Hillsborough Fire Companies Celebrate 70 Years of Service

Volunteer firefighters from three Hillsborough fire companies have been protecting the community since the 1950s.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Hillsborough, New Jersey has had three volunteer fire companies for over 70 years, with the first one formed in 1938 and the most recent in 1955. These fire companies have played a crucial role in protecting the community, including responding to the largest structure fire in Somerset County history in 2016. The article highlights the history and dedication of these volunteer firefighters who have served Hillsborough for decades.

Why it matters

The Hillsborough fire companies represent a long tradition of community-based volunteer firefighting that has helped keep the township safe for generations. As development and growth have transformed the area, these fire companies have adapted and continued to serve as an important public safety resource.

The details

Hillsborough's three volunteer fire companies - Hillsborough Fire Company Number 1 (Flagtown), Hillsborough Fire Company Number 2 (on Route 206), and Hillsborough Township Fire Company Number 3 (on Woods Road) - were formed between 1938 and 1955. Prior to that, the township relied on firefighters from neighboring towns. In 2016, these three companies responded to the largest structure fire in Somerset County history at the Veterans Administration Depot on Route 206.

  • Hillsborough Fire Company Number 1 (Flagtown) was formed in 1938.
  • Hillsborough Fire Company Number 2 (on Route 206) was formed in 1947.
  • Hillsborough Township Fire Company Number 3 (on Woods Road) was formed in 1955.
  • In February 2016, the three Hillsborough fire companies responded to the largest structure fire in Somerset County history at the Veterans Administration Depot on Route 206.

The players

Hillsborough Fire Company Number 1

Also known as the Flagtown Fire Company, it was the first volunteer fire company formed in Hillsborough Township.

Hillsborough Fire Company Number 2

Formed in 1947, this fire company is headquartered on Route 206 in Hillsborough.

Hillsborough Township Fire Company Number 3

The most recently formed of the three Hillsborough fire companies, it was established in 1955 and is headquartered on Woods Road.

Veterans Administration Depot

A warehouse facility on Route 206 in Hillsborough that was the site of the largest structure fire in Somerset County history in 2016.

Gregory Gillette

A local historian who has been writing about Hillsborough's history for 20 years, including a column called 'Gillette on Hillsborough'.

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What they’re saying

“Ten years ago this month, volunteer firefighters from all three of Hillsborough's fire companies (and from companies all over the state) responded to the Veterans Administration Depot on Route 206 to battle what would prove to be the largest structure fire in the history of Somerset County.”

— Gregory Gillette, Local Historian (tapinto.net)

The takeaway

Hillsborough's three volunteer fire companies have been an integral part of the community for over 70 years, demonstrating the enduring value of community-based public safety organizations in meeting the evolving needs of a growing township.