On October 7, 1968, Spout Springs Rural Volunteer Fire Department was incorporated through the state of North Carolina to ensure fire protection for the Western part of Harnett County. In the winter of 1969, our first fire station was built. It was located on Highway 87 North at the on ramp to Highway 24 West. It was a two-bay station with an office and a training room.

               The founding Board members were President Harold E. Owen, Vice President H. M. Cagle and Secretary/Treasurer Ralph Hardin. Six men from this community became the first volunteer firefighters with the first female firefighters joining in early 1970.

               The first fire truck was a 1949 Chevy engine-pumper along with a 1962 International tanker purchased through military resale. Our first brand new fire truck was purchased in 1972 by Mr. Robert Doberstein, he had to go home and explain to his wife, Carry, how he had gone out and bought a new fire truck with his own money. Spout Springs Rural Fire Department eventually paid Mr. Doberstein back. The fire truck that was purchased was a 1972 Ford John Bean engine-pumper with state-of-the-art equipment. In 2006, this engine was taken out of service and retired. The Spout Springs Firefighters Association and the Western Harnett Lions Club all pitched in and refurbished the old truck and made “Engine 125” a ceremonial parade truck that we still use to this day.

               In December of 1997 history was made, and Mary Elskamp was hired as the department’s full-time Chief. Ms. Mary became the first ever female Fire Chief in Harnett County, North Carolina and she still serves today as the department’s Safety Officer.