The Bath Volunteer Fire Department

06/20/2026

🎓 Congratulations, Bath Haverling Class of 2026! 🎓

Today marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. The road to graduation wasn't always easy, but through hard work, determination, perseverance, and countless hours of dedication, you've reached this incredible milestone.

Every late night studying, every challenge overcome, and every goal achieved has led you to this moment. Be proud of what you've accomplished and excited for the opportunities that lie ahead.

As you step into the future, remember that success isn't measured by where you start, but by the effort and character you bring to every challenge.

On behalf of the members of the Bath Volunteer Fire Department, we congratulate each and every graduate of the Bath Haverling Class of 2026. We wish you continued success, happiness, and achievement in all your future endeavors.

🚒🎓 Congratulations Class of 2026 — your community is proud of you!

06/10/2026

If you plan to attend.. please keep in mind

06/10/2026

💦🚒 SOMETHING BIG IS SPLASHING INTO TOWN! 🚒💦

Mark your calendars for July 14th and get ready to cool off with the Bath Volunteer Fire Department at Pultney Park!

Our ladder truck will be raining water from above, the street will be closed for safe family fun, and best of all...

🎉 It's FREE for everyone! 🎉

More details are coming soon, but trust us—you won't want to miss this summer favorite!

💦🚒☀️

06/07/2026

*** PRESS RELEASE 6/6/2026 ***

Today, The Bath Volunteer Fire Department worked two Motor Vehicle Accidents in the town of Bath.

At 9:29am units were dispatched to a 1 Car MVA rollover on Turnpike Rd. The vehicle went off the roadway and struck a pole, snapping it in two at the base. The road was shut down while crews cleaned up the debris. The person driving the vehicle self extricated and was treated by EMS. All Units were back in service around 10:44am

At 6:48pm, units were dispatched to a MVA at Hickory Hill Campground. When Units arrived on scene they found a vehicle in the grass approx 50 feet from the roadway after going off the road from County Route 13 and ending up in the field by the campground. Driver was checked over by EMS. All fire units were back in service at 7:21pm.

Photos of both incidents courtesy of Bath Fire Photographer and Safety Officer John Walczak.

06/06/2026

*** On This Day In History ***

170 Years Ago on this day June 6, 1856 the “Black Joke” fire company formed.
The Bath fire department has seen numerous fire companies since its adoption in August of 1937. The sixth such company was the “Black Joke” fire company which formed on June 6 1856, with the George E Biles as foreman. They ran with the old “goose-neck”. Their uniform was patterned after the regulation costume of the Bowery boys of that period; fancy calico shirts with collars and cuffs only limited by the fancy or the length of the wearer’s purse, pants, the best that could be bought or borrowed which were stuffed in the tops of their boots, and battered plug hats to the climax.

This history of the bath fire department was taking from a newspaper article published at the time of the semi-centennial of the department in the year 1887

On June 5, 1872 Captain Stocum, of the night watch, gave an alarm. The fire was in the dwelling of Mrs. James Gansevoort on the north side of West Morris St. The family barely escaped with their lives. More incendiary work the house with nearly the entire contents was destroyed as well as that of Perez Gilmore, on the east, which was badly damaged.
This was the last appearance of old “Black Joke Engine Co.” for business.

57 Years! Record of the Fires in Bath. Losses and Insurance, Accidents and Fatalities.

*All information was assembled by: Greg Glashauser, Historian for the Bath Volunteer Fire Department*
* No Photos Available *

06/04/2026

Canisteo firefighter and former Director of Steuben County Emergency Services Don Merring passed away yesterday. Don was Chief of the Canisteo Fire Department from 1970 to 1977 and Director of Steuben Emergency Services from 1985 to 1995. After his retirement he worked as a dispatcher for the Steuben Sherrif's office and also for the Bath Village Police Department. Don was inducted into the Steuben County Hall of Fame on September 27, 2021.
He was known by many and a true role model for the fire service and anyone who knew him. We send our condolences to the Canisteo Fire Department and Don's family. Rest in peace Don, we will take it from here.

05/04/2026

***** PRESS RELEASE *****
***** Correction made to the type of building *****

At 3:31am on May 4, Bath Fire was dispatched to the scene of a fully involved structure fire on Selleck Rd. Multiple calls coming from the highway and other passerby confirmed the fire. Chief Mike Fiordo was the first unit on scene reporting a fully working Structure Fire. He called for Mutual Aid from the Bath VA, and tankers from Savona and Kanona. Crews stretched 3 hand lines to the structure to suppress the fire. Additional manpower from Hammondsport and Campbell was requested to the scene. Avoca Fire was asked to establish a fill site at the Haverling Bus Garage, as well as to standby for the Bath VA. The fire was reported under control around 5:41am. The Fire Investigation team was called to the scene, no injuries were reported.

ALL UNITS WERE CLEAR AND BACK IN SERVICE AT 6:48am.

Special thanks to the Bath VA, Savona, Kanona, Hammondsport, Avoca and Bath Ambulance.

Photo credit: John Walczak

05/04/2026

Today is National Firefighters Day
Thank them when you see one.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1LMcUFnmSU/

Today, we honor the brave.

Behind every alarm is a firefighter ready to run toward danger… when everyone else is running away.

They don’t ask who you are.
They don’t hesitate.
They just show up. Every single time.

Courage in the face of fear.
Honor in every action.
Sacrifice beyond words.

To all firefighters around the world, thank you for protecting lives, homes, and futures.

You are the reason many get a second chance.

👇 Tag a firefighter or drop a 🔥 to show respect.

04/27/2026

*** Press Release ***

On Monday April 27th at 11:37am, Bath Fire along with Automatic Mutual Aid from the Bath VA were dispatched to 100 Howell St for reports of a possible structure fire, with smoke coming from the attic. Chief Mike Fiordo was first on scene reporting nothing showing from the outside. Bath Engine 7 arrive shortly after and interior crews made their way inside to the top floor. Firefighters were able to confirm that a small electrical fire burning in the attic was indeed the cause of the smoke. The fire was extinguished and under control at 12:37pm. The fire department would like to thank the Bath VA for their assistance and Bath PD for helping with traffic control. As well as Bath Ambulance who was on scene. All Bath Units were back in service at 12:46pm.

Photo credit: Mark Phillipson

04/25/2026

**** ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY ****

150 Years Ago, April 25, 1876, the Gilmore House (hotel) on the corner of Liberty and E. William Streets, Bath, New York
The alarm was sounded at 2:30 am, April 25, 1876 and so rapid was the progress of the flames that in 15 minutes the whole building was a mass of flames which lit the whole town.
The fire originated in a storeroom, and when the door was burst open by Mr. Jones, the proprietor and bar-keeper, it made such progress that their unaided efforts were without avail. The alarm was given and the borders were aroused from their slumber, some by shrieks of terrified women, some by the crackling of the flames, and others by the suffocating smoke which rolled along halls and penetrated through the transom windows and cracks of the doors into the rooms. There are about 25 boarders in the hotel, and a few had time to escape with anything except the clothes they had worn the day before. One was compelled to jump from the second story window, and another was taken from the roof of a porch by ladder from the Hook and Ladder Company.
Mr. William H. Hellings, the owner of the hotel, occupied rooms on the second floor and on being awakened, ran into the street and gave the alarm. Returning to his room for his wife and child they soon found the escape by the staircase was cut-off. He was preparing to lower his wife to the ground by a rope, when the Hook and Ladder Company came to his rescue with the ladder. The family was safely landed on the ground.
Mr. Jones attempted to return to his room by means of a ladder to rescue some valuables and personal affects, but after scorching his hair and mustache considered it would be safer to retreat.
Whenever the fire alarm sounded all eyes instinctively turned to the Gilmore house. Given its location and the pile of tinder like materials surrounding the building is seemed only a matter of time till its doom. This fire may have been a target of the incendiary which had been rampant the past six months.

MINUTES OF THE RESCUE HOOK AND LADDER COMPANY
The Steuben Courier, Wednesday 4/26/1876

*All information and Photos are assembled by: Greg Glashauser, Historian for the Bath Volunteer Fire Department*