Herring Volunteer Fire & Rescue

05/23/2026

Autryville Fire Department Junior Firefighter Program

Ages 15 & Up

🚒 We are looking for young men and women who want to grow into future firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and community leaders.

This program is designed to give teenagers a positive environment, strong role models, and a head start toward a career in emergency services.

⸻

FOR PARENTS

The Junior Firefighter Program is a step-by-step development program that helps prepare young adults for future opportunities after high school.

We understand that:
✅ School comes first
✅ Grades and attendance matter
✅ Family responsibilities are important

Our department works to help students balance school while building real-world skills and responsibility.

For students who stay motivated and attend training classes, this program can help create a pathway toward:

* Firefighter certifications
* EMT certifications
* Leadership development
* Teamwork and communication skills
* Career readiness after graduation

Many departments today are looking for young adults who already have training, discipline, and experience. Starting early gives students a major advantage entering the fire service after high school.

Parents contact us if your child is interested.

05/03/2026

🔥 Update for Sampson County Residents 🔥

The state-issued ban on open burning has been lifted for many areas across North Carolina—including Sampson County.

Beginning Sunday, May 3 at 8 a.m., residents may resume open burning with a valid burn permit. Please continue to use caution, follow all local guidelines, and stay mindful of weather conditions to help prevent wildfires.

If you have questions about burn permits or safety guidelines, contact Sampson County Emergency Services. Stay safe!

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

04/21/2026

Today, we received official notification from OSFM that our fire insurance rating has improved from a Class 6 to a Class 4. This is a tremendous accomplishment, and I want to sincerely thank everyone who played a part in making this possible.

I am honored to serve as Chief of the Herring Fire District and to work alongside such a dedicated team committed to protecting our community while continuing to grow and strengthen the Herring Fire Department.

This achievement reflects the hard work, dedication, and countless hours invested by every member of our department. It truly takes a team effort to reach milestones like this. If you see one of our officers or firefighters, please take a moment to thank them for their commitment and service.

I would also like to extend my gratitude to the Sampson County Fire Marshal’s Office, 911 Communications, and our mutual aid departments for their continued support and partnership. Their assistance played an important role in this success as well.

I could not be more proud of what we have accomplished together.

Thank you,
Chief Michael Cottle

04/17/2026

A few pictures from today of our staff conducting our annual hose testing.

04/01/2026

03/08/2026

01/23/2026

***UPDATE 01/25/2026***

We are continuing to seek information to help locate Andy Vinson West, 58, who was reported missing from the High House Road area.

Mr. West was last seen on January 21, 2026, at approximately 7:00 p.m. He was reported missing to law enforcement on the evening of January 22, 2026.

Deputies immediately launched an active search and have now conducted more than 16 hours of search operations, utilizing:

• Sampson County Emergency Management
• Local fire department search and rescue teams
• SBI K-9 units
• SBI aviation

Deputies and investigators have followed up on all leads received.

Mr. West’s vehicle was located at his residence. It is believed he may have left on foot or was picked up. Mr. West has not reported to work as scheduled. At this time, foul play is not suspected, but has not been ruled out.

Inclement weather has hindered search efforts; however, active searching is expected to resume at the first weather break.

📍 MISSING PERSON
Andy Vinson West
58 years old
Missing from High House Road
Last seen 1/21/2026 at approximately 7:00 p.m.

If you have seen Mr. West or have any information regarding his whereabouts, please contact Sampson County Communications immediately at 910-592-1151.

We appreciate the community’s continued assistance and will provide updates as they become available.

***UPDATE 01/23/2026***

On the evening of January 22, 2026, deputies responded to a report of a missing person in the area of High House Road. Family members reported that Andy Vinson West, 58 years old, was missing and stated he was last seen on January 21, 2026 at approximately 7:00 p.m. A search was immediately launched, which included assistance from Sampson County Emergency Management, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI), and other partnering agencies. Search efforts continued late into the night utilizing both ground and aerial searches, however Mr. West was not located.

Teams returned to the area again this morning and are continuing active search efforts.

MISSING PERSON

Andy Vinson West
58 Years Old
Missing from High House Road

Last seen on 1/21/2026 at 7:00pm

If you have seen this person, please call Sampson County Communications at 910-592-1151 immediately

01/11/2026

Due to low relative humidity, dry fuels and windy conditions, fire danger is elevated across the southern Piedmont into the Sandhills today, Jan. 11.

Outdoor burning is NOT recommended. Dry grasses, dead leaves and other vegetative debris could easily ignite and spread quickly.

Spread prevention, not wildfire.

For safe outdoor burning and wildfire prevention tips: www.preventwildfirenc.org.

12/31/2025

Fire danger is elevated across most of the state today. Outdoor burning is NOT recommended. Dry grasses, dead leaves and other vegetative debris could easily ignite and spread quickly.

Spread prevention, not wildfire.

Before burning, contact your local N.C. Forest Service county ranger’s office for guidance. Contacts: https://bit.ly/3lpoWR0

For safe outdoor burning and wildfire prevention best practices: www.preventwildfirenc.org.