WAKE FOREST — The Wake Forest Fire Department raised its 100th anniversary flag Wednesday to kick off a year-long celebration.

The department was started on Aug. 4, 1921, when Thomas Arrington was appointed the first fire chief, according to Chief Ron Early. It started with 19 volunteers, two hose reels and a chemical car, he said.

Over 650 people have served as firefighters in the department’s 100-year history, Early said.

Wake Forest Fire held a flag raising at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at Centennial Plaza, in front of Town Hall. The event included several touches to its history, including a fully restored Wake Forest Rural Fire engine. The Rural department merged with Wake Forest Fire in the 1980s.

The flag raising included an honor guard and a kilted bagpipe and drum band.

Assistant Chief Clifton Keith also participated. He has been an active member of the department for almost 58 years. He’s a third-generation firefighter, reaching back to his grandfather who signed up in 1923.

After the ceremony, Station No. 1 on Elm Avenue held an open house, including lunch from Lowe’s Food, ice cream from Lumpy’s, bouncy houses and historic artifacts.

CORRECTION (8-5-2021): A previous version of this story gave the incorrect year in which the Wake Forest Fire Department was founded. It began in 1921.