Town Of Columbus Fire Department

   The Town of Columbus Fire Department was originally chartered by the State of North Carolina in 1949 as the Columbus Volunteer Fire Department and was a part of municipal government from its founding until 1992. In 1992 the department determined that it was necessary to undertake a major capital expansion in terms of both apparatus and a station in which to house that apparatus. The town council and the department agreed to the dissolution of the bond that had existed between the town and the fire department and for both parties to enter into a contract for the department to provide services in return for tax revenues generated specifically to support the fire department. 

    At its inception the department had a hose reel that was pulled by the members of the department from its station to the fire. This hose reel was replaced by the first piece of motorized apparatus that the department owned. This apparatus was a 1924 Seagraves engine that is still used by the department for parades. In the early days the department had to survive on the proceeds it could raise from square dances and chicken suppers among other activities. The Town of Columbus did contribute some funding to the operations of the department, but the largest share came from the efforts of the volunteers themselves.

    In the early 1990’s it became apparent to the department that it was going to be necessary to provide a larger facility and more up-to-date apparatus and equipment if the department was to keep up with the needs of the people it served. Petitions were circulated throughout Columbus Township requesting the approval of a levy of a fire tax for the support of the department. The issue was put to the voters and they approved the creation of a fire tax for the support of the department. 

    As a result the department made plans to build a new station at the corner of South Peak Street and Ward Street and two purchase two additional pieces of apparatus. The current stands on land that was once home to a hotel that was a social and cultural hub particularly when superior court was in session. The hotel had fallen into a state of disrepair over the years and was raised to make room for the fire station that opened in 1992. 

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