DMW Volunteer Fire Department

05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day, the DMW Volunteer Fire Department pauses to remember and honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. Their sacrifice is the reason we are able to live freely today.

As we enjoy this day with loved ones, let us never forget the true meaning behind it. Please take a moment to reflect, remember the fallen, and keep their families in your thoughts and prayers.

05/07/2026

🔥Dryer Vent Safety Reminder🔥

Follow these tips to keep you and your family safe!

04/16/2026

🔥Burn Ban‼️ begins at 7am tomorrow morning (April 17th, 2026).

Burn Ban = Zero outdoor burning!

SC Forestry Commission to issue statewide burning ban; restriction on all outdoor burning goes into effect at 7 a.m. Friday

COLUMBIA—The South Carolina Forestry Commission is issuing a State Forester’s Burning Ban for all counties, effective at 7 a.m. Friday, April 17.

A State Forester’s Burning Ban prohibits all outdoor burning, including yard debris burning, prescribed burning, campfires, bonfires and other recreational fires in all unincorporated areas of the state.

Forestry Commission officials cite a particularly dangerous mix of elevated wildfire risk factors through the weekend that warrant limiting all ignitions in the interest of public safety.

Rapidly escalating drought conditions across the state, a critical decrease in relative humidities over the next several days and gusty winds that are expected to accompany an approaching cold front will combine to create extreme fire danger.

"When it’s this dry – energy release component values are at high-to-critical levels – we’re just as likely, if not more, to see wildfires that are fuel-driven rather than wind-driven. Add the other volatile conditions of increased wind and lower relative humidity, and it becomes an especially precarious situation,” said SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones. "These conditions not only increase the likelihood of wildfires igniting easily and spreading rapidly, but would also make them more difficult for firefighters to control.”

While the ban does not apply to fires used for the preparation of food or fires used in appropriate enclosures (portable outdoor fireplaces, chimineas or permanent fire pits constructed of stone, masonry, metal or other noncombustible material that conforms with all applicable South Carolina fire codes), Forestry Commission officials urge the utmost caution burning outdoors under these exemptions.

Likewise, citizens should exercise extreme vigilance operating any equipment that could create sparks, avoid parking on dry grass and refrain from using fireworks.

The ban will stay in effect until further notice, which will come in the form of an official announcement from the Forestry Commission.

Shareable release:https://www.scfc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Advisory-StateForestersBurningBan-20260416.pdf

04/05/2026

Today we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. A powerful reminder that hope lives, light overcomes darkness, and new life is possible through Him!

As we serve our community, we are thankful for God’s protection, strength, and grace. From our fire department family to yours, have a blessed Easter!

03/12/2026

🍳🥓 Join Us for Fellowship & Food 🥞☕

DMW Vol. Fire Department is hosting the Fellowship of Christian Firefighters.

Community is welcome!

Free breakfast will be served!

Come enjoy a warm meal, fellowship, and time together with local firefighters and neighbors.

Date: 📅 Saturday, March 14, 2026
Time: ⏰ Starting at 8:30 AM
Location: 📍 DMW Volunteer Fire Department (538 Mckowns Mtn Rd, Gaffney SC)

03/03/2026

Late this afternoon, our department responded to a large brush fire that was later determined to be approximately 20 acres. Thanks to the assistance of the South Carolina Forestry Commission and the hard work and determination of our members, the fire was brought under control within a few hours.

A huge thank you to The South Carolina Forestry Commission and to our dedicated firefighters. Your commitment, teamwork, and service to this department and our community do not go unnoticed.

02/03/2026

🚨Special Needs Occupant Stickers🚨

DMW Volunteer Fire Department now has “Special Needs Occupant” stickers available for homes and vehicles in our community.

These stickers help first responders quickly identify that a person with special needs may be present, whether responding to an emergency at a residence or assisting at a vehicle incident. This can include individuals who may need extra assistance, have medical conditions, mobility challenges, or difficulty communicating.

In an emergency, every second counts. These stickers provide critical information at a glance, helping responders respond quickly and with care.

If you or a loved one could benefit from one of these stickers, please reach out to us or stop by the station on Tuesdays from 6pm-9pm to pick one up.

Your safety is our priority!

01/27/2026

🚨 Black Ice Awareness 🚨
As temperatures drop, black ice can form quickly, especially on bridges, overpasses, shaded roads, and early in the morning or late at night. It’s hard to see and easy to slide on.

Slow down, increase your following distance, and avoid sudden braking or sharp turns. If you do hit black ice, stay calm and steer straight until you regain traction.

Let’s all take a little extra time and keep ourselves and our neighbors safe. ❄️🚒

01/22/2026

❄️Winter Storm Safety Tips❄️

• Avoid travel if possible. Roads and bridges can become dangerously slick.

• Stay indoors and keep warm. Wear layers and close off unused rooms.

• Use flashlights, not candles. Candles increase the risk of house fires.

• Prepare emergency supplies. Water, non-perishable food, medications, batteries, and a first-aid kit.

• Watch for downed power lines. Stay far away and report them immediately.

• Beware of falling trees and ice. Ice buildup can cause limbs to snap without warning.

• Never use generators or grills indoors. Carbon monoxide can be deadly.

• Check on neighbors. Especially elderly or those with medical needs.

• Keep phones charged. Have a backup power source if possible.

• If power is out, keep refrigerator doors closed to preserve food longer.

01/15/2026

The Forestry Commission advises extreme vigilance when burning outdoors the next two days, as forecasts are calling for wind gusts of 25+ mph and very low relative humidity across the state. These conditions, combined with dry fuels everywhere except in the upper Piedmont and Blue Ridge regions of South Carolina, present an elevated risk of wildfire.

Although scattered precipitation is expected this weekend, the immediate conditions are such that both piled debris burns and prescribed fires can escape easily and spread rapidly.

State law requires anyone planning to burn outdoors (outside of city limits) to notify the Forestry Commission in advance and take the proper precautions. Those include clearing a firebreak around the burn area, having water and/or tools on standby to keep the fire contained and never leaving a fire unattended.

How to notify?: https://www.scfc.gov/protection/fire-burning/

Don't be the reason for wildfire season... THINK BEFORE YOU BURN.