As early as 1885, a cistern system designed to help put out fires in the town of Ellsworth was dug at different points on the east side of Main Street.   One large cistern was dug in fromt of lot 25, blick 4, another in front of lot 28, block 4, and the third cistern in lot 11, block 5.   The water was pumped by hand for fire purposes.   The early system was called the fire brigade. 

The first Ellsworth Fire Station was built in the early 1900s.  It was used as a city hall, fire station, water works with a 30,000 gallon tank on the north side of the building.   There were two wells and an electric light plant.   The first fire hydrants in town were installed in 1910.   This Fire Station was dismantled and replaced by a newer one in the 1930s.

In January, 1952, the Ellsworth Volunteer Fire Department is organized.   Twenty-seven men 
volunteered their services.   This same year the first Ellsworth Fire Truck was purchased and more fire hydrants were installed.

      The present Fire Station was built in 1960 which houses the fire and emergency equipment.   In 1979 through a donation from Cuddy Farms, Inc. all the old fire equipment was replaced.   Cuddy Farms, Inc. also donated a bus to the City of Ellsworth for its use in boosting fire fighting capability.