The Filer Fire Department has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1928. Initially, members would be alerted to a fire by the sound of a dinner bell. As the department grew, a larger bell and, eventually, a siren were employed to signal emergencies. The siren found its place atop a tower that stood 15 feet above the fire station, which was housed in the same building as the city offices and the jail. This notable location can be found at 228 Main Street.

In addition to the siren, firefighters' residences would receive telephone calls to ensure prompt response until the late 1980s. This combination of audible and telephonic alerts served the department well for over 75 years until its recent relocation in 2022. The fire department now operates from a new station that accommodates not only the Fire Department but also the QRU (Quick Response Unit) and EMS (Emergency Medical Services) services.

When the fire department was first established, it had just one fire engine at its disposal. However, in 1966, another fire engine was added to the fleet, and over the years, the department has continued to expand its resources by acquiring more vehicles.

The Filer Rural Fire District, which operates from the same fire station, has its own unique history. Originally, it functioned as a Mutual Fire Insurance Company, wherein multiple departments across the county collaborated to combat rural fires. In the mid-1990s, the fire districts were formed, and the Filer Rural Fire District came into existence. This district is responsible for safeguarding the rural areas surrounding Filer, which encompass Curry Crossing, Highway 93, and Clover.