History
The history of the Forked River Fire Department began in the spring of 1928. It all started when a house on
Following the fire, Edward Brown and Chester Treloar recruited local residents to pursue the creation of a fire company. Township Committeeman Dan Wilbert advised them that the fire company could not be formed unless permission was approved by the residents. Chester Treloar then had legal papers drawn up by Percy Camp Esq. and presented them to the Township Committee.
On December 7, 1928, with sixty-three members present the first meeting took place at Community Hall. The organization was named “Forked River Volunteer Fire Company of
The Ladies Auxiliary was also established in 1928. Lillian Cranmer was elected the first president. The women played a big part in the development of the fire company by helping out with fund raisers, such as oyster dinners, shooting matches and carnivals.
On April 12, 1929, under the leadership of Chief Chester Treloar and President Malcolm Dunn, the department became incorporated. The Township of Lacey appropriated a budget of $800.00 and the first fire apparatus, a 1929 Hahn Pumper was purchased.
The first fire headquarters was located on Station Drive. The members purchased the Fidelity Hall building on Route 9 from Al Grant. It was relocated during the winter by using a combination of horse, logs and ice.
The second fire apparatus in service was a 1926 REO Speedwagon Hose Cart. This was purchased by the Ladies Auxiliary in 1930.
In the forties, the men went to fight in World War II leaving manpower to a minimum. To help protect the residents of Lacey Township, the women had joined the Ambulance Corp. This caused the Ladies Auxiliary to dissolve and it wasn't until 1957 when Stella Wilbert had re-organized to bring them back.
The current location of the Forked River firehouse was built in 1962, on a lot donated by James L "Dub" Parker in the late 1950's. The adjacent lot was purchased from Harold Tilton for $16,000 and the lot behind the museum was donated by the Township of Lacey.
Six years later, after working weekly Bingo games, the mortgage was paid off. On October 12, 1968 a triple celebration was held for the burning of the mortgage, the department's 40th anniversary and a housing for a 2000 gallon Great Eastern Tanker.
Today, a long line of traditions continue as members of the Forked River Fire Department strive to provide the highest quality of service and protection to our community through training, preparedness and prevention.
Forest Fire 1930
This forest fire started just north of Whiting by the Blue Comet train traveling through the pinelands. It burned 30,000 acres all the way to the Barnegat Bay. In Forked River, a church and approx thirty structures were lost.
Eno Hotel Structure Fire 1952
Fire destroyed the historical landmark built in 1879. Firefighters pumped water out of the Forked River to battle the blaze.
Greyhound Hotel Structure Fire 1964
Fire destroyed this historical hotel located on Route 9 by the State Marina.
Forest Fire 1963
This forest fire burned 75,925 acres in the Pinelands. It was stopped west of the Garden State Parkway, in Forked River.
Piper Plane Crash 1976
A plane crashed into the Methodist Church on Route 9 killing five people. Firefighters used foam to prevent leaking fuel from igniting. |  |
Marriot House Structure Fire 1982
Fire destroyed this restaurant located on the Garden State Parkway. Due to the lack of hydrants numerous fire departments responded with tankers.
Helicopter Crash 1989
An Augusta 109A helicopter crashed into the median of the Garden State Parkway at mile marker 72. Five people were killed, the pilot, co-pilot and three high-level executives of Donald Trump’s Casinos.
Forked River House 1992
A tragic fire killed two people and destroyed this historical landmark builtin 1820. Numerous fire departments reponded to battle this fire. (Picture from the Asbury Park Press) |
|
Forest Fire 1992
| June-This fire started at the Forked River Mountain and jumped Lacey Road. It burned 5,400 acres and was stopped at Cedar Creek (Picture from the Asbury Park Press) |  |
Forest Fire 1992
May- This forest fire burned 4,832 acres of the Pinelands. It caused an evacuation of the Pheasant Run Adult Community and shutdown the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station. (Picture from the Asbury Park Press) |  |
Forest Fire 1995
This forest fire started in Manchester Township. The wind shifted sending it into Bamber Lakes and Forked River. The fire was stopped west of the Garden State Parkway. It burned 19,225 acres of the Pinelands. (Picture from the Asbury Park Press) |  |
