NC OSFM

05/29/2026

When was the last time you checked your pool's drain cover? Drain entrapment is a serious risk that many pool owners don't even know about. A standard pool drain can pull in an incredible amount of force, making it impossible to escape without help.

Know someone with a pool? Tag them below! Let's keep our friends and loved ones safe this summer with a few simple reminders:

✅ Ensure drain covers meet federal safety standards (ANSI/APSP-16 2017). Without this certification, your family may not be protected.
👍 Do not swim near drains or suction outlets, especially in spas and shallow pools. Never enter a pool or spa with a loose or missing drain cover, as hair, limbs, jewelry, or bathing suits can get stuck in drains.
⚠️ Beware of unsafe covers. The CPSC has recalled several brands from Amazon and other retailers for not meeting safety standards, so be sure to stay cautious of where or how you purchase replacements.
📚 Teach kids to stay away from drains. Even compliant covers can pose risks.

Do you know if your drain cover is safe? Comment YES or NO below, and if you are unsure, take a deep dive into pool safety, linked in the comments below!

This summer, prioritize safety with NC OSFM ! Make sure your pool and spa have federally compliant drain covers. Your family deserves the best protection!

05/29/2026

05/29/2026

On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, Division Chief Tony Bailey attended a grant check presentation at Berea Volunteer Fire Department in Granville County hosted by Piedmont Electric Membership Corporation and the USDA. USDA Director Robert Hosford presented the department with a $389,000 grant that will be used to purchase a new fire engine to better serve the community.

In addition to the apparatus funding, Berea Volunteer Fire Department also received a $40,000 grant through the 2026 OSFM Fire Grant Program to help equip the new engine with essential firefighting equipment.

These investments help strengthen emergency response capabilities and support the dedicated firefighters who protect communities across North Carolina every day.

Congratulations to Berea Volunteer Fire Department on this important funding and continued commitment to public safety!

05/26/2026

Do you know the best swimsuit color for your child's safety? Many parents select swimsuits based on style, cuteness, or comfort. However, those factors become irrelevant once a child goes underwater! In order to spot your child quickly if there's an emergency, it's important to pick the right swimsuit colors for safety is more significant than most people realize.

🌊Water absorbs light unevenly, making only a few select colors stand out from under the surface.

☀️Neon yellow & neon green stand out, while blues, oranges, and pinks disappear completely underwater due to glare & color distortion in pools.

🤽Chlorine, ripples, and bright sunlight scatter light, making white and light pastels look like surface reflections.

For more resources on pool and water safety for your kids, follow us at Safe Kids North Carolina or visit our website, linked in the comments below!

05/26/2026

For more than 55 years, Gary “Butch” Holland has dedicated his life to serving others through the fire service. From his time with Nahunta Volunteer Fire Department and Belfast Fire Department to an incredible 46 years with Princeton Volunteer Fire Department, Butch has answered countless calls, mentored generations of firefighters, and made a lasting impact on his community and our state.
His commitment to protecting others has never wavered, even as he now battles lung cancer connected to his decades of fire service. Butch’s legacy goes far beyond emergency calls. He inspired those around him through his leadership, work ethic, and heart for service — including inspiring his son Brandon to follow in his footsteps into the fire service.

It is with great pride and deep respect that we recognize Gary “Butch” Holland for the OSFM Lifetime Achievement Award. Thank you, Butch, for a lifetime spent serving North Carolina communities. Your dedication and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

05/25/2026

Today, we remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country.
Their courage, dedication, and selflessness will never be forgotten. As families and communities gather this Memorial Day, we encourage everyone to celebrate safely and take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of this day. We are forever grateful to those who gave everything for our freedom.

05/22/2026

Did you know that 58% of grill fires happen over the summer season? When it comes to fire safety, educating our communities is always the first step. Teach families to protect their outdoor space with these essential fire prevention tips from NC OSFM :

🔥 Regularly clean your grills to eliminate grease and fat build-up.
🔥 Always use grills outdoors, away from siding and deck railings.
🔥 Keep children and pets at a safe distance from the grilling area.
🔥 Done grilling? Be sure to dispose of safely cooled coals in a metal container.

For more tips and information, visit our website linked in the comments below! Let's kick off this summer ready to prevent all kinds of fire incidents!

05/21/2026

Prepare & Prevent with National Wildfire Awareness Month! With warmer temperatures and dry conditions, now is the time to stay prepared and fire aware. Outdoor burning, campfires, grills, equipment sparks, and even discarded ci******es can quickly lead to dangerous wildfires.

Help protect your community by:
🔥 Checking local burn restrictions before burning
🌲 Keeping yards clear of dry brush and debris
🚫 Never leaving fires unattended
🚬 Properly disposing of smoking materials
🚒 Reporting wildfires immediately

One small spark can quickly become a major wildfire. Follow NC OSFM for more fire prevention tips!

05/21/2026

A huge thank you to everyone who donated, supported, rappelled, and helped make this event such a success. Seeing so many people come together for the Firefighter Burned Children Fund was incredible.
Big congratulations to our top three fundraisers:
🥇 Lisa Coltrain with the Conference of DA’s — $1,177
🥈 Mike Fenninger with South Iredell Fire Rescue — $490
🥉 Matthew Hardy — $373
Thank you all for making a difference and helping bring hope to children and families across North Carolina. Already looking forward to our next one in October.

05/18/2026