The Kensington Volunteer Fire Department was originally built in 1946, renovated in 1978 and then again in 2001 (but it still doesn't have a fire pole). KVFD Station 5 has more than 120 volunteers, with about 60 active volunteers. Two fire trucks and two ambulances (one for advanced life support and one for basic life support) are ready to go when an emergency is called in. The fire department is staffed from 6am to 6pm, Monday through Friday, by five career fire fighters and from 6pm to 6am and 24 hours on weekends by volunteers. "Riding Members" live at the fire house and serve a minimum of four shifts per week in exchange for their housing.

Enter the information office and be greeted by knowledgeable and helpful volunteers who are ready to answer questions and be as helpful as possible. The fire department is always looking for new volunteers (not only firefighters but office workers, paramedics and more). Classes are offered by Montgomery County Public Safety Training. Interested parties must be at least 17 years of age.