Stem Fire and E.M.S

05/05/2026

05/03/2026

The NC burn ban will be lifted tomorrow, May 3rd starting at 8am.

04/27/2026

Just a reminder, even though we’ve had some rain over the last few days, the ground is still very dry and we will remain under a burn ban!

The statewide burn ban remains in effect until further notice despite weekend rain in some areas. Persistent dry weather and increasing rainfall deficits from the last several months have left most of the state needing 10 inches of rain or more.

“While the rainfall we received over the weekend was a welcome sight, it offered little to no relief from widespread drought conditions while being nowhere near enough to reduce our wildfire risk,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Even the areas that received the heaviest amount of rain will quickly dry out from the sunshine and warmer temperatures. Until we get some additional rain and see more green-up in our forests, holding the burn ban in place statewide is the best option right now.”

While green-up and leaf-out are progressing at normal rate, low soil moisture, dry surface fuels and persistent low humidity are contributing to wildfire activity. For Western North Carolina, excessive forest fuels from Hurricane Helene are more available now than they were in 2025, low water levels in coastal areas have helped produce intense fire behavior where ground fire will likely be a long-term issue, and the Piedmont experienced 87 new wildfire starts over the weekend alone. Extended attack and mop-up efforts will be taxing and long-winded until drought conditions improve.

Read news release: https://bit.ly/497dNht

04/20/2026

🪙 Presale! Presale! Presale! 🪙
Stem Fire & EMS 2026 challenge coin presale. Be among the first to purchase our 2026 rescue challenge coin. Proceeds benefit the Stem Community Fire Department. Coins are planned to be available July 1st 2026 for pick up at 100 Franklin Street Mon-Fri 9-4pm. If you decide not to purchase a coin, donations to Stem Fire & EMS can still be made through this link. Your generosity changes lives. Thank you for being our hero today.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/stem-community-fire-department-and-ems-incs-shop

03/28/2026

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

01/24/2026

If you or a loved one relies on electric-powered medical equipment (like oxygen, ventilators, or dialysis), make sure you have a backup plan TODAY before the storm hits:

🔋 Charge everything including backup batteries and power stations.
🏥 If you don't have a generator, identify a friend or family member with power where you can go before roads get icy.
🧊 Have a cooler ready for any meds that require refrigeration.

Don't wait for the lights to flicker, prepare now. For more tips visit ReadyNC.gov/Winter-Weather

01/23/2026

When you see the winter forecast, don't just look at the snowfall, look at the ice. A tiny shift in temperature or moisture can change everything.

0.10" ice = slick roadways and sidewalks to get.
0.25" ice = turns roads into ice rinks and tree limbs begin to sag.
0.50" ice = causes significant power outages and very dangerous travel conditions.

A fraction of an inch makes a world of difference. Stay weather-aware and stay safe! Visit ReadyNC.gov/winter-weather for more tips.

12/20/2025

Santa and the grinch are leaving the station!

We will try to comment as we go to let everyone know where we are, if signal permits.
Here Is the route:
• Carriage Hill
• Highland at Prestwick
• Reserve at Prestwick
• The Village
• Mangum Farms
• Saddle Ridge
• Fletchers Pointe
• The Meadows
• Ella Ln.

12/15/2025

Get ready for an early holiday surprise! Santa is trading in his sleigh for a fire truck this Saturday and will be riding through town to wave hello and spread some festive cheer! Listen for the sirens as Santa makes his way down your streets!

Due to Santa's tight schedule and limited time before the big day, he can only visit the following subdivisions (in this order)
• Carriage Hill
• Highland at Prestwick
• Reserve at Prestwick
• The Village
• Mangum Farms
• Saddle Ridge
• Fletchers Pointe
• The Meadows
• Ella Ln.

If your neighborhood isn't on the list, don't worry! You can still catch a glimpse of Santa and the fire truck! Plan to park safely at the Dollar General or the Post Office and watch Santa as he leaves the station