Welcome to Manns Harbor Fire Department
Welcome to the Manns Harbor Volunteer Fire Department (MHVFD) located in the heart of Manns Harbor, NC on the Dare County Mainland. Established to protect and serve our community, we are a dedicated team of volunteers committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents and visitors.
Our Service District: MHVFD proudly serves the Manns Harbor community, covering a diverse area that includes residential neighborhoods, commercial properties, and natural landscapes. Our service district spans across the picturesque waterfronts and rural areas of Manns Harbor, including the communities of Mashoes and East Lake, ensuring rapid response and effective emergency services.
Call Volume: Our department handles a significant number of emergency calls annually, showcasing our commitment and readiness to respond to a variety of incidents. From fire emergencies and medical responses to rescue operations and community assistance, the MHVFD is always prepared to act swiftly and efficiently.
At MHVFD, we believe in community, dedication, and service. We are honored to protect the Manns Harbor community and appreciate the continued support from our residents. Together, we make Manns Harbor a safer place to live, work, and visit.
About Us: A Brief History of the Manns Harbor Volunteer Fire Department
Founding & Early Years (1976)
The Manns Harbor Volunteer Fire Department (MHVFD) was founded in 1976, establishing Station 18 at 6677 US Highway 64/264 to better serve the growing mainland community of Dare County. Originally built to house one fire apparatus, the facility was soon expanded to accommodate two trucks as the department grew in both membership and mission .
A Nonprofit Pillar (Since 1985)
In January 1985, MHVFD officially became a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization. Today, it relies heavily on donations and community fundraising to support its volunteers and cover operational costs, ensuring readiness with modern training and equipment.
Service Area & Volunteer Spirit
From its inception, MHVFD has covered all of Manns Harbor and the adjacent mainland areas of Dare County, including parts of the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. The department’s volunteer ethos—rooted in neighbor helping neighbor—has remained its driving force, attracting community members passionate about keeping their rural and wildlife-rich region safe.
Modernization & Equipment Upgrades
Over the decades, MHVFD has steadily upgraded its fleet. Notably:
It currently operates heavy-duty engines such as a 1994 HME / 4‑Guys pumper and a 1989 Chevy C70 / EEI engine,
A 2008 International / KME rescue rig,
A tanker built on a 1990 International chassis (formerly from Roanoke Island), plus a brush unit based on a 2005 Chevy Silverado.
These additions reflect ongoing efforts to acquire apparatus suited for local terrain, wildfire response, and rural-access needs.
Community Integration & Shared Services
MHVFD stands alongside Dare County EMS Station 8 (recently moved to a modern facility adjacent to the fire station), illustrating the coordinated emergency response framework serving Manns Harbor. Through mutual aid agreements, its volunteers work alongside neighboring departments and county services to protect residents and visitors alike.
Grants & Funding Success
Recent years have brought financial boosts from state and county grants. In May 2025, MHVFD received over $247,000 from Dare County grant programs, including a $30,000 award for new equipment—an impactful investment in the department’s future capabilities.
Today, nearly 50 years after its founding, the Manns Harbor Volunteer Fire Department remains a beacon of resilience, community, and readiness—an all-volunteer force equipped to respond across both suburban and wildland terrain. Their continued growth and professionalism make Manns Harbor safer and stronger for all who call it home.
