The Tatum Volunteer Fire Department was formed in March of 1979 and currently services the northeastern corner of Rusk County with a service area encompassing 89.9 square miles. The station is located in downtown Tatum on Stonewall Street and mutual aids primarily with the Elderville-Lakeport VFD and Church Hill VFD.
The department is currently under the leadership of Chief Rayford Gibson and has a roster of 26 members. Membership is comprised of certified fire fighters, medical first responders and support staff that respond to structure fires, brush fires, utility calls, traffic accidents and medical calls.
The department holds an annual Hamburger social and a BBQ with raffles and auctions. Members meet the first and third Tuesday of every month and conduct training sessions at their second monthly meeting.