The Winsted Volunteer Fire Department was organized with four fire companies in 1862. These companies were and are still presently known as:

Union Engine Company One
Deluge Engine Company Two
Niagara Engine Company Three
Cascade Engine Company Four
In 1879, to meet the needs of a growing community, the Aerial Ladder Company was formed and is presently known as:

Aerial Ladder Company One

In 1968 the Fire Police; with the main job of providing traffic and crowd control at fire scenes, was organized and added to the list of companies. The Winsted Fire Department is a proud organization with a foundation rich with tradition, history and legend. Many members are second and third generation Firefighters. The Winsted Fire Department operates five pumpers, one tower ladder truck, a fire police vehicle, fire marshal vehicle, rescue and a fast command vehicle.

This apparatus is housed in three stations strategically placed within the town for quick response.

The Winchester Fire Department, also located within the boundaries of the town, also operates two pumper trucks, a brush truck and a water tanker out of one station.

Mutual Aide

Winsted is supported by the Fire Departments in the towns of Winchester, Riverton, Colebrook, New Hartford, Pleasant Valley, Norfolk and the Barkhamsted Fire District. In the event of a major fire where extra manpower and equipment is needed, the mutual aide Fire Departments are called to respond. Winsted Fire in turn, is Mutual Aide to these towns as well.

The Support Services Division of the Winsted Fire Department provides opportunities for individuals who chose not to, or are unable to become Firefighters, to become involved in volunteer activities to support. This Division supports the department with fund raising,nity activities and non-Firefighting responsibilities at major incidents.

Explorer Post 911 is a program affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America that teaches young adults between the ages of 14 and 18 the basic skills to prepare them to become future Firefighters. These basic skills include working with tools, air tanks, ropes and rehabilitation services at major incidents. The Winsted Fire Department assists the residents of the community with fire suppression operations, hazard materials response, water rescue, confined space rescue, vehicle extrication, fire inspections, fire prevention activities and other incidents which require Firefighter response. Members of the Winsted Fire Department are trained and certified by the State of Connecticut, Commission on Fire Prevention and Control. All training is provided to members through the Training Division of the Winsted Fire Department. The Training Division ensures compliance with all Local, State and Federal mandates.