Department History

The Orange Rural Fire Department was first organized in 1968. Funding was provided by selling memberships to people in what is now the Central Orange Fire District.

In 1971, the Orange Rural Fire Board of Directors started a project that would provide fire coverage for all of Orange County. The county was growing rapidly and the fledgling department was not able to keep up with the increasing call volume. This project lasted for several years.

In 1976, the Orange Rural Fire department approached local businessman Calvin Ray about the purchase of the current building on South Churton Street. The building, which had previously been a Ford dealership, was ideal for the growing departments needs. In a business arrangement with the Town of Hillsborough, the town purchased the building and Orange Rural Board purchased the adjacent vacant lot to serve as parking.

In 1996, due to an ever increasing call volume, the Orange Rural Fire Department hired their first paid firefighters. These firefighters worked from 07:00 till 16:00, Monday through Friday. This arrangement lasted for about a year.

In 1997, the Orange Rural Fire Department's paid firefighters started providing coverage 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Currently, the Orange Rural Fire Department provides 4 firefighters, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Thanks to Former Chief Chandler Cates for providing the History of the Fire Department