The Bradford Fire District was created by an Act of the Rhode Island General Assembly in May of 1937. Originally a private volunteer force made up of mill employees, the District was established to provide taxing authority for fire protection services for the many homes that were being built in the village. Approximately 1,400 people live in Bradford today.

 

Over the years, many tracts of land have been set aside for preservation and open space recreational uses by the State of Rhode Island and by the Town of Westerly. These areas include the Woody Hill Management Area and the Bradford Preserve.

 

The District, one of the smallest in Rhode Island, has contracted with neighboring Dunns Corners Fire District to provide fire protection services to the village.