Mountville Fire Company No. 1 and West Hempfield Fire/Rescue have announced a plan to merge, becoming Iron Ridge Fire Rescue in early 2026

With support from West Hempfield Township and Mountville Borough, PA the two departments started discussing this idea several years ago. The merger would allow for a more unified funding structure, collective bargaining for equipment, and joint staffing of both stations. “Many of our members train and work together on many of our calls, so a merger seems to be a simple way of moving forward.” Stated merger co-chairman and Mountville Fire President Rick Delgiorno. “Our stations are closely tied together, so with the financial backing of the municipalities, the time is right to make a change.”

Service area, response times and station locations will not be affected. Mutual aid companies and surrounding municipalities can also rely on unchanged support from both stations’ apparatus.

The new not-for-profit organization will be called Iron Ridge Fire Rescue to honor the rich history of the surrounding area. The merger is expected to be completed by early April 2026. The move will eliminate the need for duplicate leadership positions and will unify training and operational standards. The move will also merge duplicate relief associations into one and will allow both stations to operate as a unified organization with a single administrative and operational leadership team.

West Hempfield Fire Rescue was formed in 2000 after the merger of Ironville Fire Company and Silver Spring Fire Company.

Mountville Fire Co. No. 1 was formed in 1904 and has been providing fire services to Mountville Borough for more than 120 years.