Around 1:00 A.M. on Tuesday, November 3rd, 1924, a fire erupted in the small town of Gratz. The fire endangered the entire population of Gratz, 600 strong. The blaze eventually would consume over 10 barns, the hotel, the ice barn, the general store, and numerous homes. The glow from the flames could be seen 25 miles away. The Gratz Bucket Brigade was aided by firefighters from Elizabethville, Wiconisco, Lykens, Valley View, Millersburg, and Harrisburg. The Gratz Area Fire Company #1 was formed soon after, in late 1924.

Today, The Gratz Area Fire Company #1 is proud to protect the roughly 3,000 citizens of Gratz Borough, Lykens Township, & the Village of Erdman, an area of 37 square miles. The GAFC runs out of one station, located on South Center St. in Gratz Borough. Restaraunts, industrial complexes, and farms are also in The GAFC's first due area. The GAFC operates with an Engine, Tanker, & Rescue. The GAFC averages 70 runs per year. The Gratz Area Fire Company #1 will continue to improve our ways of fire and medical protection to our citizens with continuous training, raising funds, and improving our equipment.