History
Mills River Fire and Rescue is located at 5400 Boylston Highway, Mills River, NC in Henderson County. Mills River Fire and Rescue provides Fire, Rescue, EMT and Special Operations to approximately 9,000 citizens in a 67.29 square mile area, 29.7 square miles of which are inside the Pisgah National Forest.
We were organized in 1968 by a group of active community leaders. The land where the former main station sits off Schoolhouse Road was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Ed Brown and Mrs. Ginger Brown Weisberg. The first apparatus was a 1965 International sewer truck which the firefighters converted to a modest fire truck. This conversion work was done in a farm shed owned by one of the founding firefighters, Mr. David Brown. There was no money for a building to be built at the time, so this truck was stationed at another founding firefighter's residence on North Mills River Road, Mr. Max Carland. Through many fundraising events and the establishment of a fire tax district, a fire station was built in 1969 consisting of a small training/meeting room and four apparatus bays.
During the early years, the firefighters were notified by phone for emergency responses as pagers could not be afforded. As funding would allow, radio receivers for receiving dispatch information, and protective structural clothing gear, were purchased for each of the 24 founding firefighters. Some of these firefighters even paid for their own gear and radios. As the community and department grew, two additional apparatus bays were added in 1977. Again, as the department grew, another addition was added in 1986. This addition consisted of four apparatus bays, two offices, two restrooms, a kitchen, and a larger training/meeting room. Much of this work, as well as for the first two projects, was donated by members of the department.
In 1983, Mills River Fire and Rescue became the first rural fire department in Western North Carolina to achieve better than a Class 9 insurance rating as a result of much hard work and dedication. This new rating was a Class 7. In 1999 this rating was improved again to a Class 5, and in 2009 was improved to a Class 4. In 2019 this rating was improved again to our current Class 3.
In 1975, Mills River was one of the first two fire departments in the area to have firefighters certified as emergency medical technicians (EMT's) to begin providing emergency medical care. In 1991, Mills River was the first fire department in the area to upgrade our emergency medical care by providing defibrillation and advanced airway care for victims of cardiac arrest. We were also the first area fire department to have volunteers certified as North Carolina Level II Firefighters.
In 2001, due to exceptional commercial and industrial growth in the northern portion of our fire district, the North Carolina Department of Insurance recommended the construction of a substation in this area. Land for this station was donated by an early firefighter and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Pryor, and this construction was completed in 2003. In 2006, again due to growth, the Department of Insurance recommended construction of a second substation in the Boylston/Longview area of our district. Land for this station was purchased from Mr. and Mrs. Max Hutchins and construction was completed in 2008.
In 2007, again due to growth and an upcoming rating inspection, the Department of Insurance recommended construction of another substation in the upper North and South Mills River area. Land for this station was donated by Mrs. Alice Krebs, whose family members resided here and owned land in this area for many years. Construction of this station (The George Mullinax Station) was also completed in 2008.
In 2014, Mills River Fire and Rescue purchased 7 acres of the former "Ritter Airport" property on Boylston Highway from Mr. and Mrs. Joe Wright for the construction of a new main fire station. Construction of this new station will hopefully began in 2021. The current Station 1 was completed in 2023. A new Station 2 is scheduled for construction in 2027.
The in 2026 the department now has 58 volunteer firefighters, 14 junior cadet volunteer firefighters, 1 career Chief, 1 career Assistant Chief, 4 career shift Captains, 4 Firefighter/Engineers and 11 part-time shift firefighters,and 1 full time business officer. The All paid and career staff are NC Firefighter and EMT certified. Volunteer members participate in fire suppression, EMT, special operations, rescue operations, driver operator, Fire/Life Safety Education and command staff positions. The Fire Department command staff consists of Chief, Deputy Chief and 3 Assistant Chiefs. Safety officers, Public Information, Logistics, Finance and Planning officers are assigned as required during an emergency event.
Mills River Fire Rescue AuxiliaryBehind every successful fire department stands a dedicated group of volunteers working tirelessly behind the scenes. The Mills River Fire Rescue Auxiliary is comprised of 25 committed members who play a vital role in supporting the department's mission and the firefighters who serve our community.
The Auxiliary provides countless hours of volunteer service throughout the year, assisting with community events, fundraising activities, firefighter recognition programs, public education initiatives, and department functions. Their efforts strengthen the connection between Mills River Fire Rescue and the citizens we proudly serve while helping provide resources that enhance firefighter wellness, morale, and operational readiness.
Whether preparing meals during extended emergency incidents, organizing community outreach events, supporting recruitment activities, or assisting with department celebrations and ceremonies. Their dedication allows firefighters and emergency personnel to focus on protecting life and property, knowing they have the support of a caring and engaged volunteer organization. On behalf of the firefighters, officers, and leadership of Mills River Fire Rescue, we extend our sincere appreciation to our 25 Auxiliary members.
Serving a Growing CommunityMills River Fire Rescue provides comprehensive emergency services to residents, businesses, and visitors throughout the Town of Mills River and surrounding response areas. As the community continues to grow, the department responds to a diverse range of emergency and non-emergency incidents each year.
Our personnel respond to:
In 2026, Mills River Fire Rescue is projected to respond to more than 2,000 calls for service, reflecting the continued growth and service demands of our community.
We were organized in 1968 by a group of active community leaders. The land where the former main station sits off Schoolhouse Road was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Ed Brown and Mrs. Ginger Brown Weisberg. The first apparatus was a 1965 International sewer truck which the firefighters converted to a modest fire truck. This conversion work was done in a farm shed owned by one of the founding firefighters, Mr. David Brown. There was no money for a building to be built at the time, so this truck was stationed at another founding firefighter's residence on North Mills River Road, Mr. Max Carland. Through many fundraising events and the establishment of a fire tax district, a fire station was built in 1969 consisting of a small training/meeting room and four apparatus bays.
During the early years, the firefighters were notified by phone for emergency responses as pagers could not be afforded. As funding would allow, radio receivers for receiving dispatch information, and protective structural clothing gear, were purchased for each of the 24 founding firefighters. Some of these firefighters even paid for their own gear and radios. As the community and department grew, two additional apparatus bays were added in 1977. Again, as the department grew, another addition was added in 1986. This addition consisted of four apparatus bays, two offices, two restrooms, a kitchen, and a larger training/meeting room. Much of this work, as well as for the first two projects, was donated by members of the department.
In 1983, Mills River Fire and Rescue became the first rural fire department in Western North Carolina to achieve better than a Class 9 insurance rating as a result of much hard work and dedication. This new rating was a Class 7. In 1999 this rating was improved again to a Class 5, and in 2009 was improved to a Class 4. In 2019 this rating was improved again to our current Class 3.
In 1975, Mills River was one of the first two fire departments in the area to have firefighters certified as emergency medical technicians (EMT's) to begin providing emergency medical care. In 1991, Mills River was the first fire department in the area to upgrade our emergency medical care by providing defibrillation and advanced airway care for victims of cardiac arrest. We were also the first area fire department to have volunteers certified as North Carolina Level II Firefighters.
In 2001, due to exceptional commercial and industrial growth in the northern portion of our fire district, the North Carolina Department of Insurance recommended the construction of a substation in this area. Land for this station was donated by an early firefighter and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Pryor, and this construction was completed in 2003. In 2006, again due to growth, the Department of Insurance recommended construction of a second substation in the Boylston/Longview area of our district. Land for this station was purchased from Mr. and Mrs. Max Hutchins and construction was completed in 2008.
In 2007, again due to growth and an upcoming rating inspection, the Department of Insurance recommended construction of another substation in the upper North and South Mills River area. Land for this station was donated by Mrs. Alice Krebs, whose family members resided here and owned land in this area for many years. Construction of this station (The George Mullinax Station) was also completed in 2008.
In 2014, Mills River Fire and Rescue purchased 7 acres of the former "Ritter Airport" property on Boylston Highway from Mr. and Mrs. Joe Wright for the construction of a new main fire station. Construction of this new station will hopefully began in 2021. The current Station 1 was completed in 2023. A new Station 2 is scheduled for construction in 2027.
The in 2026 the department now has 58 volunteer firefighters, 14 junior cadet volunteer firefighters, 1 career Chief, 1 career Assistant Chief, 4 career shift Captains, 4 Firefighter/Engineers and 11 part-time shift firefighters,and 1 full time business officer. The All paid and career staff are NC Firefighter and EMT certified. Volunteer members participate in fire suppression, EMT, special operations, rescue operations, driver operator, Fire/Life Safety Education and command staff positions. The Fire Department command staff consists of Chief, Deputy Chief and 3 Assistant Chiefs. Safety officers, Public Information, Logistics, Finance and Planning officers are assigned as required during an emergency event.
Mills River Fire Rescue AuxiliaryBehind every successful fire department stands a dedicated group of volunteers working tirelessly behind the scenes. The Mills River Fire Rescue Auxiliary is comprised of 25 committed members who play a vital role in supporting the department's mission and the firefighters who serve our community.
The Auxiliary provides countless hours of volunteer service throughout the year, assisting with community events, fundraising activities, firefighter recognition programs, public education initiatives, and department functions. Their efforts strengthen the connection between Mills River Fire Rescue and the citizens we proudly serve while helping provide resources that enhance firefighter wellness, morale, and operational readiness.
Whether preparing meals during extended emergency incidents, organizing community outreach events, supporting recruitment activities, or assisting with department celebrations and ceremonies. Their dedication allows firefighters and emergency personnel to focus on protecting life and property, knowing they have the support of a caring and engaged volunteer organization. On behalf of the firefighters, officers, and leadership of Mills River Fire Rescue, we extend our sincere appreciation to our 25 Auxiliary members.
Serving a Growing CommunityMills River Fire Rescue provides comprehensive emergency services to residents, businesses, and visitors throughout the Town of Mills River and surrounding response areas. As the community continues to grow, the department responds to a diverse range of emergency and non-emergency incidents each year.
Our personnel respond to:
- Structure fires
- Residential and commercial fire alarms
- Vehicle fires
- Wildland and brush fires
- Emergency medical incidents
- Motor vehicle collisions
- Technical rescue incidents
- Hazardous materials emergencies
- Severe weather and storm-related emergencies
- Public service calls
- Fire prevention and life safety requests
- Mutual aid responses to neighboring jurisdictions
In 2026, Mills River Fire Rescue is projected to respond to more than 2,000 calls for service, reflecting the continued growth and service demands of our community.
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OUR FOUNDING FIREFIGHTERS, TO WHOM WE WILL FOREVER BE INDEBTED
James Barnett Norman Hollingsworth Clarence Jenkins Guy Livingston James Maney Richard Marlowe Ralph Moore Albert Morgan Richard Murdock Dr. Howard Norton William Patterson Tom Souther Forrest Young David Brown Sam Brittain Max Carland Emory Carland Wayne Carland Bill Fowler Gerald Fowler Paul Fowler Don Fullam Donnie Goode Joe Lee Heffner |