For 100 years, the Fuquay-Varina Fire Department has served as a vital part of our community, evolving from a volunteer force to a modern, highly trained professional staff operating out of four stations.
Established around 1925, the department initially provided fire protection within the town limits of Fuquay Springs. The first fire station was located within the first Municipal Building at 134 S. Fuquay Avenue, now home to the History Museum and NCDMV.
The municipal building housed the first town fire department. This photo was taken in 1951.
In 1954, the Fuquay-Varina Rural Fire Department was formed under the sponsorship of the Farm Bureau of Fuquay-Varina, expanding coverage to surrounding areas. For 11 years, equipment was stored in various locations until 1965, when a dedicated two-bay fire station was completed at 128 S. Fuquay Avenue — currently the location of Cultivate Coffee Roasters.
For years, the Town and Rural departments operated independently, despite being located near each other. As Fire Chief Jim Jones explains, “The Town and Rural buildings were located across the street from each other, but one served properties within the town limits and the other served the rural areas. The same people basically staffed both stations, so it made sense to have them located close together.”
A fire on Main Street in 1946 changed the landscape. The building beside what is now Abshure Realty was not rebuilt and is currently a town parking lot.
Operations began merging between the municipal and rural departments in 1972, culminating in a shared facility at Station 1, located at 301 S. Fuquay Avenue, in 1978. Further expansion occurred with the opening of Station 2 at 5617 Hilltop Road in 1990 and Station 3 at 2474 Bud Lipscomb Road in 2002.
In 1999, the Fuquay-Varina Rural Fire Department formally merged with the Town of Fuquay-Varina, streamlining fire services. Today, Wake County contracts with the Town to provide fire protection coverage for rural areas. The most recent addition, Station 4, opened at 4821 Wade Nash Road in 2024, enhancing coverage and response capabilities.
“The heart of Fuquay-Varina fire service has always been its people,” reflects Chief Jones as the department celebrates its centennial. “We stand on the shoulders of those who served before us, honoring their dedication while forging ahead, committed to another 100 years of dedicated service.”
Centennial Event Info: Join the Fuquay-Varina Fire Department as we celebrate a century of service on November 15 at Station 1, 301 S. Fuquay Avenue, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. See historical photos and displays, hear incredible stories, meet our firefighters, and learn about the fire service then and now!
