The Ethan Fire Department was established in 1907. The purpose then was to extinguish fires within the town. The firefighters had the use of a hand-pulled cart that had a soda pressure tank on it. As times progressed the Fire Department had acquired a fire engine and was able to respond to fires outside of the town. In order for the Fire Department to raise funds, the firefighters billed for the fires that they went to. As times went on the firefighters began to have Fireman's Balls to raise money for their equipment. Eventually the Town of Ethan and the rural townships formed a Rural Fire Association to fund the Fire Department. In 2008 the public voted for a legal fire district which allows the newly formed Ethan Rural Fire District to levy taxes for the funding of the Fire Department. The Fire Department now serves the fire district's legally set boundaries. In the present days the firefighters respond to more than just fires. The firefighters are cross trained to not only respond to fires but also to respond to emergency medical situations and motor vehicle accidents. The firefighters also are active in many community activities and educating today's youth at school programs.