The Carlisle Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1977, the day after the fire which destroyed the old Carlisle elementary building that same year. Today the Carlisle VFD has 16 members under the leadership of Chief Chris Denison.
The Department has 2 stations and nine pieces of apparatus. Currently, fifteen members are certified through the SFFMA (State Firefighters' and Fire Marshals' Association) and five are certified EMTs.
The Carlisle VFD provides fire protection and first responders to many communities in the western sector of Rusk County including Price, Good Springs, Big Springs, Joinerville and Turnertown.
The Department meets the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month.