Early fires in the Cave City area were fought by a volunteer bucket brigade. Cedar trees were cut and used to beat out ground fires by hand. In 1917, the city purchased a chemical tank mounted on a 2-wheel push cart and established the Cave City Volunteer Fire Department. In 1919, the department acquired a Model T Ford Truck equipped with 3 chemical tanks. In 1947, the city purchased a modern 500-gallon pumper and added 2300 feet of hose. The pumper, affectionately called “Granny,” was built during the Second World War and is still owned by the Department, making appearances at parades and special occasions. Early fire fighters were issued a raincoat and a tin helmet to fight fires.

Today’s modern certified fire department is still manned by volunteers who serve as fire fighters, first responders, EMTs, and paramedics. Their equipment is top of the line, with three pumpers capable of pumping 1250 gallons of water per minute. They also have two brush trucks, a 2600-gallon tanker, breathing equipment, a rescue truck equipped with the Jaws of Life, and various other tools.