The Big Run Area Volunteer Fire Company (BRAVFC) formed as an independent corporation on October 1, 1940. As a 501 (c) 3 (non profit) entity, BRAVFC negotiates individual contracts providing fire, rescue, and/or initial medical response, and other services for all or parts of five municipalities: the Townships of Bell, Henderson, and Gaskill, and Big Run Borough in Jefferson County and Banks Township in Indiana County. Its corporate office is in Gaskill Township, which serves as Workmen's Compensation host.
     Over the years, BRAVFC has transformed from answering just fire calls, which formerly averaged 13 per year, to responding to fires, vehicular and aircraft accidents, first response to medical emergencies, floods, tornadoes, train derailments, search and rescue missions, hazardous materials incidents, horses caught in bridges and mud holes and that one dog stuck in some rocks with the incident total reaching 261 as of December 8, 2007.
     BRAVFC owns two engines, a Quick Response Service medical unit, brush truck, amphibious vehicle and a hazardous materials trailer. 
BRAVFC also owns and maintains Station 17 on East Main Street in Big Run.  BRAVFC currently hosts a roster of 65 male and female members who assist in the maintenance and operation of the company.
     FOR ALL EMERGENCY CALLS, PLEASE
                              DIAL 9-1-1.