Turkey Volunteer Fire Department

06/18/2026

Increased Risk of Wildfire Due to High to Elevated Fire Danger -- Thursday, June 18, 2026

The National Weather Service has issued fire danger statements for central and eastern North Carolina. What does increased fire danger mean for you today?

🎯 Fires can start from the smallest spark.
🎯 Dry conditions and wind increase fire spread.
🎯 Everyday activities carry more risk right now.

Avoid burning, and be cautious with anything that could cause a spark. Properly dispose of smoking materials such as ci******es. Be extremely careful with machinery and farm equipment when working outdoors.

Contact your N.C. Forest Service county ranger's office for guidance.
ncforestservice.gov/contacts

Spread prevention, not wildfire.

06/18/2026

DID YOU KNOW? - The coastal plains region of NC contains extensive peat soils, especially in pecosin wetlands? Peat soil is decaying plant matter that has been accumulating for hundreds even thousands of years. When drought conditions persist like they have, it dries out this organic layer, and with the right conditions, this soil becomes similar to a pile of charcoal in your grill. This soil can continue to smolder for lenghty periods of time.

Why does the smoke last so long? - Many wildfires fires burn above ground with fuel such as pine needles, saplings, dried leaves, etc. But as stated above, when the soil is dry enough that fire can burn down into peat layers, these fires can continue to smolder underground for days, weeks, and even months without a significant rainfall event, such as a tropical system.

Why can't firefighters just put it out? - Sometimes the peat layer can extend several feet into the ground and it would take a substantial amount of finances to dam up and area and pump millions of gallons of water into a block of woods to flood it. This is especially difficult when a typical fire engine carries 500-1000 gallons of water and a tanker often carries 1500-3500 gallons of water. Plus, we are already in a drought, so it would not be environmentally responsible to take that much water from one location to another.

How long should residents expect to see smoke? - Unfortunately, smoke can remain visible long after the flames disappear. Peat fires often produce persistent smoke that lingers until the fire is completely extinguished. At night, when temperatures drop, this can cause smoke that has not been present all day to settle at ground levels, similar to fog, and spread out, often lifting mid-morning when the temperature outside rises.

For the last several days we have been dispatched to return the the area of Thompson Ave several times due to smoke visible in the area. We have responded several times to investigate and confirmed once again earlier this afternoon that all smoke and hot spots are still currently contained within the plow line created by NC Forestry. We want to remind people that conditions like this are typical for several days, and sometimes longer, and not to be alarmed. However, if you are ever in doubt, never be afraid to dial 911 and report the exact location or closest address to the location.

*Picture from previous fire*

06/16/2026

PSA for Thompson Ave, Bowden Rd, Billie Britt Rd, and West McGowan Rd residents:

Forestry officials are conducting a back burn today along the plow line that was created Saturday evening from the wildland fire around Thompson Ave. Fire Marshal units are on scene as well.

Back burning is a wildfire suppression tactic that removes vegetation and other fuels ahead of an active fire or to finish off unburned material in a controlled setting. This helps slow or stop active fire spread, helps to prevent fire advancement should there be any flare ups, and strengthens containment lines.

Residents in the area may see smoke today as crews carry out this operation. The smoke is expected and is part of ongoing efforts to improve fire control and reduce the risk of future flare-ups. Please use caution if traveling in the area and be aware of changing smoke conditions.

06/15/2026

Follow the link below or contact any member to support us! Thank you!

https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/tvfd8/SportsmansRaffle

06/14/2026

*Update*

All fire units are clear and all roads are now open with the exception of Pine Ridge Rd. It is partially open with DOT on scene for just a little while longer clearing part of the roadway. Please drive through there safely!

Road Alert – Please Use Caution

📍 Pine Ridge Road (near Lake Arista)
• Tree down blocking/partially blocking the road
• Waiting on DOT crews to clear
• Use caution if traveling in this area

📍 Pope Road
• Tree down affecting the roadway
• Use caution

Will update when these roads are fully reopened.

06/14/2026

*Update*
Lake Artesia rd is back open.

PSA:

Lake Artesia Rd is currently closed between Pine Ridge Rd and Junious Lucas Rd for an extended amount of time due to a wreck involving 3 vehicles and storm debris. We will provide an update once the road is back open.

06/14/2026

🔥 Woods Fire Update – Turkey Volunteeer Fire Department Sampson County 🔥
Turkey Volunteer Fire Department, along with Clinton Fire Department, Warsaw Fire Department, Faison Fire Department, the North Carolina Forest Service, Sampson County Fire Marshal's Office, and Sampson County EMS responded to a reported outside fire earlier today.
Upon arrival, crews located a large woods fire in the area between Thompson Avenue and Bowden Road near Billie Britt Road. The fire was initially estimated at 50–100 acres but has since grown and is currently estimated at approximately roughly 300 acres.
Protecting nearby structures quickly became a priority on multiple sides of the fire. Unfortunately, one structure sustained damage as a result of the fire.
North Carolina Forest Service personnel have completed an initial plow line around the fire. Personnel from Turkey Volunteer Fire Department, the North Carolina Forest Service, and the Sampson County Fire Marshal's Office remain on scene monitoring conditions and supporting suppression efforts. All other assisting agencies have been released from the incident.
⚠️ Residents should expect smoke to remain in the area overnight and for the next several days. Please use caution when traveling in the area, as smoke may reduce visibility on roadways.
We appreciate the efforts of all responding agencies and personnel working to contain this fire and protect our community.
🚒🌲🔥

05/25/2026

05/20/2026

Thank you Smithfield Foods for your continued support.

SMITHFIELD, Va., May 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Smithfield Foods has awarded more than $280,000 in Impact Grant funding to 12 nonprofit organi...