About us and why we are here

In 1964 the Riceville Men 's Club, which consisted of members from the surrounding churches within the Riceville community realized a need for fire protection service in the small Buncombe County, North Carolina area.  The only way to afford such service was to ask for volunteers from the community, consequently, The Riceville Volunteer Fire Department was born.  We have come a long way through the many years.  A one engine, one station Fire Department has developed into a company with three engines, one tanker, wildland fire (Brush) truck Apparatus, two ambulances and four support apparatus, with 50+ active members.  We are proud that so many men and women of the Riceville community volunteer their time to provide protection of property and safeguarding of life for the residents and visitors that vacation every year.  Over the years the Riceville Volunteer Fire Department has maintained and expanded its commitment to family tradition.  Not long ago a young man could not wait until he reached the age of 16 so he could join the Cadet Program and start their training to one day join their fathers and mothers in the ranks of Firefighting. In recent years we have grown to include sons, daughters, husbands, wives, brothers and sisters. When you look at the big picture, the Riceville Volunteer Fire Department is one big family.  The Riceville Volunteer Fire Department has evolved from its original purpose of fighting fires to its current task of providing a much broader level of emergency services to the public. Over the years, this expanded role along with a variety of community risk reduction activities and initiatives, has allowed the department to demonstrate exceptional community value.  The Fire Department serves a residential population of over 6,000 people covering 10 square miles. The Riceville Volunteer Fire Department serves the Riceville Community and Blue Ridge Parkway as its first due area. Our mutual aid and dual response agreements include east Asheville, Swannanoa, Reynolds, Fairview, Garren Creek, and Black Mountain.  The Riceville Volunteer Fire Department is one of five Paramedic level fire departments that transports via 911 in Buncombe County out of 18 Departments.  Many of our department personnel hold specialized certifications in Hazmat, confined space, high angle, trench, structural collapse, electric vehicle response, child passenger safety and swift water rescue, wildlandfire suppression, agricultural rescue, land search, natural hazard mitigation, and a variety of national and international certification.  The Riceville Volunteer Fire Department is proud to serve, and our greatest concern and commitment is for the safety and well-being of the residents, businesses, and visitors of the Riceville Community.  Never hesitate to call or visit. Our doors are always open to the community 24/7. Remember to also connect to any of our social media outlets for events and special information.