Originally, the band featured vocalist and guitarist Matt Beck, drummer Chris Raines, and bassist Jimmy Reeves. With this lineup, they released an EP called Straining Towards What's To Come on 2Jake Records and The Dead Next Door on Solid State Records in 1999. Later, having added new vocalist Jon Spencer, Spitfire released a second EP, called The Slideshow Whiplash, for Goodfellow Records. Soon after, in 2001, the band broke up.

In late 2004, Spitfire re-formed with new members. Reeves left the band, leaving Beck and Raines as the only original members. Spencer was again their vocalist, and they added guitarist Scottie Henry of Norma Jean, and bassist "Dr. Dan" Tulloh, formerly of Scarlet. They recorded a new album for Goodfellow Records, titled Self Help; which was released on February 28, 2006. After the recording of Self Help, Ian Sabo joined the band on bass, and Tulloh switched to guitar, giving the band three guitarists.

Spitfire announced the following statement on their myspace surronding their rumors of their break up, and their new record on June 24, 2007: "We have heard some rumors around scenesterville that we threw in the towel. Maybe we did, maybe we didn't. Maybe Matt left to become a Carni. Maybe you should go put the lotion in the basket. Regardless, we have been forced to cancel some shows due to a life laying the smackdown on a few of us. On the other hand, we are entering the studio after nearly a year of writing. Chris, Dan, Jon and Matt will be heading to Trax East on July 9th to begin recording Cult Fiction. Prepare for your day to be ruined."

Along with this statement, Scottie Henry of Norma Jean, and Ian were no longer listed as part of their current line up on their myspace. Spitfire intends to release their next album called "Cult Fiction", the name is ironic because Jon Spencer, former singer of the now defunct Scarlet, released an album with the band entitled "Cult Classic".

In 2006, Spitfire released their second album "Self Help".

On january 2, spitfire released the first song off their upcoming album "Cult Fiction" on their myspace page