The idea of establishing the Smith Grove Fire Department was generated in the summer of 1973 by a Mr. Johnny Allen. In October of 1973, The Community Center Board consisting of Mr. Glenn Howard, Mr. Richard Hicks, Mr. David Pardue and others discussed the idea. Mr. Glenn Howard had incorporation papers drawn up and gained permission to purchase an acre of land from Smith Grove Community Center.

In September of 1973, Mr. Jerry Lewis taught a 40 hour basic firefighting course at Mr. Glenn Howard's warehouse. The attendees were Mr. Robert Cornelius, Mr. Charlie Ellis, Mr. Lester Allen, Mr. Woodie Bates, Mr. Charles Williams, and Mr. Johnny Allen. In November of 1973, a turkey shoot was held on the Community Center Ball Field. Mr. Woodie Bates, Mr. Lester Allen, Mr. C.W. Allen, Mr. Jack Paige and others worked to make sure the turkey shoot was a success. The money was used to purchase a 1952 Chevrolet fire truck from Clemmons Fire Department. The truck was housed at Mr. Glenn Howard’s garage.

The building of the fire station began in 1974 with Mr. Ausbon Ellis & Mr. Wayne Snider digging the footings. In the fall of 1974 Mr. Lester Allen & Mr. C.W. Allen hauled dirt to the building site. Mr. Roy Carter and his crews laid block for the foundation in December of 1974. On January 1, 1975 several fireman and neighbors helped with carpenter work and added the roof. Many hours of volunteer work were spent on the station. March of 1975 the bay floors were poured. Mr. Glenn Howard had the deed registered in the court house on May 12, 1975. In 1976, the Smith Grove Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and the Smith Grove Ruritan Club held several fund raisers in this period of time to help with the finance of the Fire Department.

Smith Grove Fire Department had worked hard in trying to obtain an ISO rating. In January of 1993 Smith Grove Fire Department obtained an ISO rating of 5/9. Thanks to all the fireman that assisted with obtaining the ISO rating. The Smith Grove Fire Department celebrated it 30 years of service in October of 2003. In January of 2004 Smith Grove Fire Department built a website to better inform the community and the members of upcoming events. June of 2006 the Smith Grove Fire Department began staffing the fire station with 2 personnel during the daytime Monday-Friday and 1 on Saturday. This has allowed for quicker response times during normal working hours. Smith Grove currently has 12 North Carolina level II Certified Firefighters, 10 North Carolina level Emergency Medical Technicians. Smith Grove Fire Department is 38 members strong. Smith Grove was one of the first Fire Departments in Davie County to have a Junior firefighter program.

Smith Grove Fire Department has came a long way in the past 30 years. There have been a lot of changes to the fire service since Smith Grove was founded. When we began serving the community we were running 100 calls a year. Today Smith Grove Fire Department is responding to more than 500 calls a year, ranging from house fires, wrecks, and medical calls.

Smith Grove Fire Department is only as strong as it's members and the community. We have been blessed over the years with firefighters and Ladies Auxiliary members, Community Friends and Businesses who make up our district. We cover approximately 21 square miles with 10 miles of interstate. Smith Grove currently maintains 225 fire hydrants twice a year and 200 pre-fire drawing’s of the local businesses.

CURRENT FIRE APPARATUS:
2401-2008 SUTPHEN SHIELDS S2 / 1500GPM PUMP / 750 GALLONS OF WATER
2403-1997 INTERNATIONAL/PUMPER-TANKER/1500 GPM PUMP, 1000 GALLONS OF WATER
2404-1986 FORD/L-9000/ TANKER-PUMPER 1250 GPM PUMP, 1000 GALLONS OF WATER
2408-2002 GMC-YUKON/MEDICAL, COMMAND VEHICLE
2409-1990 FORD F350 / 225 GPM PUMP / 200 GALLONS OF WATER

PAST FIRE CHIEFS:
HOLT HOWELL- 1975, 1980-1981
FRED WILLARD- 1976-1977, 1985-1987
LESTER ALLEN-1979 & 1984
DONALD HOWARD-1988-1996 & 2004 TO PRESENT
DONALD SMITH-1997-2003