Borough Departments
Fire Department
West Reading Fire Department provides 24/7 volunteer fire services, safety education, emergency response, hydrant access, and extinguisher guidance.
The Department is 100% volunteer
The new station house, located at 223 Playground Drive, is one of the most modern fire stations in Berks County. It holds the apparatus, offices, and training for members. The firefighters assist in emergencies in the Borough and respond to other communities to assist their fire companies. Western Berks Ambulance Association is located within the station and provides services for residents in the Borough. The Fire Department email address is: info@wrfire.com
Fire Safety
Remember to periodically check your smoke detectors…a dead battery in your smoke detector will not help you in a fire emergency. Many of the homes that we visit on fire calls do not have operating smoke detectors, or they have none at all. Smoke detectors are an inexpensive way to keep your family safe, so please make sure they are in working order.
911
The quickest way to notify fire department personnel that you need assistance is to call 9-1-1. Even though you feel that it is not an emergency, calling the fire station directly might not get you the help you need quickly, as the station is not staffed at all times.
Open Burning
Please be advised that open burning is illegal in the Borough of West Reading unless you apply for and receive a permit from the Code Department. This means no open burning of leaves, yard waste or any type of outdoor temporary fireplace without authorization. Please have consideration for your neighbors and refrain from burning anything in your yards. If you have any questions, please contact the Borough’s Code Enforcement Department.
Fire Hydrants
Please remember that if a fire hydrant in the area of your home has become covered by snow, it is important that you dig around and expose it to assist us in accessing it during an emergency. Fire hydrants are an important part of the Borough’s fire protection system and if we can’t locate the hydrant or are delayed in gaining access to it, additional property damage may occur. Following heavy snowstorms we will attempt to remove snow from around the hydrants, but any assistance you can provide is greatly appreciated.
Fire Extinguishers
We get calls at the station from residents all the time about fire extinguishers…what kind do I need for my home? What can be done with our old extinguishers? We would love to help you!
We do not sell fire extinguishers here at the West Reading Fire Department, but we would recommend that you visit any home improvement store or fire extinguisher vendor and look closely at the packaging to make sure you purchase an extinguisher that will work with the hazards you have in your home. Selecting the wrong fire extinguisher for the fire hazard can be very dangerous.
As far as old extinguishers or used units are concerned, if you don’t feel comfortable throwing them away in the trash please bring them to the station any Wednesday night at 6:00 pm and we will dispose of them for you. If you have any questions, please give us a call.
The catch basin in from of my house is overflowing. Can it be cleaned out?
Contact the Public Works Department at 610-374-8605.
Who should I contact concerning potholes or uneven pavement?
Contact PennDOT for Penn Avenue issues at 1-800-FIXROAD. Borough road repair concerns should be forwarded to the Public Works Department at 610-374-8605.
What should I do when I have a sewer back-up?
At any time, day or night when a sewer backup occurs at your home or business your first call should be to the Borough. As part of your sewer maintenance fee, the Public Works Department will plunge the sewer trap located near your home/business in an effort to remove the clog, which possibly will negate the need to hire a plumber. During normal business hours, Monday through Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, contact Borough Hall at (610) 374-8273, ext. 221. Outside of normal business hours contact the non-emergency Police line at (610) 373-0111 to dispatch a member of the Public Works Department to your location.
The Borough maintains the sewer system from the curb to the main. The trap into the house is the property owners responsibility. Sewer blockages from the house to the curb are the homeowner’s responsibility. It is very important not to flush anything other than toilet paper. Small toys, articles of clothing, feminine items, etc. usually result in sewer blockages.
Does the Borough remove Christmas Trees?
Christmas Trees are collected by the Public Works staff beginning the day after Christmas and generally continuing through the end of January. Trees must be placed within the planting strip area for collection. Please remember to remove all lights, ornaments and stand prior to placing out for collection.
Fire Department FAQs
Can leaves and grass clippings be burned in the Borough?
No.
How do I dispose of hazardous materials?
The County has two days set aside each year for the disposal of hazardous materials. Click here for dates, times and places or call the Berks County Solid Waste Authority at 610-478-6362 or email www.co.berks.pa.us/swa.
We would like to tour the Fire Station, who should we contact?
Contact the Fire Chief at 610-372-9621 extension 100.
How can I support my local fire department?
By volunteering, we have non-firefighting personnel who assist at fires. Contact the Fire Chief for further information at 610-372-9621 extension 100.
What are the Firefighter qualifications?
What are the Firefighter qualifications?
Anyone 16 years of age or older is encouraged and invited to join the Fire Department and become a Firefighter. Firefighters must complete rigorous training prior to participation in firefighting activites. Anyone interested in obtaining more details can contact the Fire Station or the Fire Chief at 610-372-9621 extension 100.
Address:
West Reading Fire Department
Station #64
223 Playground Drive
West Reading, PA 19611
United States
Phone: (610) 372-9621
Fax: (610) 372-3569
Emergency Numbers: 911
Year End Fire Department Report
The West Reading Fire Department had another busy year. While emergency calls often get the spotlight, they represent only a small part of the time our volunteers dedicate. Thousands of hours also go into training, maintenance, fundraising, and administration. We hope this report helps you better understand our department. West Reading Fire Department #64 is run entirely by volunteers who give their time without pay—sacrificing personal time to protect our community with no expectation of reward.