This picture was taken shortly after the department bought its first Engine Company. A 1976 Form/Beam commercial pumper. Still in use today and recieves full ISP credit. Photo by Mrs. Evelen Downey of Inman

Prior to 1972 the citizens of the farm community of Holly Springs relied on three options in the event of a fire. Number one, contact a nearby city Fire Department that was willing to leave their town limits, call one of the local peach farmers to bring their water truck, or watch their home burn. Either way, the fire protection was substandard and ineffective. Eventually the citizens banded together, aided by the local Ruritan Club, and began forming the first fire department to cover the areas of Western Spartanburg County that was not located within any city limits. This was inspired after several homes began to burn in the growing area. After assistance from the local Representatives the Piedmont Rural Fire District was formed with only 1 1960 model ¾ ton military pickup. This truck contained a 300 gallon tank, small gpm pump, and an ordinary garden hose which busted on its very first call.

The department bought this portable dump tank and tanker so the department could shuttle water over long distances. The tanker and dump tank was sold in the Spring of 2004 after 22 years of service. At the time, only 9 hydrants service the entire 25 square mile fire district. Photo by Mrs. Evelen Downey of Inman

The department officially began responding to fires in 1975 and the name was then legally changed to the Holly Springs Volunteer Fire Department. A station was constructed at the location of Hwy 357 & Holly Springs road. Prior to this, the trucks were house at the departments Chiefs own garage. The equipment by this time was three military units that were built in volunteers on garages. Money was hard to come by and the department was very creative in fund raising. In 1977 the department manages to raise enough money to afford its first pumper at a cost of $48,000.00. This was a Ford/Beam unit and is still in operation today. The ISO rating then dropped to a class 8/9. A Ford Tanker with portable dump tank was purchased in 1982 and the rating then improved to a class 7/9.

Picture of the station in the early 1980's. Photo by Mrs. Evelen Downey of Inman

Today the department is one of the finest in the state and has a rating of 4/9 with 30 active firefighters on roster. A new 13,300 sq. ft. facility is currently being built and a paid staff has been added. Many additional improvements have been added through the years since we have been founded and many more will come as we continue to grow to meet the community’s needs.