Serving Stark, NH
Stark Volunteer Fire Department Association
Proudly protecting the community of Stark, New Hampshire. An all-volunteer department serving our neighbors since day one.
Proudly protecting the community of Stark, New Hampshire. An all-volunteer department serving our neighbors since day one.
A 501(c)(3) New Hampshire Non-Profit
The Stark Volunteer Fire Department Association is an all-volunteer department located in the heart of northern New Hampshire's Coos County. We are dedicated to protecting the lives and property of the residents and visitors of Stark and surrounding areas.
Operating from a single station on Stark Highway, our volunteer firefighters respond to fire emergencies, medical calls, motor vehicle accidents, and mutual aid requests throughout the region. We serve the villages of Stark, Percy, and Crystal, covering an area that sits along the scenic Upper Ammonoosuc River and borders the White Mountain National Forest.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we depend on the generosity of our community and the dedication of our volunteer members to keep Stark safe.
A community built on service and resilience
On August 3, 1774, King George III granted 24,496 acres to 78 grantees, establishing the town of Piercy. Named after Hugh Percy, 1st Duke of Northumberland, the grant required road building, preserving large pine trees for ship masts, cultivating at least 10% of the land, and growing hemp or flax if the soil permitted.
The settlement was officially incorporated as a town in the state of New Hampshire, giving the growing community formal self-governance.
The town was renamed in honor of General John Stark, the Revolutionary War hero who fought at the Battle of Bunker Hill, the Invasion of Canada, the Battles of Trenton, Princeton, and Bennington. General Stark famously wrote the words that became New Hampshire's state motto: "Live Free or Die."
The non-denominational Stark Union Church was constructed in the village center, where it still stands today. Alongside the covered bridge, it forms one of the most iconic and photographed scenes in all of New England.
The 134-foot covered bridge was built spanning the Upper Ammonoosuc River. Originally a two-span bridge, it was damaged in an 1895 flood that destroyed the center pier. The bridge was restored as a single-span structure and remains in use today, a beloved landmark that appears on promotional materials worldwide.
A former Civilian Conservation Corps camp was converted into New Hampshire's only World War II prisoner of war camp. Approximately 250 German and Austrian soldiers, many from the 999th Division, were held at Camp Stark while performing forestry work supplying pulpwood to paper mills in nearby Berlin. The camp and the town coexisted peacefully, and five POWs later became American or Canadian citizens. The camp closed in spring 1946.
The Stark Volunteer Fire Department Association continues the town's tradition of community service, protecting approximately 478 residents across the villages of Stark, Percy, and Crystal. Staffed entirely by dedicated volunteers, the department answers the call whenever their neighbors need help.
Stark, New Hampshire — Coos County, population 478
Stark sits along the Upper Ammonoosuc River in the northernmost reaches of New Hampshire, with much of the town within the boundaries of the White Mountain National Forest. The area is known for its dramatic rocky cliffs, forested mountains, and unspoiled natural beauty.
The 1862 covered bridge paired with the 1853 Stark Union Church is one of the most photographed scenes in New England. This iconic view, with forested mountains as a backdrop, appears on postcards and promotional materials around the world and draws visitors year-round.
The town encompasses the villages of Stark, Percy, and Crystal. Key community facilities include the town office, the Stark Library, and a three-classroom schoolhouse. The town office at 1189 Stark Hwy is open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8am–4pm.
The town's namesake, General John Stark, was a legendary figure of the American Revolution. His defiant words became the official motto of New Hampshire, embodying the independent spirit that still defines small towns like Stark to this day.
Make a difference in your community
Looking to make a difference in someone else's life? The Stark Volunteer Fire Department is always looking for dedicated community members to join our ranks. No prior experience is necessary — we provide training and support. Whether you can respond to calls, help with fundraising, or assist with equipment maintenance, there's a place for you.
Give us a call at (603) 636-2848 or stop by the station at 1276 Stark Highway. We'd love to have you join us.
Get In TouchWe're here for our community
For non-emergency inquiries, reach out to us by phone or stop by the station. For fire permits, visit the NH Division of Forests and Lands online portal.