Ellenboro Volunteer Fire Department started in the year 1964 by some local townspeople. The fire department started with 15 volunteers and a 1,000-gallon water tank strapped to the bed of a two-ton truck. Since that point 62 years ago, the Ellenboro Volunteer Fire Department developed into a 40 + member unit with two full-time paid firefighter and 10 trucks. The department has used those resources to fight fires and help community members in both Rutherford County and Cleveland County, where units also provide aid to other nearby departments and communities.