Fire protection for the Town has seen several changes over the course of the Town's history.  In the late 1890's in the village of East Barre (Carnes Mill) was formed what was known as the East Barre Hose Co.  The East Barre Hose Co. only served the area around East Barre.  Fire protection for the rest of the Town was provided by the City of Barre.

In 1962, the Barre Town Fire Department was formed, which consisted of the East Barre Hose Co.  Providing more coverage to the Town, outside of East Barre, it was difficult to cover the entire Town as the first and only response units.  The expansive area the Town encompassed made it necessary for the Town to continue its reliance on the Barre City Fire Department for a major part of the Town's fire protection.  However, in the early 1970's the Town constructed an additional fire station in South Barre.  The Town could now cover a much greater area out of the two stations.  Still relying on its neighbors for mutual aid and in return being relied upon, the Town became a founding member of the Capital Fire Mutual Aid System.

Since its inception, the Barre Town fire Department has been considered a Volunteer Department.  Currently, while donating a substantial amount of time, the department is considered to be Paid Call.  Firefighters are paid an hourly rate for each call they respond to.  Each station maintains its own "club" entity.  East Barre still is called the East Barre Hose Co. while South Barre is known as the South Barre Fireman's Club.

The Town is divided into two sections:  East Barre serving the eastern side of Town, while South Barre serves the west side.  Many calls require only the response of the station assigned to the service area.  Sometimes, however, depending upon the nature of the call, both stations will respond.  This is most noticeable during a "structure fire" situation.

The Barre Town Fire Department and The East Barre Hose Co. have been fortunate over the years to have many dedicated individuals serving the people of the Town.  That tradition continues today.  However, what seems to be a national trend towards less and less volunteerism, has been felt locally.  The Barre Town Fire Department has a roster capacity of 45 members.  Each station has its own command structure, consisting of a first and second assistant chiefs, a captain and first and second lieutenants.  All members report to one Chief.

East Barre Hose Co. is located at 19 Mill Street, East Barre

South Barre Fireman's Club is located at 528 South Barre Road, South Barre