Avondale and West Grove fire companies are expected to consolidate into Southern Chester County Fire Rescue on Jan. 1, 2027, creating an organization serving approximately 45,000 residents across 10 municipalities and 100 square miles. The municipalities — Avondale, Franklin, London Britain, Londonderry, London Grove, New London, New Garden, Penn, West Grove and West Marlborough — are developing a two-year, interim intermunicipal agreement to fund the nonprofit fire service through a formula based on property values, population and emergency call volume. The agreement aims to distribute costs more equitably, improve budget predictability and address rising expenses and declining volunteer numbers. The consolidated organization is expected to retain about 30 full-time and 98 part-time firefighters, four fire stations and approximately 30 pieces of equipment.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 10/14/2026