Ever since the late 1800’s the Saltsburg Volunteer Fire Department has been official. It was 1922 when the Fire Company became formally chartered. This VFD serves about 5000 people in and around this rural/residential area consisting of approximately 65 square miles.

Rescuing of all kinds take place at this small town fire department. In addition to putting out fires, the department also performs white-water rescue, vehicle rescue, and hi-angle rescue. The volunteers told me about stories of the common cat in a tree but I was taken aback when they continued on with one about a boa constrictor eating a dog and about the iguana in the tree. Most of the calls that come in, interestingly enough, are not often from the town of Saltsburg itself. Most calls are rescue calls in outlaying areas.

Back in the mid 1980’s the Saltsburg Fire Department was involved in a unique rescue. They rescued someone from under a burning train after a train derailment occurred. This story was so amazing it made it into Reader’s Digest.

The department has a very talented and skilled member base. There are approximately 70 members and about 35 active members.

In the recent years, the department came to a rather tough decision of whether to build a new building or buy a new truck. Well, they had to buy a truck to fit the new garage so the consensus was to build a new building first and then get the truck later.

Volunteer sweat and blood from the members of the Saltsburg VFD was what successfully accomplished this building project. The department is independently owned and supported by the members. The borough does not own the building or the vehicles. The new building sits on 313 Salt Street (Route 286 East) going out of the quaint community of Saltsburg. The previous building was located downtown and contained only two bays and lacked much needed space. The department has been there for over 6 years now.

River Hall is a very impressive banquet hall that is above the fire department. It has a cathedral ceiling lined with recessed lighting. The hall can comfortably seat over 300 guests. There are full kitchen facilities, banquet facilities, and catering services available. Everything was very immaculate and comfortable. Please see the following site for an impressive look at River Hall:

http://www.homestead.com/saltsburgfire/riverhall.html If you would like more information on Saltsburg VFD’s River call call 724-639-4093.

Fire Station: (724) 639-9771 River Hall Rental:
(724) 639-4093 Fax: (724) 639-0361
http://www.homestead.com/saltsburgfire/