In 1972 the Waynesville Rural Fire Protection Association was founded by a group of citizens that determined the need for rural fire protection. In April of 1996, Waynesville Rural changed from an association to a district, which includes the City of Waynesville and surrounding areas. Waynesville Rural also provides mutual aid for many of the surrounding areas. The Waynesville Rural Fire Protection District continues to grow; as of 2017 we have 1 Fire Chief, 25 volunteer firefighters, and 11 full time firefighters. The Department provides protection for over 12,000 people, 160 square miles, and operates out of 3 stations.