Two long-standing area fire companies, each with over a century of emergency service, will merge to form Southern Chester County Fire Rescue (SCCFR). This new organization is committed to safety, guided by integrity, and rooted in community, with the goal of providing more efficient and effective emergency services now and into the future.

The new non-profit organization will deliver fire, rescue, and EMS services to the 10 municipalities currently served by the West Grove Fire Company (WGFC) and Avondale Fire Company (AFC). Covering more than 100+ square miles across portions of southern Chester County, SCCFR will become one of the largest fire districts in the county.

SCCFR will operate as a single membership organization under unified administrative and operational leadership, governed by one board of directors. All four existing fire stations, located in Avondale, West Grove, New London, and London Britain Township, will remain in service.

Both departments currently operate as combination fire companies, staffed by both volunteer and career personnel – all of whom will be retained and integrated into the new organization. SCCFR will also unify the existing ambulance and firefighters' relief associations into the new single entity.

The transition is expected to be completed, with full operations beginning as a unified department, on January 1, 2027.

“Questions & Answers About Your New Fire Department” 

Why is this happening?

The goal of this merger is to create a more efficient and effective plan for providing emergency services now and into the future. This plan is the result of more than 18 months of discussions among both departments, local municipal officials, and industry experts, all of whom support the merger.

Will my local fire station be closed? 

No.  The new fire department will continue to operate from the existing four stations, along Route 41 in Avondale, in West Grove Borough, along Route 896 in New London, and at Nichol Park in London Britain Township.

Will there still be volunteers?

Yes. Both departments currently operate as combination agencies with volunteer and career personnel. All will be retained as part of SCCFR. Volunteer responders will continue to play a vital role in emergency services now and in the future.

What about ambulance services?

The new department will integrate fire, rescue, and EMS services under one organization, allowing for more efficient and effective use of resources. SCCFR is projected to respond to more than 5,600 EMS calls and 1,400 fire incidents in 2027.

What happens next?

The merger will move through review and approval by the appropriate governmental agencies. In the meantime, AFC and WGFC will continue operating independently throughout 2026 while working more closely together in preparation for full integration.

What about my donation?

Community support will remain a critical part of funding both now and in the future. In 2026, each department will continue its annual fire and EMS fund drive campaigns. These efforts are expected to be combined into a single campaign the following year.