The Pompton Lakes Volunteer Fire Department was organized in June of 1895 and first served its purpose as a bucket brigade. Later an improvised wagon with a hogshead on it served as a water tank. The next unit was a hook and ladder truck, purchased in 1901. It was a horse drawn vehicle. The first motorized apparatus came into being in February 1913; it was a hook and ladder truck with two 120 gallon chemical tanks mounted on a trailer cart. In December 1906, the Engine and Hose Company was organized. A horse drawn pumper was installed and the Borough team drafted for service.

In June, 1917, when the Borough took over the department, the Chemical Company was organized. A Ford truck was purchased with two chemical tanks, a new Ford truck for the Chemical Company, and a Ford truck for the Hook and Ladder Company were put into service. Hydrant pressure was all that was used at that time. It was in 1927 that the replacement of the "Fords" began with the purchase of three new pieces of American La France heavy duty machines which included a high-powered pumper, a modern equipped hook and ladder truck, and a chemical apparatus of the latest type, all of which at that date, were considered "tops" in firefighting equipment. In 1979, the Department moved from 300 Wanaque Avenue to a brand new 4 bay modern firehouse on Passaic Avenue. Today the department houses two Pierce 1500 Gallon per minute Fire Pumpers, an American LaFrance 85 foot Aerial Ladder Truck, a Dodge Attack Pumper, and a Ford Heavy Rescue Truck. A Chevrolet Chiefs Car and a GMC Suburban complement the apparatus. The present membership consists of 56 active firelighters, headed by Fire Chief Albert Evangelista Jr., and a 26 member Ladies Auxiliary.

The first fire alarm system was installed in 1900, consisting of four locomotive tires suspended on cross-arms, with a large hammer. Today's modern computerized system boasts 114 fire alarm boxes, with firefighters carrying state-of-the-art voice pagers, backed up by 5 electric sirens throughout the borough. The borough uses the new 9-1-1 statewide telephone number for reporting emergencies. The Volunteer Fire Department responded to 207 alarms in 1994.

The Fire Prevention Bureau consists of a full-time Fire Inspector, as well as four part-time inspectors, responsible for enforcing the Local and Statewide Fire Codes in all commercial and industrial establishments.