Windy Hill Volunteer Fire Department

Windy Hill Volunteer Fire Company

Windy Hill Vol. Fire Co. has proudly served the Pee Dee since 1970.

The department first consisted of an emergency phone located in a store and fire engine under a tarp “out back”. Windy Hill Fire has developed into a state of the art fire and rescue organization with multiple stations and cutting edge apparatus. The one thing that has not changed over the years is the zeal and heart of our fire fighters!

One Cold Night in 1970

One cold night in February, 1970, four men met in a car and decided the area they lived in needed fire protection. Further meetings were held with residents present to give their views and ideas. Temporary officers were elected. By-laws and a constitution were drawn up. On April 16, 1970, we were chartered by the State of South Carolina as the Windy Hill Volunteer Fire Company, Incorporated.

So It Began

In 1970 we covered 55 square miles with 29 active members. We took delivery of our first truck, a 1961 Ford F-800 Howe Fire Equipment truck with a 500 gpm front mount pump, in September 1970. The truck was housed under a tarp at Jordan’s Quick Mart, which also housed the emergency phone.

Station One Is Built

In the beginning of 1971 we ordered our first set of air packs for entry into burning structures. We also purchased our first two way radios from the Florence County Sheriff’s Office in 1972. We were finally able to put Station One into service after almost two years of construction. In the 70s the local fire departments were not supported financially by the county. Funds were raised through raffles, door-to-door solicitation, fire magazines, and the sell of license tags.