Laurens Fire Department

05/04/2026

See the 1948 engine in action, tomorrow! Join us for the Designation Celebration and Sound Off 🚒
May 4 | 5:30–7:00 PM | The Plaza
Free and open to the public!

04/08/2026

Forestry Commission issuing statewide Red Flag Fire Alert
COLUMBIA—The South Carolina Forestry Commission is issuing a statewide Red Flag Fire Alert, effective at 6 a.m. Wednesday, April 8.

The alert is being issued to strongly discourage people from burning outdoors when weather conditions present an elevated risk of wildfire.

In addition to a widespread deficit of rainfall that continues to intensify drought over much of the state, Wednesday’s forecast includes gusty winds higher than 20 mph and relative humidities under 25% in places.

Because current weather conditions are very conducive to fires escaping easily and spreading rapidly, anyone considering outdoor burning should take extra precautions if they still choose to burn under a Red Flag Fire Alert. Those who have burned recently should return to monitor their burn areas and ensure the dry conditions don’t cause any rekindling.

“Wildfire potential is always higher this time of year, and our use of the Red Flag Fire Alert a few weeks ago made a huge difference in the number of new ignitions,” said SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones. “This warning is a great tool that encourages citizens to voluntarily postpone any such burning until the alert is lifted. We’re simply asking for people to respect the weather, be smart and stay safe.”

Adding to the danger, particularly in the western part of the state, are the heavy fuel loads that remain in our forests from Hurricane Helene. Not only can these downed, drying trees and other fuels act as kindling, increasing the risk of wildfire ignition and spread, but they also are likely to impede firefighters’ access, adversely impacting response capability.

Although a Red Flag Fire Alert does not ban outdoor burning, it does trigger certain county or local ordinances that restrict outdoor fires, so residents should contact their local fire departments to check whether such restrictions apply in their areas. The alert will remain in effect until lifted by the Commission, whose fire managers will continuously monitor the situation.

Press release:https://www.scfc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Advisory-RedFlagFireAlert-260408.pdf

04/03/2026

We are honored to be designated as a fire safe community for the fourth consecutive year!

Fire Safe South Carolina congratulates 241 South Carolina fire departments for receiving the 2025 Fire Safe South Carolina Community Designation. For more information:https://llr.sc.gov/aboutus/mediacenter/news/2026/FSSC%202026%20Press%20Release.pdf

03/27/2026

SC Forestry Commission to issue statewide burning ban, effective at 4 p.m. today

COLUMBIA—The South Carolina Forestry Commission is issuing a State Forester’s Burning Ban for all counties, effective at 4 p.m. today.

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.

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 say weather conditions over the next several days present a greatly elevated potential for fires igniting easily and spreading rapidly. Dangerously low relative humidities – reaching below 20% in some areas – combined with extremely dry fuels statewide and gusty winds will create a particularly volatile mix of wildfire risk factors throughout the weekend.

"In addition to the intensifying drought conditions, the weather we’re going to see statewide over the next several days makes it ripe for any fire that starts to burn intensely and move fast,” SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones said. "While these conditions can make wildfires ignite easily anywhere and make it more challenging for firefighters to contain, we’re really concerned about areas where events like Hurricane Helene and recent ice damage have led to higher amounts of fuel. This burning ban is necessary to limit ignitions to the maximum extent possible to prevent severe wildfires for public safety purposes."

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

Shareable link:https://www.scfc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Advisory-StateForestersBurningBan-20260327.pdf

02/07/2026

View David Bruce Walker's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

02/05/2026

Laurens Fire Department sends our condolences to the Walker family, with the passing of retired fireman David Walker. David was a dedicated member of the Laurens Fire Department from 1986-2023 and was still stopping by the station from time to time. He will be greatly missed.

01/25/2026

🚨 Winter Weather Update – Sun., Jan. 25 | 3:45 PM 🚨

Laurens CPW is reporting no power outages in our area at this time, and their storm team remains on station and ready to respond. While conditions remain similar to our earlier update, weather conditions are expected to worsen as temperatures continue to drop this evening.

There is a potential for additional ice accumulation between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM, and with temperatures remaining below freezing, roadways are expected to re-ice, creating increasingly dangerous driving conditions overnight and into tomorrow.

⚠️ RESIDENTS ARE STRONGLY URGED TO AVOID ALL TRAVEL UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. ⚠️

Laurens Police Department reminds everyone that all traffic laws remain in effect during inclement weather, including for golf carts, four-wheelers, and side-by-side vehicles. Officers have observed an increase in traffic on city roadways this afternoon. Please use extreme caution, wear required safety gear, and drive responsibly—icy and slick roads make unsafe driving especially dangerous.

🚨 Please DO NOT call 9-1-1 with weather-related questions. 🚨
To avoid tying up emergency lines, use the non-emergency dispatch number: 864-984-3531.

We will continue to share updates as conditions change. Thank you for your cooperation as we navigate these conditions together.

Stay safe, Laurens.

12/22/2025

View Earnest Johnson's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

12/15/2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of one our own, Ernest Johnson (EJ). EJ has been a devoted and active member of the Laurens Fire Department since March 5, 1990. Please keep EJ’s family in your thoughts and prayers in the days to come. He will be missed around the station and the City of Laurens.

12/07/2025

We held our annual Christmas dinner and gave out year end awards. It’s hard to present only one or two awards, but voted on by his peers, Firefighter of the Year was awarded to Engineer DJ Jackson. The chief’s award was presented to Engineer Randy Crain. We appreciate each and every one of our members and their commitment to the team.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Laurens Fire! We look forward to continue serving the City of Laurens in 2026!

10/14/2025

🔥 Now Hiring: Entry-Level Firefighter

The Laurens City Fire Department is growing — and so is our fleet. A new fire engine is on the way, and we’re looking for motivated individuals ready to grow their career while serving our community.

Starting pay: $40,280 with holiday pay potential up to around $42,000
Schedule: 48/96
Benefits include: Paid training, health insurance, annual/sick/holiday leave, and SC PORS retirement.

Applications can be submitted online at https://www.cityoflaurenssc.com/cityoflaurensfiredepartment, by email to [email protected], or in person at the Fire Department or City Hall during business hours.