McDowell Fire & Rescue Association

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

01/06/2026

For nearly five decades, the McDowell Fire, Rescue and EMS College has stood as North Carolina's largest fire school, bringing together hundreds of emergency responders each March at McDowell Technical Community College in Marion. What began in 1978 has grown into an annual tradition that draws over...

11/16/2025

🚨Outdoor burning is highly discouraged until we get some precipitation!🚨

High Fire danger across the state on Sunday. A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for most of the state on Sunday. Gusty west to northwest winds are expected at 20-35MPH with some gusts up to 40MPH on Sunday. Any fire that develops will quickly catch and spread. Outdoor burning is not recommended. A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. DO NOT BURN

-Ethan

10/28/2025

🔥McDowell County Fire & Rescue Association🔥

November Meeting & Training Announcement

📅 Date: Tuesday, November 25th
🕕 Time: 1800 hours
📍 Location: Woodlawn Fire Department

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Agenda:
• Brief Business Meeting
• Forcible Entry Training to follow

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All association members and departments are encouraged to attend.
Come prepared for an informative and hands-on evening of training and fellowship.

10/11/2025

Come see us at the 2025 Mountain Glory Festival in Marion!

10/03/2025

Don’t miss this opportunity! Fire Ground Ops 9 is available now — make sure you get it while you can!

MTCC is offering Fireground Ops 9 starting Oct 13th at Glenwood FD. Students must meet requirements for NFPA 1403 and have Live Fire Competency form signed by Chief.
For additional information contact Ron Morgan at 828-652-0674.

08/29/2025

Help out our friends across the county line!

08/22/2025

Upcoming Classes everyone welcome! For information call 828-652-0674.

08/19/2025

🚨 Attention McDowell Fire and Rescue Association Members! 🚨

Your voice matters! A survey has been sent out via Active 911, and we need YOUR input to help guide the future of our association and better serve our community.

✅ Please take a few minutes to complete the survey – your feedback is incredibly important and will help us make informed decisions moving forward.

🕒 It only takes a few minutes, but your input will have a lasting impact!

📲 Check your Active 911 messages and complete the survey today.

Thank you for your dedication and service!

08/12/2025

🚒 Upcoming D/O Hydraulics & Water Supply Course! 🚒

P.G. Fire & Rescue and McDowell Tech are teaming up to host Driver/Operator: Hydraulics & Water Supply at P.G. Fire & Rescue – 2703 US 70 W, Marion, NC.

📅 Class Dates:
Sept. 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 27, 29, 30
Oct. 3

🕒 Times:
• Evening Classes: 6PM–10PM
• Sept. 27 ONLY: 8AM–5PM

✅ Perfect for those working toward D/O certification or wanting to sharpen their skills.

📌 Don’t miss it!
Questions or ready to sign up? Contact P.G. Fire & Rescue or McDowell Tech today!