Nichols Volunteer Fire Department

05/15/2026

STRUCTURE FIRE - North Main Street

At 7:35p.m., Nichols Fire was dispatched to a reported residential structure fire incident on North Main Street.

This is a working structure fire and SC 9 is shut down. Please avoid the area while emergency crews address the situation.

There are no reported injuries.

Nichols Fire, Mullins Fire & Rescue and Dillon County Fire units are on the scene.

05/11/2026

Congratulations Chief Floyd on your retirement!

04/21/2026

While SCFC personnel had a busy weekend with several large or otherwise difficult fires – very typical in April – the number of new ignitions is down significantly since the ban on all outdoor burning was issued last Friday.

The Forestry Commission would like to thank the public for heeding the warnings about the very high fire danger stretching from our mountains to our coast. The persistence of gusty winds, low relative humidity and extremely dry fuels across the state this week continues to make outdoor burning exceptionally risky. It bears repeating that April has historically seen the worst, most damaging and costly wildfires in South Carolina. Learn more: https://www.scfc.gov/protection/fire-burning/fire-resources/important-fires-in-sc/

Unfortunately, most of the wildfires to which the agency responded in the last few days were the result of human negligence. Not only do we ask for the public’s continued patience and restraint until the weather improves, but we also encourage everyone to share the news of the burning ban as far and widely as possible.

04/06/2026

03/24/2026

SC Forestry Commission issuing statewide Red Flag Fire Alert, effective immediately

COLUMBIA—The South Carolina Forestry Commission is issuing a statewide Red Flag Fire Alert, effective immediately until further notice.

The alert is being issued to strongly discourage people from burning outdoors when weather conditions present an elevated risk of wildfire. In addition to drought intensifying from a lack of significant rainfall, forecasts are calling for higher winds, low humidities and no precipitation in the foreseeable future.

A Red Flag Fire Alert does not prohibit outdoor burning, provided that all other state and local regulations are followed, but the Forestry Commission uses the alert to strongly encourage citizens to voluntarily postpone any such burning until the alert is lifted. 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.

“The combination of dangerous conditions and dry fuels we’re going to see statewide for the next several days all add up to an elevated wildfire risk, and any fire that ignites is likely to burn intensely and spread rapidly,” said SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones. “With this alert, we’re asking people to respect the weather and hold off from burning outdoors until the weather improves. If you have burned recently, we encourage you to monitor the burn area to make sure the dry conditions don’t cause it to rekindle.”

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.

Shareable link:https://www.scfc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Advisory-RedFlagFireAlert-260324.pdf

03/11/2026

FIRE CHIEF BILLY FLOYD RETIRING 🚒

The City of North Myrtle Beach announces the retirement of Fire Chief Billy Floyd, effective May 16, 2026, following a long and distinguished career in the fire service, with just over 16 years of that service to the North Myrtle Beach community.

Chief Floyd originally joined the North Myrtle Beach Fire Department in May 2005 as Firefighter/PSO, working his way up to the rank of Training Captain before leaving the Department in October 2008 to take an opportunity with a neighboring Department. He returned to the City in January 2013 as Division Chief of Fire Training before his promotion to Deputy Fire Chief in May 2021. In April 2023, Floyd was appointed as the 7th Fire Chief to lead the North Myrtle Beach Fire Department.

Reflecting on his career with the City, Chief Floyd shared:

"It has been an absolute honor and privilege to serve the City of North Myrtle Beach and this Fire Department through various roles throughout my tenure here, especially these last 3 years as Fire Chief. This Department and City hold a special place in my heart, and I am thankful as well as grateful for the opportunities they have provided me during my time here. I feel blessed to have played just a small part in how our City has flourished during my time here. I cannot say enough about the employees throughout this City who are making a difference each day. I am excited to watch this Department continue to progress forward, thanks in part to the outstanding men and women who make up the Fire Department, and with full support of City Administration, as well as our Mayor and City Council behind them."

In addition to leading the Fire Department’s 91 uniformed personnel who make up the Operations Division, Support Services Division, and Fire Marshal’s Office, he also served as the City’s Emergency Preparedness Director, which involved coordination with Department Heads for the City’s response to large scale incidents and events, most notably weather-related events in a continued effort to enhance public safety and community resilience.

“Chief Floyd’s leadership has made a meaningful and lasting impact on our Fire Department and our organization as a whole,” said City Manager Ryan Fabbri. “His dedication to preparedness, training, and service has helped ensure the safety of our residents, visitors, and employees. We are deeply appreciative of his commitment to the City of North Myrtle Beach and wish him the very best in his retirement.”

Mayor Baldwin also expressed gratitude for Chief Floyd’s service.

“On behalf of City Council and our entire community, I want to thank Chief Floyd for his years of dedicated service and steady leadership,” said Mayor Baldwin. “He has served this City with professionalism, integrity, and a true passion for public safety. His contributions will have a lasting impact on North Myrtle Beach.”

As part of the City’s succession planning, Deputy Fire Chief John Galganski will serve as Interim Fire Chief upon Chief Floyd’s retirement to ensure continuity of operations and leadership while the City evaluates the next steps in naming a permanent replacement.

The City of North Myrtle Beach extends its sincere appreciation to Chief Floyd for his years of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to protecting the community.

03/03/2026

🚒🔥 Training Night at Nichols Volunteer Fire Department 🔥🚒

We train like lives depend on it — because they do.

Tonight the focus was on fire hose line operations, sharpening the critical, high-stress skills needed for safe and effective fire suppression. Our members worked on:

• Hose deployment drills
• Low-visibility conditions
• Search patterns
• Operations in tight spaces

These skills are often performed by two-person teams to improve mobility, and ensure a strong, coordinated fire attack.

Continuous training ensures we’re ready to respond safely and efficiently when our community calls.

We’re proud to serve Nichols and surrounding areas.

02/06/2026

Join us for our BBQ fundraiser and help support your local Fire Department! 🚒

01/31/2026

Do not call 911 to report power outages or storm damages to your property. 911 operators will be busy trying to get help to people who’s lives are in danger.

Call 911 if you have a life-threatening emergency and you need assistance.

01/30/2026

01/24/2026

🚨 WINTER WEATHER SAFETY ALERT 🚨
Nichols Fire Department

A winter weather system is expected to impact our area with sleet and icy conditions. Please take the following precautions to keep yourself and your family safe:

❄️ Travel Safety
• Avoid unnecessary travel if roads become icy.
• Reduce speed and increase following distance if you must drive.
• Watch for black ice, especially on bridges, overpasses, and shaded roads.

🏠 Home Safety
• Keep walkways, steps, and driveways clear of ice when possible.
• Use caution when walking—wear shoes with good traction.
• Have flashlights, batteries, and a way to stay warm if power outages occur.

🔥 Heating Safety
• Use space heaters safely—keep them at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn.
• Never use grills, generators, or propane heaters indoors.
• Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working.

👨‍👩‍👧 Check on Others
• Check on elderly neighbors, those living alone, or anyone who may need assistance during severe weather.

📞 Emergency
• In an emergency, dial 911.
• Please use caution so our first responders can reach those who truly need help.

We will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as needed. Stay safe and weather-aware.

— Nichols Fire Department 🚒