About the District
Aurora Colden Fire District No. 6 is a municipal subdivision established under New York State law to provide fire protection and emergency response services to a designated portion of the Town of Aurora and the Town of Colden.
The district owns and maintains the fire station, apparatus, and equipment used to deliver these services, working in partnership with the West Falls Fire Company.
Our mission is to ensure the safety of life and property for all within our district through responsive, effective, and professional fire protection.
History of the Aurora Colden Fire District No. 6
The Aurora Colden Fire District No. 6 was established in 1933 to provide fire protection services to the southwest region of the Town of Aurora and the northwest corner of the Town of Colden. Governed by a Board of Fire Commissioners consisting of five elected officials, the district’s fire protection operations are exclusively carried out by the West Falls Fire Company, an entirely volunteer-based organization.
The West Falls Fire Company itself was founded earlier, in 1919, following a devastating fire that destroyed the community’s train station. This event underscored the urgent need for a local fire service to protect the growing community.
Over the past century, the district has expanded to cover approximately 12.5 square miles around the fire hall located on NYS Route 240, the main thoroughfare through the hamlet. The area is primarily rural, composed of residential homes and farmland with a few commercial properties mixed throughout.
Today, the West Falls Fire Company is equipped with:
- Two 1,000-gallon/1,500 GPM fire engines
- A search and rescue truck
- Off-road rescue ATVs
- An ambulance for emergency medical response
A diverse team of 34 volunteer members serves a population of about 2,500 residents, responding to an average of 300 calls annually.
Throughout its history, the Aurora Colden Fire District No. 6 and the West Falls Fire Company have demonstrated leadership in advancing fire safety and emergency response services. Notable achievements include:
- 1955: One of the first volunteer fire companies in the region to add ambulance services.
- 1963: Early adoption of seat belts in fire apparatus to improve firefighter safety.
- 1978: Welcoming the first female members, among the first volunteer companies in the area to do so.
- 1979: Installation of the first fire hydrants and acquisition of the “Jaws of Life” Extrication Tool.
- 1982: Expansion of ambulance services to include Advanced Life Support (ALS).
- 1999: Ambulance service achieved paramedic certification, providing the highest level of pre-hospital emergency care in New York State.
- 2001: The West Falls ambulance crew provided critical support in New York City following the September 11th terrorist attacks.
Facility improvements have been a continual focus as well. In 1999, the district moved out of its aging 1920s fire hall into a renovated 1950s automotive service center, adapting the building over the years to meet operational needs.
Recognizing the need for further modernization, in 2023 the district launched a $2.5 million capital improvement project. This effort included adding three new bays to house fire apparatus and renovating the community meeting room to better serve the public.
Through ongoing development, adaptation, and an unwavering spirit of service, the Aurora Colden Fire District No. 6 and the West Falls Fire Company continue to proudly serve the community, honoring their rich heritage while meeting the needs of the future.
Fire District Map
