Fair Bluff Fire and Rescue

05/03/2026

04/28/2026

FIRE BAN STILL IN EFFECT!

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

04/15/2026

Burn Ban Continues!

Since the state-issued ban on open burning was enacted March 28, a total of 554 wildfires has burned more than 2,200 acres across the state. With little rainfall or improvement expected over the next 7-10 days, the statewide burn ban and enforcement action will continue until further notice.

Of the 554 wildfires that have burned since the burn ban took effect, only four have been determined to be the result of lightning strikes. Preliminary data indicates that 152 of those 554 wildfires were determined to be human caused, with the remainder listed as unknown or undetermined, likely pending law enforcement investigation and action. Since the state’s burn ban took effect, 150 citations have been issued for illegal burning.

During a state-issued burn ban, the same N.C. Forest Service personnel providing initial and extended attack for wildfire response are providing the necessary enforcement action to support the ban on open burning. Reducing the number of new ignitions is critical for sustaining adequate resource availability for an extended period, making state-issued bans a necessary tool for keeping wildfires contained and as small as possible until fully extinguished.

The public is urged to abide by the burn ban and to use extreme caution with farm equipment, machines, mowers, vehicles on dry grass, smoking materials such as ci******es, anything that can throw a spark. In current high-risk conditions, these could be a possible fire source. While not classified as open burning and not affected by the state’s ban on open burning, they are still contributors to new fire starts across the state.

Read news release: https://www.ncagr.gov/news/press-releases/2026/04/14/statewide-burn-ban-and-enforcement-continue-dry-conditions-persist

04/09/2026

Our hearts our saddened with this news. Our thoughts and prayers are with this dept and this young man’s family and friends.

For Immediate Release:

It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of our colleague and friend, Paramedic Ralph Fulmore, Jr.

Ralph joined Florence County EMS in June 2023 as a cadet in our EMT program.

It was immediately obvious that he was a perfect fit for our organization.

After a year as an EMT, Ralph decided he was ready to progress and began paramedic school. During that program, Ralph worked very hard to learn the craft he enjoyed. He was nervous about taking the exam but excited about the idea of achieving his paramedic certification.

Yesterday evening, on his way home from taking the National Registry Paramedic exam, Ralph was involved in a terrible motor vehicle collision and could not survive his injuries.

Even though our hearts are broken for the loss of a friend and coworker, we cannot be prouder of the accomplishments that Ralph achieved. He passed that exam. He worked very hard and would have been honored to wear the patch.

While his achievements professionally are something to be celebrated, it was his sweet family that he truly cherished. Ralph was a devoted son, fiancé, and father. He loved his family, fiercely and they were his reason for pushing himself to be better every day.

Please hold Ralph’s loved ones and friends close in your thoughts and prayers.

Rest easy friend.

04/06/2026

03/29/2026

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

03/15/2026

We are greatly saddened by the news this morning of Chief Ray Jacobs passing. Please keep his family, Buckhead Fire & Rescue, and the Buckhead Community in your thoughts and prayers. Rest easy Chief, we have it from here.

It is with heavy hearts that we share the unexpected passing of one of our own.

Founding member and longtime Chief Elton Ray Jacobs, call sign 414, has answered his final call.

Chief Jacobs was a pillar of this department and a true servant to his community. His leadership, dedication, and years of service helped shape the foundation of who we are today. The impact he made on this department, his fellow responders, and the community will never be forgotten.

During this incredibly difficult time, we ask that everyone please keep his family, our department members, and all friends who loved him in your prayers. 🙏

Funeral and service arrangements will be shared once they become available.

Rest easy, Chief. We have the watch from here.
Call sign 414 - End of Watch.

01/22/2026

***UPDATE - Hwy 76 is Open***
Smoke and flames will be present in the area. NC Forestry has plowed around the area and the fire is contained.

***HWY 76 near Luther Conner Dr is closed due to a large woods fire.***

Take Ice Plant Rd to avoid

01/21/2026

We are looking at getting hit with a winter storm this weekend. Now is the time to get prepared. Please remember that we are all in this together. Get enough supplies for your family (including pets) but please don't horde. Remember those in our communities that can't get out and about and see if they need help getting ready. Stay Informed, Stay Safe, and Stay Warm.

With the threat of winter weather this weekend, now is the time to think about preparations. Have emergency supplies on hand for your home & car. If you have any travel plans this weekend, keep a close eye on the forecast. https://www.weather.gov/safety/winter-before

12/24/2025

From our family to yours may the spirt of the holiday season fill you peace, warmth and joy. Stay safe and have a Merry Christmas!