08/04/2026
Statement from the Quail Creek Fire Department Regarding the Proposed City of Wrightsville Annexation
The Quail Creek Fire Department recently became aware of a proposed annexation initiative by the City of Wrightsville that would incorporate a significant portion of unincorporated southeast Pulaski County into the city limits. According to the proposed ordinance, the question of annexation is expected to be presented to voters during the November 3, 2026, General Election.
Our department first learned of this proposal on Sunday, August 2, after a concerned citizen brought it to our attention. Since that time, we have been gathering information and speaking with neighboring agencies and county officials to better understand the potential impacts.
While we have been told that existing volunteer fire departments may continue operating as they do today, no representative from the City of Wrightsville has contacted the Quail Creek Fire Department to discuss what this proposal would mean for our department, our members, or the citizens we serve. Likewise, after speaking with neighboring fire departments, it became apparent that many of them were also unaware of the proposal and had not been consulted. We were further advised that the Pulaski County Office of Emergency Management was not aware of the annexation initiative until concerns were raised.
The proposed ordinance references "fire protection coordination" as part of its municipal services plan but does not explain how fire protection would be delivered, funded, or coordinated with the volunteer departments currently serving these communities. It also provides no details regarding emergency response agreements, funding mechanisms, governance, or the future role of existing rural fire departments.
For fifty years, the Quail Creek Fire Department has proudly protected the families, businesses, and travelers within our district. We believe any proposal that could significantly affect emergency services deserves an open, transparent conversation with the agencies providing those services and with the citizens who rely on them every day.
Beyond emergency services, this proposal could have far-reaching impacts for residents and businesses throughout the affected area. Individuals who have chosen to live in unincorporated Pulaski County could find themselves within city limits. Local businesses that have long supported volunteer fire departments may become subject to municipal taxes, planning and zoning requirements, permitting processes, and other regulations associated with city government. While the long-term financial impact remains unknown, any additional burden placed on our local businesses could ultimately affect their ability to continue supporting community organizations, including volunteer fire departments.
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the City of Wrightsville has a population of approximately 1,542 residents and encompasses roughly 2.1 square miles. By comparison, the Quail Creek Fire Department alone protects approximately 10.5 square miles, illustrating the significant scale of the territory proposed for annexation.
The Quail Creek Fire Department is not taking a position for or against annexation at this time. Our responsibility is to ensure that our community has accurate information and that the questions affecting emergency services are answered before voters are asked to make an informed decision.
We respectfully encourage the City of Wrightsville to engage openly with the fire departments, county agencies, businesses, and residents who stand to be affected. Transparent government requires meaningful public dialogue, and we believe those conversations should begin well before any election.
As we receive additional information, we will continue sharing factual updates with our community. We encourage the public to attend the public hearing tonight at 7pm at Wrightsville City Hall.
If you have any further questions, you may contact Chief Kincer.
