Boiling Spring Lakes Fire Rescue

08/12/2026

I want to take a moment to explain the recent 15% increase in the fire fee and why it was necessary.

Brunswick County uses a fire-fee system that is somewhat unique. The fee is based on the heated square footage of a property and provides funding for fire protection within the district.

This year, the amount allowed for an increase was up to 25%. However, we did not request the full 25% increase. After looking at our current needs and the impact on the citizens we serve, the Fire Fee Committee moved forward with a 15% increase.

The Fire Fee Committee includes representation from the fire service and the community, including a Fire Chief, Fire Department Board President, the Mayor of the city of Boiling Spring Lakes, a Brunswick County Commissioner, and a Brunswick County citizen representative.

We understand that no one wants to see fees increase. We also believe our community deserves to understand why the additional funding is needed.

The cost of providing fire and emergency services continues to rise. Quality volunteer participation has declined—not just in our district or Brunswick County, but across the nation. As volunteer availability decreases, departments must rely more heavily on paid staffing to ensure trained personnel are available when an emergency occurs.

At the same time, our call volume has increased significantly, meaning our personnel and equipment are being used more frequently.

The cost of fire apparatus, equipment, protective gear, maintenance, insurance, fuel, and everyday operations has also increased substantially. New fire trucks and specialized equipment now come with much higher price tags and, in many cases, long wait times from the time they are ordered until they are delivered.

We are also operating with an aging fleet of fire apparatus, and several of those trucks will need to be replaced in the coming years. Planning and saving for those replacements now is important so we are not faced with an even larger financial burden all at once.

We take our responsibility to the taxpayers seriously. That is one of the reasons we requested 15% rather than the full 25% that could have been requested this year. Our goal is to balance the financial impact on our citizens with the responsibility of maintaining reliable fire and emergency services.

When someone calls 911, they expect trained personnel, dependable equipment, and a fire truck to arrive. Maintaining that level of service requires planning ahead and making responsible decisions before a crisis occurs.

We appreciate the continued support of our community and the trust you place in us to protect your families, homes, businesses, and property.

— Chief Bill Lathrop and the membership of Boiling Spring Lakes Fire Rescue

08/04/2026

With more recent discussions about fire fees in Brunswick County, it's important to provide context about how these increases As discussions continue regarding fire protection fees in Brunswick County, it's important to provide context about how these increases have occurred and how many fire departments are funded.

Over the next two years, the maximum fire fee cap authorized for fire districts was increased by 50%. However, that change did not automatically result in every fire district raising its fees to the new maximum. Individual fire districts retained the authority to determine whether and when to adjust their rates based on their operational needs, budgets, and long-term planning. As a result, some districts increased their fees to the new cap, while others implemented smaller increases or delayed raising fees altogether.

Another important point to understand is that many fire departments in Brunswick County, including Boiling Spring Lakes Fire Rescue, are independent nonprofit organizations. We are not supplemented by a municipality and rely almost entirely on fire fees collected through property taxes to fund our operations. While this statement reflects our department's experience and may not apply to every department in the county, it highlights the funding challenges many of us face.

We also remain largely volunteer-based. Although we have paid personnel, we are not staffed around the clock by full-time employees. Many of our shifts continue to be covered by dedicated volunteers, and additional personnel responding to emergency incidents are often volunteers who leave their homes or workplaces to answer the call.

Increasing the fire fees allocated to our department allows us to continue improving the services we provide to our community. Those funds support the purchase of safer and more reliable equipment, replacement of aging apparatus, expanded training, and the resources needed to maintain a fast and effective emergency response.

We are committed to being responsible stewards of every dollar we receive and work hard to keep expenditures as low as possible without compromising public safety. At the same time, the cost of vehicles, equipment, fuel, insurance, maintenance, and training continues to rise. Operating under a funding system that has not kept pace with these increasing costs makes it increasingly difficult to meet growing call volumes and maintain the level of service our community expects and deserves.

Our goal is not simply to keep up—it is to ensure that when someone calls 911, they receive a timely, professional response from a department equipped and prepared to help, today and well into the future.

07/25/2026

Come on by and check things out! Here until 5 today, then tomorrow 10-5.

07/23/2026

Water rescue and dive training today at spring lake park. Members brushed up on their skills with divers working as well as working along the shore and in the water for water emergencies.

07/17/2026

Everyone traveling 17 through the Winnabow area, use caution and exercise patience. Winnabow Volunteer Fire Department and Bolivia Fire Department are currently rerouting traffic as noted here in Bolivias post due to a large gas leak on US 17 highway.

GAS LEAK ❗️UPDATE 17 IS OPEN❗️

Crews are out assisting Winnabow Volunteer Fire Department with a gas leak in their area.
Due to heavy amounts of gas both NB and SB lanes of Hwy 17 are shut down.

Cars headed NB can take George II> Funston Rd> Daws Creek> River Rd

Cars headed SB can take Zion Church Rd> Town Creek Rd> Rock Creek Rd> Green Hill Rd>CrabApple Rd> CherryTree Rd> Bell Swamp Connection> 17SB

Expect delays for the next few hours and avoid the area if possible!

Photo Credit: Ted's Smashin Burgers

07/11/2026

Units have been assisting on the Old Georgetown/ Quarry fire in Shallotte Point since yesterday evening. Always willing to help out brothers in need!

Last evening, Engine 4, Tanker 4, Brush 1 and Chief 4 all on scene providing assistance to the large wildfire. Currently today, Brush 1 is back assisting. And additional is standing by ready to help as needed.

06/27/2026

Crews are out today for the 41st annual 4th of July firefighters freedom competition. BSLFR has a team participating in the competition as well as providing additional support for the competition. Festivities kick off at 3 pm, and is the unofficial start for the 4th of July celebration week in Southport, celebrating 250 years of America this year.

06/21/2026

Happy father's day to all the dads out there. And a special happy father's day to all of our dads that are part of BSLFR. Take some time and enjoy the day today! Be careful with that grill today though, otherwise y'all may get to meet some of our dads! 😂

Thanks to all the dads that show up, teach, and do all the important things dads do. Hope everyone has a safe but wondrous day today!

06/19/2026

Unfortunately due to the weather and lightning strikes, our traffic light in front of headquarters is stuck operating. Please use caution, as this is generally only active when we are rolling out for runs. Being stuck operating at least folks are mostly stopping and checking, so watch for the apparatus coming out if we do get a run. Otherwise, its just like any other red light flashing. Stop and check, then proceed. Also Unfortunately we have no access to shut it down for now, so again, please use caution and remember the rules of the road.

We apologize for the inconvenience.