One the the more iconic structures in Mount Carme, (excluding its fabulous churches), housed the Anthracite Fire Company. Situated on the edge of the town park, along busy state route 61, and visible for many blocks while driving East on 3rd Street, this building was known to many throughout the area. There were four fire companies in Mount Carmel, one in each ward. While the competance of the member fire fighters can't be questioned, many would think that housing large barrooms on their 2nd floors... can be. The consumption of alcohol in those bars often exceeded many saloons and social clubs. Yet another coal region oddity.

There was no siren in town. Instead there was an extremely loud horn afixed to the Anthrecite Fire Company's building that coould be heard all over town and probably well beyond. Alarm boxes were placed on strategic street corners throughout town. Pulling the lever inside one of these boxes would thigger the horn. A series of one through four blasts would signify what ward the alarm box was in. There was a brief pause followed by several more blasts identifying the box number withen the ward. The person setting off the alarm was required to stay put in order to direct fire fighters when they arrived at the scene.

That horn was also used each night at 9:00 PM to let kids know that they were reqiired to be off the streets.

The Clover Hose Company is located at 6th and Oak Streets. The father of the Hook Family was a lifetime member of this fire company.

Bingo nights, weekend dances with live small bands, alcohol consumption and other forms of frivolity, made it seem like they were social clubs. But, they were in fact, serious, legitimate fire companies.

The West End Hose was located at 33 North Vine Street. The West End Fire Company was established in 1915. Essentially defunct for several years, the area has been protected by the nearby American Hose Company since 2013. The company's charter is still active.

This company was known to choose funky colors for its apparatus

The American Hose Company is located at 6th and Vine Streets. John Hook was a lifetime member and served as an officer for a time.

These fire companies had annual all day outings each summer at various venues in the area. The American company's outing, catered by the Hooks, lasted two days over the Labor Day weekend.