Catawba Volunteer Fire Department

05/03/2026

The N.C. Forest Service has lifted the burn ban for Catawba County and Catawba County has also lifted their ban as well. However, please use caution as we are still experiencing dry conditions across the state.

Effective Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 0800 hours, the North Carolina Forest Service will lift the burn ban for 81 counties, including Catawba County.
In alignment with this action, the Catawba County Fire Marshal’s Office will also lift the burn ban within 100 feet of an occupiable structure. Please reach out to the North Carolina Forest Service if you have any questions or concerns.

Please continue to use caution!

04/11/2026

The state-issued ban on open burning remains in effect! Also, the Catawba County Fire Marshal’s Office has issued a ban that applies to all areas of Catawba County, including locations within 100 feet of any structure, and remains in effect regardless of previously issued burning permits.

03/28/2026

FYI...Effective 6pm on 3/28/2026

Due to increased wildfire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits statewide effective 6 p.m. Saturday, March 28 until further notice.

Under North Carolina law, the ban prohibits all open burning in the affected counties, 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.

The burn ban does not apply to fires started within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. The local fire marshal has authority to issue a burn ban within those 100 feet.

Read news release: https://www.ncagr.gov/news/press-releases/2026/03/28/statewide-burn-ban-issued-north-carolina-due-hazardous-forest-fire-conditions

03/22/2026

Although we are not currently under a burn ban as of this post on 3/22/2026, please be very careful or postpone burning if possible. You can always check the N.C. Forest Service website to see any updates.

03/19/2026

Our neighbors to the east in Iredell County, Troutman Fire and Rescue, shared something very important to our safety and any first responder out on a roadway. Please give it a read so we can keep everyone safe out there!

03/07/2026

Have you tested your smoke alarms recently? NC OSFM wants to remind you to check your smoke alarms this month! With Daylight Saving Time happening this weekend, it's the ideal moment to ensure they're working correctly! No need to create a smoky kitchen; it's as easy as pressing a button!

Just press and hold the TEST button on your smoke alarm for 5–10 seconds until you hear a loud beeping sound.

You might also consider buying a smoke alarm tester from your local hardware store. This option is safe, easy to use, and an effective way to assess whether your smoke alarms need cleaning or replacement!

Stay safe by staying prepared! To see our latest statistics on smoke alarms, visit our website to read and download our 2025 Fire Fatality report! Link in the comments below!

02/05/2026

Roads are slick...again! Please use caution if you have to leave your house this morning.

Surprise! MORE SNOW!
Catawba County Schools are closed
A trace to a half inch fell overnight, wherever the roads where not completely dry are snow covered AGAIN! Use caution when driving until the sun comes out!

Sherrills Ford Rd at Long Island Rd (Old Big V)
We are on scene with multiple vehicles off the roadway.

02/02/2026

We are sharing a post from our neighbors to the east Troutman Fire and Rescue.

If you must go out this morning, please watch for black ice!

I believe Bandys Fire Department said it best yesterday that 'the sun is our friend' and that will definitely help as the day goes on.

02/01/2026

We all know you want to play in the snow! Please do so in your own yards and give the crews time to work on these roads.

01/31/2026

We agree!! Please stay off the roads and allow DOT and local crews to do their work.

Per North Carolina DOT and literally EVERY official with a badge, clipboard, or weather app:

🚨 DO. NOT. GO. ANYWHERE. 🚨
Unless your house is actively on fire, your pet llama is giving birth, or you’ve been summoned by the laws of nature itself — STAY HOME.

Roads are trash.
Ice is winning.
Snow is unhinged.

Please give road crews and first responders room to work, not extra entertainment. They do not want to meet you sideways in a ditch explaining how “it didn’t look that bad.”

Bottom line:
🛑 Stay home
🛑 Don’t test fate
🛑 Your milk can wait

This has been a public service announcement brought to you by common sense (currently on life support).