UPDATE: The Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department (BTVFD) is making an urgent appeal regarding the sale of its former fire station, located on Interstate Parkway. This property, known as Station 15-1, has been on the market since June 2025 following the department’s decision to consolidate operations.
Officials report that the station has not housed fire trucks for several years, primarily due to the new equipment dimensions not fitting the aging structure. BTVFD Chief Dan Burkhouse highlighted, “The size of our apparatus has increased dramatically, and these buildings just aren’t big enough for our trucks anymore.”
Originally built in 1958, Station 15-1 has undergone renovations but now serves more as a social hall rather than a functional fire station. “It has been renovated a couple of times but it’s more of a social hall now,” Burkhouse noted. The department ultimately determined that selling the property was a more viable financial option.
The station sits on just over 11 acres of land, featuring ample space for development on both sides of the roadway. It can accommodate over 220 people with tables and chairs, and includes full bathrooms, a kitchen, cold storage, and a garage. According to department President Sean Galbraith, the building remains highly functional for non-fire service use. “It could be used for just about anything with the right imagination, within zoning requirements,” he added.
Galbraith envisions the space could become a community center or even a daycare facility, stating, “It’s nice because it is a little out of the way but not too far from town. It could be a great fit for the right people or group.”
Despite its maintained condition, the cost of upkeep no longer makes sense for the department. “We really think this is our best fiscal move to get rid of this building and use those funds to update a building more centrally located to where our first responders are,” Galbraith explained.
Any potential revenue from the sale will be directed towards updates for both the Custer City Valley and West Branch Valley fire stations, which are also facing space constraints. Burkhouse confirmed, “We are focused on addressing these growing needs.”
Interested buyers are encouraged to act quickly as all reasonable offers will be considered. Those interested can reach out to the department directly at (814) 362-3280 or via email at [email protected].
Stay tuned for updates as this opportunity develops, and act fast to seize this unique property!
