The New Bern Fire Department is a unique organization, comprised of three companies; Atlantic Hook & Ladder Company, New Bern Steam Fire Engine Company No. 1 (The Button Company) and New Bern Fire Company No. 1. The first chartered fire fighting organization was the Atlantic Hook and Ladder Company formed on May 4, 1845. This company became inactive as a result of the members volunteering for military service at the outbreak of the war between the states.

The New Bern Steam Fire Engine Company No. 1 was established on January 1, 1865 by Union Soldiers. A rivalry between the two companies gained momentum when both companies received their steam engines. Residents of New Bern would gather at the blaze in anticipation of seeing which company would arrive first. The rivalry continued until 1928, when the Town Council decided to house both companies in a central fire station on Board Street.

In addition to the Atlantic and Button Fire Companies there was a junior company made up of young men between the ages of 16 and 18. They were named the Excelsior Bucket and Axe Company. Upon reaching manhood, they were absorbed by the Atlantic and Button Fire Company. Other fire companies were the Mechanics, Fourth Ward, Riverdale, the Holden Company and the Independent Colored Fire Company.

The New Bern Fire Department kept abreast of the city's growth. Upon the arrival of the steam fire engine, city streets were paved with oyster shells. Just prior to 1900 the city installed a water system, and paved the streets with brick. By 1914 New Bern had its first motorized fire truck. These developments enabled the firemen to respond quicker to all fires that occurred in later years.