Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company

06/12/2026

The Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company is proud to announce the signing of a contract with Pierce Manufacturing for a new custom-built quint fire apparatus, replacing our faithful 1992 Pierce Arrow Engine after more than 30 years of dedicated service.

Designed to serve as our front-line engine, this new quint is perfectly suited for our community, where many homes are built three and four stories high on pilings. The aerial ladder provides firefighters with a rapid and safe means of access and egress when terrain or building height makes ground ladder placement difficult, enhancing both firefighter and civilian safety.

This project is the result of countless hours of dedication by our apparatus committee. Through extensive planning, research, and collaboration, they designed an apparatus specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of our district and to protect our community for decades to come.

This isn’t just a new truck—it’s an investment in the future of public safety and our continued commitment to providing the highest level of service to the residents and visitors of Bethany Beach.

06/06/2026

Stop by and see our friends from Delaware State Police Aviation today!! Trooper 5 is at Bethany Central Park today until 3pm. We also have Delaware State Fire School here at our Station for some helpful Fire Prevention tips & giveaways.

06/06/2026

Our Crews are ready to welcome you into our station today!!! Open house today 12-3pm. Please come see us and our Public Safety Partners and have a delicious lunch courtesy of Armond’s!!!

06/03/2026

Bethany Beach Firefighters Assist with Ocean View House Fire

On Saturday, May 30, 2026, members of the Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company responded on a mutual aid assignment to a residential structure fire on Lathbury Court in the Lord Baltimore Landing community of Ocean View.

At approximately 2:55 p.m., multiple callers reported smoke coming from a residence. Arriving firefighters encountered a two-story home with heavy fire showing from the rear of the structure. The fire had extended throughout portions of both floors, requiring an aggressive fire attack.

Bethany Beach firefighters worked alongside crews from Millville, Roxana, Dagsboro, Frankford, and Selbyville Fire Companies to conduct fire suppression operations and searches of the home. Firefighters faced intense heat, heavy smoke, and limited visibility while operating inside the structure.

Primary and secondary searches confirmed that no occupants were inside the home. The homeowners were out of town at the time of the incident, and a neighbor caring for the family dog was accounted for and unharmed.

One firefighter sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation before being released.

The fire was brought under control in approximately one hour, with crews remaining on scene for several additional hours. The residence sustained significant fire damage.

The incident was commanded by Millville Volunteer Fire Company Assistant Chief Steve Hess. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office.

06/02/2026

Reminder - open house Saturday June 6, 2026.

05/25/2026

05/23/2026

On Friday, May 22, 2026, members of the Bethany Beach Fire Company completed their annual refresher training for rescue jet ski beach launch operations in preparation for the upcoming summer season.

This specialized training is a critical component of the department’s ocean rescue capabilities and helps ensure members remain prepared to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies along the coastline during the busy summer months.

Throughout the training, members practiced coordinated beach launch procedures utilizing the department’s rescue ski in surf conditions similar to those encountered during actual emergency responses. Launching a rescue ski from the beach requires precise timing, communication, and teamwork between the operator and rescue swimmer. Crews trained on reading surf conditions, safely maneuvering the ski through breaking waves, and maintaining control of the watercraft during both launch and recovery operations.

Members also focused on the coordination required between the rescue swimmer and ski operator. Once the rescue ski clears the surf zone, the rescue swimmer must enter the water and successfully link up with the operator while conditions are constantly changing. This evolution demands physical endurance, situational awareness, and strong communication skills to ensure a safe and effective rescue operation.

The annual refresher allows personnel to maintain proficiency in these high-risk, low-frequency operations while reinforcing safety procedures and operational readiness. As visitors continue to arrive in the area for the summer season, the department remains committed to providing professional and prepared emergency response services both on land and in the water.

The Bethany Beach Fire Company would like to thank all members who participated in the training and continue dedicating countless hours to maintaining the skills necessary to protect the community and its visitors.

05/20/2026

Bethany Beach Fire Company Assists Rehoboth Beach on Working Structure Fire

On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at approximately 8:30 a.m., members of the Bethany Beach Fire Company responded to assist the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company with a reported structure fire.

Quint 704, Tower 70, and Deputy 70 responded as part of the mutual-aid assignment. Upon arrival, crews were assigned to fireground operations and immediately went to work conducting primary searches of the affected occupancy to ensure all occupants had safely evacuated.

Additional personnel assisted with roof operations and overhaul efforts, helping firefighters gain access to concealed spaces and checking for extension of the fire. Crews worked alongside mutual-aid companies to support suppression operations and bring the incident under control safely and efficiently.

The incident highlights the continued importance of regional mutual-aid partnerships and coordinated fireground operations between neighboring departments.

No injuries to firefighters were reported during the incident.

05/18/2026

The members of BBVFC would like to congratulate Douglas Murray Jr. on graduating from United States Navy Boot Camp and earning the rank of E-3!

Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to serving our country make us proud. We wish you continued success throughout your Navy career and thank you for your service. Congratulations, Douglas 🇺🇸

05/17/2026

Focus Multisports & Bank of Ocean City Generates $22,500 for the Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company

Focus Multisports and the presenting sponsor, the Bank of Ocean City, recently made a $22,500.00 donation to the Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company on behalf of the participants, volunteers, and sponsors of the Annual Bethany-Fenwick Turkey Trot .

This event was presented by The Bank of Ocean City, with primary sponsors including The Coastal Point, Wilgus Associates, Bethany BoatHouse, Charm City Run, Baja, Creative Resource Group, Tansey-Warner Realty, Harvest Tide Steakhouse, Zoca, Grotto Pizza, Hotel Bethany Beach, Anne Powell Realty, and Steve Morgan-Keller Williams Realty. Generous participants also filled the Neighbors in Need SUV with non-perishable foods.

“We were proud of these events in particular because of the family-friendly aspect for both residents and visitors alike. By the attendance and the positive feedback, I think we accomplished that goal.” said Focus Multisports' Race Director Rick Hundley.

“At Focus Multisports, Rick and I, along with our team of volunteers, enthusiastic participants, Bethany Beach Police, BBVFC Fire Police and Public Works Departments, and through the generosity of our sponsors, make our community better through philanthropy and have fun while doing it. “ said Focus Multisports’ Race Director Ernie Felici.

Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company’s firefighters and EMS members lead a very demanding and sacrificial existence but one which they will find rewarding in many ways. The Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company Emergency Medical Services Division is an unprecedented collaboration between the fire company and property owners within the towns of Bethany Beach, South Bethany, Fenwick Island, and Sea Colony. Visit bethanybeachfire.com to donate or volunteer.

Focus Multisports is a Delaware based non-profit multisport company, owned and operated by USAT Level 1 Race Director / USATF Coach Rick Hundley and USAT Level 1 Race Director Ernie Felici. Focus events consist of safe, fun, and challenging courses, great swag, and awesome awards.To date, Focus's efforts have yielded over $800,000 in charitable donations benefiting many local charities, school programs, and volunteer organizations.

Register Now for the 2027 Coastal Delaware Running Festival presented by Grotto Pizza, April 9-11, 2027 voted a Southern Delaware Tourism’s Best Event featuring a Boston Qualifier Marathon, Half Marathon, 9k and 5k benefiting many Sussex County non-profits and school programs.. Also, this event was just recently awarded the Best Delaware State Marathon by nationally recognized findmymarathon.com. Register Now at codelrun.com to avoid future price increases!

Looking forward to seeing everybody again for the 2027 Bethany Fenwick Turkey Trot presented by the Bank Of Ocean City on Thanksgiving Morning at the Bethany Bandstand. Until then, please visit any of the Bank of Ocean City locations and experience the Bank of Ocean City Advantage (bankofoceancity.com).


Photo Left to Right: William Graham, Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company Assistant Chief, Ernie Felici - Focus Multisports, Michael Suit - Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company President, Melissa Von Bank - Bank of Ocean City Vice President, Reid Tingle - Bank of Ocean City President/CEO, Rick Hundley-Focus Multisports.

Photo credit: Maryanne Felici

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