In 1908, the City of Winder was experiencing tremendous growth in the manufacturing business. At that time, there were 34 automobiles in Winder making it the auto center of Northeast Georgia.

Because of its growth, the city's volunteer fire department was organized with C.M.Ferguson as the first fire chief.

There were four companies with eight firefighters from each ward. Firefighting  equipment was listed as four hose wagons and one hook and ladder outfit. There were a total of 36 firefighters. A large bell mounted on a high scaffold near the center of town beside the Gainesville  Midland tracks was rung to call volunteers to duty. In 1923, the first motorized fire truck was purchased by the city.

In 1979, the department consisted of 22 volunteer firefighters, three full-time employees, one fire station and six pieces of motorized equipment.

As of January 2024, the department has 45 full-time personnel (36 suppression firefighters, 5 administrative and 4 part time staff).

Equipment consist of three (3) pumpers, one (1) ladder truck, two (2) rescue trucks, seven(7) support vehicles, one (1) rescue boat, and one (1) air trailer. This equipment is housed in the city's two (2) fire stations.

The department has a Class 2 ISO Rating.