Amherst County, Virginia

Amherst County is proud to have dedicated volunteers at three departments across the County - Amherst Fire Department, Monelison Volunteer Fire Department, and Pedlar Fire Department.

Each agency has a “first-due” response area throughout the county where they are responsible for primary Fire Department operations. Additionally, each agency acts as a ‘back-up’ when needed to the other response areas.

As a supplement to the volunteer fire departments, ACFE staff are cross trained to respond to fire incidents as well. Each ambulance and response vehicle carries a variety of equipment necessary to carry out assigned tasks on scene. This equipment often includes protective clothing (turnout gear), tools, airpacks, and a ‘water can’.

Volunteer Fire Timeline:

1917 - Amherst Fire Department created after a large fire swept through the Amherst Livery stable, Meeks Building, and the Hill Hardware Lumber Yard. Amherst Fire Department was the only fire department between Lynchburg and Charlottesville.

1959 - The Monelison Volunteer Fire Department was founded by a group of citizens with one common goal: to protect the lives and property of Amherst County. At the time, there was 1 fire truck and 1 station.

1975 - Men and women in the Pedlar area of Amherst County formed Pedlar Fire and Rescue to serve the citizens in the north-western part of the county.

2024 - Amherst County establishes a Fire Training Center, allowing fire training to be held in Amherst rather than taking resources out of the county.

Since being organized, fire service in Amherst County has grown to:

Fire Stations: 5

Engines: 8

Tankers: 3

Brush Trucks: 4

Rescue/Squad: 2

Ladder Truck: 1

SUV/Utility Vehicles: 3

ATV: 2

Drone: 2

Volunteers: 90