The Chatham Volunteer Fire Department was chartered by the Town in 1898 and has remained in continuous operation since that time. The town limits encompass approximately 2.5 square miles. The CVFD first due response area also extends beyond the town limits in equal directions to cover approximately 44 square miles of Pittsylvania County. CVFD also provides mutual aid to the other 20 fire companies that protect the remaining 900 square miles of Pittsylvania County.

The CVFD has 33 members and responds to approxiamtely 250 calls per year