Orange Rural Fire Department
Protecting Lives and Property Since 1968
The Mission of the Orange Rural Fire Department is to safely and efficiently mitigate Fire, EMS and Rescue emergencies by providing public education, prevention and emergency response.
Emergency Services We Provide
Fire Suppression
24/7 fire response with modern equipment and highly trained firefighters ready to protect your property and lives.
Emergency Medical Services
First responder medical care and emergency medical services to stabilize patients until EMS arrives.
Technical Rescue
Specialized rescue operations including vehicle extrication, confined space, and high-angle rescue.
Hazardous Materials Response
Trained response to chemical spills, gas leaks, and other hazardous material incidents.
Mutual Aid
Cooperation with neighboring departments and deployment to assist with major emergencies statewide.
Fire Prevention & Education
Community education programs and prevention initiatives.
Our Service Area
Orange Rural Fire Department proudly serves:
- The entire Town of Hillsborough
- Orange Rural Fire District (64 square miles of Orange County)
- Approximately 15,000+ residents across our coverage area
Our four stations ensure coverage throughout our district:
- Station 1: 206 S Churton Street, Hillsborough (Headquarters)
- Station 2: 835 Phelps Road, Hillsborough (Northwest district coverage)
- Station 3: 2510 Walker Road, Hillsborough (Northeast district coverage)
- Station 4: 350 College Park Road, Hillsborough (Waterstone area)
Our Team
Orange Rural Fire Department operates with a dedicated team of professional firefighters:
- 27 Full-time Suppression Staff: Operating with 9 firefighters per shift for 24/7 coverage
- 4 Administration Staff: Fire Chief, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief, and Administrative Assistant
- 17 Part-time Staff: Additional response personnel
- EMT Training: All full-time and administrative staff are trained as Emergency Medical Technicians
Insurance Service Areas
Important Insurance Information
Your property's location affects your fire insurance rates. In North Carolina, you must be within 5 miles of a fire station to receive insurance benefits.
- Properties within 5 miles: ISO Class 3 Receive lower insurance premiums
- Properties beyond 5 miles: May pay higher insurance premiums
Future Plans: We're working with the Town of Hillsborough on plans to include relocating Station 1 to better serve our community and ensure all residents receive insurance benefits.
How You Can Help
Donate Training Property
Do you have an old or damaged home? Consider donating it for live fire training exercises that help keep our firefighters prepared.
Fire Safety Preparation
Install smoke detectors, plan escape routes, and practice fire safety to help prevent emergencies.
Clear Access Routes
Keep driveways clear and house numbers visible to help emergency responders find you quickly.
Stay Informed
Follow us on social media and sign up for Orange County emergency alerts to stay informed about local conditions.
Contact Orange Rural Fire Department
We're here to serve our community 24/7
Hillsborough, NC 27278

