquire additional parcels of the Shugard Property, approximately 2.5 acres on the north side of Station #1 as well as the Spicer–Dodd parcels, approximately 3 acres on the south side of Station #1 - http://www.irvfc.com/gallery/detail/3948?ss=1.

Additional efforts to demolish the residential structures that Indian River utilizes as rental properties were authorized in the Spring of 2013 http://www.irvfc.com/gallery/detail/4220 as well as expansion and construction of a walk-in refrigerator / freezer for the Ladies Auxiliary http://www.irvfc.com/gallery/detail/4075. 

Additional information and photographs may be viewed via the link:  http://www.irvfc.com/gallery/detail?id=23075 and http://www.irvfc.com/gallery/detail?id=25467