Coats Grove Fire Rescue, Inc.

09/01/2026

09/01/2026

Tonight, the members and Ladies Auxiliary of Coats Grove Fire Rescue had the honor of celebrating two of our most recent retirees, Ricky Tart and Jay Johnson.

These two men helped lay the foundation of our department and have devoted an immeasurable amount of time, dedication, and service to our members and the communities we are privileged to serve.

Ricky Tart joined in November 1973 and is one of the original members of the Coats Rescue Squad.

Jay Johnson joined in May 1987 and is one of the original members of the Harnett County Dive Team when it was first established.

Both Ricky and Jay were members of the department during the 1990 merger that created what is now Coats Grove Fire Rescue. They were also instrumental in helping the department achieve significant milestones throughout its history, including becoming the first Volunteer Fire Department in Harnett County to obtain an ISO Class 3 rating in 1990, and later becoming the first fire department in the county to obtain an ISO Class 2 rating in 2024.

While those accomplishments are certainly something to be proud of, the true measure of Ricky and Jay's service can be found in the countless lives they have touched, the members they have mentored, the calls they answered, and the countless hours they gave to their department and community.

Thank you to everyone who was able to attend this memorable occasion and help us celebrate Ricky and Jay. It was a special evening filled with fellowship, laughter, and some great stories that reminded us just how much these two have meant to Coats Grove Fire Rescue.

Ricky and Jay, thank you for your decades of unwavering service, your friendship, your leadership, and your commitment to Coats Grove Fire Rescue and the communities you have served. Your contributions have helped shape this department into what it is today, and your legacy will continue to be carried forward by the members who follow.

Congratulations on your retirement. You have both certainly earned it, and we are grateful for everything you have given.

07/16/2026

🚑 Now Hiring 🚒

Coats Grove Fire & Rescue currently has full-time openings for:
🚑 One (1) NC EMT Basic
🚒 Two (2) NC Certified Firefighters

💵 Pay range is $44,000-$49,000

📍 Apply using the QR Code below

❗ Do NOT submit resumes via Facebook.

📅 Positions will be open until filled

For any questions, please contact:
• Chief Jay Smith
📞 910-897-7575
📧 [email protected]

06/23/2026

🚑 Now Hiring: Full Time EMT-Basic 🚑

Coats Grove Fire & Rescue currently has full-time opening for a EMT-Basic.

📍 Apply in person (91 N McKinley St, Coats NC 27521) or submit your resume via email: [email protected]

❗ Do NOT submit resumes via Facebook.

📅 Position will be open until filled

For any questions, please contact:
• Chief Jay Smith
📞 910-897-7575
📧 [email protected]

05/03/2026

BURN BAN LIFTED FOR HARNETT COUNTY

The Harnett County Fire Marshal and the N.C. Forest Service have lifted the ban on all open burning for Harnett County effective 8 a.m. on Sunday, May 3.

This applies to fires within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling (under jurisdiction of fire marshal) and those beyond 100 feet (under jurisdiction of NC Forest Service).

03/28/2026

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

The Harnett County Fire Marshal and 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 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 N.C. Forest Service in enforcing the burn ban.

The 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.

For additional information, and FAQ, please visit

https://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/NCFS-410748a

03/28/2026

Effective Saturday, March 28 at 8 a.m., the National Weather Service has issued a **RED FLAG WARNING** for some North Carolina counties. For counties that aren’t under a red flag, fire danger is still critical. Review weather alerts for North Carolina at weather.gov.

A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures will create dangerous fire behavior.

While open burning is permitted during a red flag, it is NOT advised. Please postpone ALL outdoor burning. If there was ever a time to show you can follow instructions the first time they are given, it’s now.

03/27/2026

Fire danger remains elevated in some areas of the state. This time of year, wind is a big contributing factor.

Even a light breeze can carry embers away from a fire, starting new fires in nearby areas. These spot fires can quickly grow, making them more difficult to control, impossible to control for those who were unprepared from the start.

Wind also increases how fast a fire spreads and how intensely it burns.

If it’s windy, it’s not a safe day to burn yard debris.

Waiting for calmer conditions helps reduce the risk of a fire getting out of control.

Remember, check fire danger and weather conditions for your area.

For helpful guidance before burning outdoors, contact your N.C. Forest Service county ranger's office for guidance.