The first fire fighting equipment was purchased in the City of Harrisonville on November 29, 1869.  However, it wasn't until the south side of the Square burned on February 5, 1900, that an actual fire department was organized.  The city established a volunteer fire company in July, 1900, which operated until 1919 when the city began contracting with the local American Legion Post #42 to operate the department.  Fire protection was provided in this capacity until 1987 when it was once again brought under the direction of the City of Harrisonville.

The Harrisonville Fire Department is currently a combination of career and volunteer staff.  In November, 1996, four career fire fighters were added to assure ample staffing during the work week, while volunteers are not as readily available.  Department services are as professional as those in any fire department. 

The City of Harrisonville enjoys a Class 4 Insurance Services Organization (ISO) rating.  This rating is used by major insurance carriers to assist in establishing premiums.  The system rates communities on a scale of one to nine, with one being the highest.  The Department hopes to improve to a Class 3 very soon.  The city's success in obtaining a good fire insurance rating is the result of the efforts of several entities, including the Board of Aldermen, Codes Administration Department, and water divisions of the Public Works Department.

Fire Department services include fire suppression, hazardous materials responses, auto extrication, odor investigations, carbon monoxide detection, confined space rescue, and miscellaneous rescue procedures.  The fire department staff responds to pages directly from Harrisonville dispatch.  After the initial page, volunteers travel to the fire station to secure appropriate equipment, then proceed on to the emergency site. 

The fire station at 903 S. Commercial was once known as Station Two, stemming from the days when the bays in front of City Hall housed the fire apparatus and were known as Station One.  However, Station Two was recently renamed Emergency Services Headquarters.  The department also operates administrative offices from Headquarters to support efforts such as state fire reports, training and other activities.  This facility houses the department's nine pieces of equipment.