Dry Branch Fire Squad is a traditional-style bluegrass band founded in 1976 in Virginia, United States. The group was established by Ron Thomason, who serves as the band's MC, lead singer, and mandolin player. In 1978, Dry Branch Fire Squad released their self-titled debut album. They performed at Bill Monroe's Bean Blossom Festival in 1979 and signed with Rounder Records in 1981, releasing numerous albums, including Fannin' the Flames (1982). The band began hosting the Winterhawk Bluegrass Festival in 1984. In 2003, they started performing annually at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival. Notable members include Brian Aldridge, Dan Russell, Adam McIntosh, and Jeff Byrd. Dry Branch Fire Squad has been a regular at the Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival since its inception, opening for the Sunday morning gospel set. They also released albums in the 2000s, such as Hand Hewn (2001), Echoes of the Mountains (2009), and Don't Forget This Song (2014).
