Bradford Township is divided into three areas surrounding the City of Bradford on three sides. Residential, manufacturing, commercial, oil and forest properties are all located within the 52 square miles of territory. Before the formation of the Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department, the Bradford City Fire Department was contracted to provide fire protection for the township at $150 per call. The City Fire Department continued to provide coverage to the township as the department grew with equipment and manpower.
Numerous large fires had occurred over the years in the township, most notably the Piper Aircraft Factory in the West Branch area and the South Bradford School. In addition, residential, oil lease, grass and forest fires occurred on a regular basis. This led individuals to the idea of forming a fire department in Bradford Township.
The name “Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department” was officially registered as a nonprofit corporation in the State of Pennsylvania on July 21, 1955. The department was incorporated in the McKean County Court of Common Pleas on August 29, 1955.
