Our Apparatus
Serving Orwigsburg and surrounding communities
Rescue 56
2001 Pierce Saber Heavy Rescue
Primary rescue apparatus for Orwigsburg and areas of surrounding townships. Six-person enclosed cab, five air packs, and a walk-around rescue body. Dispatched to vehicle collisions, search and rescue, high-angle rescue, structures and special incidents.
- Holmatro hydraulic rescue tools: spreaders, cutters and rams
- Pneumatic airbag system; generators and Paratech struts
- Rope rescue equipment including six harnesses, 750 feet of rope and Arizona Vortex
- Stokes basket, backboard, cribbing, jacks and medical equipment
- Water rescue equipment, AED, saws and tools
Engine 56-12
2010 Pierce Arrow XT
Purchased by Station 56 in 2025 after service in Rhode Island. First-due engine; acquired as a fleet upgrade following mechanical issues with Engine 56-11.
- 1,250 GPM pump; 750-gallon water tank; seating for 8
- 1,200 feet of 5-inch hose and 600 feet of 3-inch hose
- Two 200-foot 1¾-inch crosslays; 300-foot 2½-inch and 400-foot 1¾-inch rear attack lines
- Deck gun, portable monitor, PPV fans, high-rise kit
- First aid equipment, heat and CO detectors
Engine 56-10
1995 Pierce Saber
An engine equipped for fire suppression with hose, water supply, pump and support equipment.
- 1,250 GPM pump; 750-gallon water tank; seating for 6
- 1,000 feet of 5-inch hose and 300 feet of 3-inch hose
- Two 200-foot 1¾-inch attack lines and one 200-foot 2½-inch attack line
- Deck gun, portable monitor and PPV fan
- High-rise kit, first aid, heat and CO detectors
1809 Pat Lyons Hand Pumper
Historic apparatus · hand pump
An early Patrick Lyon pumper identified in the department’s history as a rare surviving original. Built by Patrick Lyon of Philadelphia, this historic firefighting apparatus represents an important part of the region’s early fire service. The department’s published history states it spent years at the Philadelphia Fire Museum and is associated with the Schuylkill Historical Fire Society.
- Make: Pat Lyons; year: 1809
- Hand-pumped fire engine
- Historic Friendship Hose Company No. 1 apparatus
Engine 56-11 (Retired)
1985 Ford / Pierce
Retired engine formerly used on box alarms and supporting Engine 56-10. The department lists its permanent home as the Schuylkill County Fire Museum in Mahanoy City.
- 1,250 GPM Waterous two-stage pump; 1,000-gallon tank
- Seating for 5
- 1,500 feet of 5-inch hose and 300 feet of 3-inch hose
- Two 200-foot 1¾-inch attack lines and one 200-foot 2½-inch attack line
- Portable monitor, high-rise equipment, first aid equipment and CO detector
