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LINKS Bridgewater Fire Districts Map
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A Tradition In March of 1923, a strong, cold wind blew through the valley. In the local blacksmith shop, a pot of shellac was put on a pot belly stove to soften and was forgotten. After time, the shellac exploded and the smithy shop was on fire. Fanned by the winds, the fire spread from house to house and the tragic fire wiped out the village of Martinsville. The nearest aid was in Bound Brook, but they carried little water. Aid also came from Somerville but the fire raced well ahead of the firefighters. Shortly thereafter, a group of local residents met and formed the Martinsville Engine Company No. 1. From the ashes of this disaster, the community began a tradition of volunteer service to the Martinsville community. Thirteen men attended that first meeting, stepping forward to face a challenge that had devastated their community. There is no smithy shop in Martinsville today, but the need for fire protection and volunteers is as great today as it was in 1923. The Martinsville Volunteer Fire Department has grown since its founding in 1923. There are now two fire stations and seven pieces of apparatus of various description. The one constant throughout its history is the steady support of volunteers who man the trucks and respond to their neighbor's call. Members donate their time maintaining equipment, honing their firefighting skills through training, and standing ready days, nights, holidays, and weekends to answer the call.
Detailed History 1928-1945: First Firehouse, Depression, and the War Years 1960-1973: Development of the Valley and the End of the First Fifty Years 2006: Martinsville Fire Department Looking Ahead
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last updated 01/12/2008.