In 1940, following some large scale wildland fires in the area, a group of local business men and residents gathered at the Town Clerk's Office to discuss fire protection in Exeter. It was agreed that an organized department was needed. However, the size of the town, being one of the largest in the state, was proving to be a logistical challenge. Consequently, it was decided that two fire departments would be formed, one for the eastern area of the town (Exeter #1) and one for the western area (Exeter #2). 
         
         A local farm known as Grinnell Farm had its own fire truck to protect the farm. Mr. Grinnell donated its truck to the cause and allowed the fire department to continue storing it at the farm until a suitable site for the fire department could be found and the funds to build it raised. In 1944, the department received a charter from the State of Rhode Island as a volunteer fire company. In 1949, a parcel of land approximately one mile east of Grinnell Farm was donated to the fire department to build the station. This site, located at 305 Ten Rod Road, is where our present Station # 1 stands today.
        
          Today, this department has two stations, three engines, two tankers, a ladder truck, two brush units, and a mini-pumper. It is with this fleet that we protect approximately 30 square miles and a population of 5,000 people.