Flat Branch Volunteer Fire Department

05/02/2026

We know you've been waiting for this news. Responsible, safe, permitted burning will be allowed starting tomorrow.

EDIT: County Fire Marshall has lifted their ban effective the same time.

Please be responsible!

The N.C. Forest Service has lifted a ban on all open burning for Harnett (+80 more) counties effective 8 a.m. Sunday, May 3. The statewide ban on open burning went into effect March 28 due to hazardous forest fire conditions.

The lifting of the burn ban in 81 counties does not apply to fires started within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. The local fire marshal has authority to issue or lift a burn ban within those 100 feet.

As of 8 a.m. Sunday, May 3, burn permits are available in the counties no longer under the state’s ban on open burning. Residents in those counties can obtain a burn permit from any authorized permitting agent or online at https://apps.ncagr.gov/burnpermits/. All burn permits granted before the statewide burn ban were canceled when the ban became effective. To legally burn in the counties no longer under the state’s ban, a valid permit must be obtained.

05/01/2026

Although we received some rain, it has not been enough to reduce the dry conditions that cause an ongoing wildfire risk. The NC Forest Service and Harnett County Fire Marshal will continue with the burn ban until further notice.

04/27/2026

The statewide burn ban remains in effect until further notice despite weekend rain in some areas. Persistent dry weather and increasing rainfall deficits from the last several months have left most of the state needing 10 inches of rain or more.

“While the rainfall we received over the weekend was a welcome sight, it offered little to no relief from widespread drought conditions while being nowhere near enough to reduce our wildfire risk,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Even the areas that received the heaviest amount of rain will quickly dry out from the sunshine and warmer temperatures. Until we get some additional rain and see more green-up in our forests, holding the burn ban in place statewide is the best option right now.”

While green-up and leaf-out are progressing at normal rate, low soil moisture, dry surface fuels and persistent low humidity are contributing to wildfire activity. For Western North Carolina, excessive forest fuels from Hurricane Helene are more available now than they were in 2025, low water levels in coastal areas have helped produce intense fire behavior where ground fire will likely be a long-term issue, and the Piedmont experienced 87 new wildfire starts over the weekend alone. Extended attack and mop-up efforts will be taxing and long-winded until drought conditions improve.

Read news release: https://bit.ly/497dNht

04/19/2026

Burn bans remain in place (NC Forestry and Harnett County Fire Marshal). Please do not burn, this includes burn barrels or small piles.

An Increased Fire Danger statement has been issued for those in the western Piedmont and Sandhills regions for this afternoon and early evening. Post-frontal gustiness combined with crashing humidity will support dangerous fire wx conditions. A burn ban remains in place!

04/15/2026

Just a reminder that a full burn ban is still in place.

Hazardous Weather Update 4.14.26

🔥 The combination of dry fuels, very warm temperatures, gusty winds, and reduced humidity will lead to an increased risk of wildfires again today.

🍂 Most dry grasses, dead leaves, and other tree litter could easily ignite and spread fire quickly.

❌ A statewide burn ban issued by the N.C. Forest Service remains in place.

For tips on how you can be prepared for wildfires, visit https://www.readync.gov/wildfire

04/11/2026

HUGE CONGRATS to Ryan and CJ as Flat Branch's reps to the harnett county firefighter day! And big thanks and congrats to the other half of our combined team from Spout Springs Emergency Services.

The combined team took 2nd place in Bucket Brigade and Hazardous Duty events! Most of all, a great time was had by all. Thank you to all who helped, especially to Robert for being the organizer, coordinator and event runner!

To those who didn't come... Why not? Great day, food from the chiefs association, xQuisito food truck and Sunny Sips lemonade! Put it in your calendar for next year!

03/28/2026

Don't burn!!!

HARNETT COUNTY FIRE MARSHAL & N.C. FOREST SERVICE BURN BAN IN EFFECT TODAY (MARCH 28, 2026) AT 6 p.m.

Due to increased wildfire risk, the Harnett County Fire Marshal has issued a burn ban that is effective 6 p.m. Saturday, March 28 until further notice. Additionally, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits statewide effective the same date and time.

Fire Marshal Rodney Daniels states, "the Harnett County burn ban applies to all property within 100 feet of a residence. The N.C. Forest Service burn ban applies to all property more than 100 feet from any residence. With the current lack of rain and dry conditions, this ban is required to reduce the number of fires that could start because of outside burning."

Under North Carolina law, the ban prohibits all open burning statewide, regardless of whether a permit was previously issued. The issuance of any new permits has also been suspended until the ban is lifted. Anyone violating the burn ban faces a $100 fine plus $183 court costs. Any person responsible for setting a fire may be liable for any expenses related to extinguishing the fire.

Local fire departments and law enforcement officers are assisting the Fire Marshal and N.C. Forest Service in enforcing the burn ban.

The Harnett County Fire Marshal and N.C. Forest Service will continue to monitor conditions. Residents with questions regarding a specific county can contact their N.C. Forest Service county ranger or their county fire marshal’s office.

03/24/2026

NC-210 S is back open

NC-210 S is shut down between Lasater and Overhills due to a traffic accident

01/30/2026

Everyone, I'm sure you're aware of the forecast for this weekend. We are going to get snow. Plan now, and use caution once it arrives. Hopefully we will not have the ice of last weekend, but again, if you don't need to be out, especially at night or if you are not used to driving in the snow, please stay in.

As with last weekend, we have crews working and on standby. Please ensure you give us, EMS, police, power and snow clearing crews space. It ensures safety for all of us.

Be safe, stay warm!

01/26/2026

Harnett County is still under a winter storm warning currently until 1:00 p.m. today. We are also under a cold weather advisory.

● Dangerously cold wind chills expected tonight/early Tuesday morning. Wind chills will reach the single digits above zero with Harnett County being 8 degrees.

● Continued dangerous driving conditions due to lingering sleet/snow/freezing rain accumulation will lead to continued dangerous driving conditions this morning.

● Black ice will be a concern tonight and early Tuesday morning, as slush and lingering wetness refreeze solidly.

● Risk of power outages continues due to ice accumulations on power lines and tree limbs, in addition to increasing northwesterly winds today, may cause additional power outages.