Vance Fire Department

03/27/2026

SPREAD THE WORD‼️‼️

SC Forestry Commission to issue statewide burning ban, effective at 4 p.m. today

COLUMBIA—The South Carolina Forestry Commission is issuing a State Forester’s Burning Ban for all counties, effective at 4 p.m. today.

A State Forester’s Burning Ban prohibits all outdoor burning, including yard debris burning, prescribed burning, campfires, bonfires and other recreational fires in all unincorporated areas of the state.

The ban does not apply to fires used for the preparation of food or fires used in appropriate enclosures (portable outdoor fireplaces, chimineas or permanent fire pits constructed of stone, masonry, metal or other noncombustible material that conforms with all applicable South Carolina fire codes).

Forestry Commission officials say weather conditions over the next several days present a greatly elevated potential for fires igniting easily and spreading rapidly. Dangerously low relative humidities – reaching below 20% in some areas – combined with extremely dry fuels statewide and gusty winds will create a particularly volatile mix of wildfire risk factors throughout the weekend.

"In addition to the intensifying drought conditions, the weather we’re going to see statewide over the next several days makes it ripe for any fire that starts to burn intensely and move fast,” SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones said. "While these conditions can make wildfires ignite easily anywhere and make it more challenging for firefighters to contain, we’re really concerned about areas where events like Hurricane Helene and recent ice damage have led to higher amounts of fuel. This burning ban is necessary to limit ignitions to the maximum extent possible to prevent severe wildfires for public safety purposes."

The ban will stay in effect until further notice, which will come in the form of an official announcement from the Forestry Commission.

Shareable link:https://www.scfc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Advisory-StateForestersBurningBan-20260327.pdf

03/24/2026

🤘🏻🚒🔥TRAIN TO GAIN🔥🚒🤘🏻

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

03/16/2026

🚨 Severe Weather Alert – Vance Area 🚨

The Vance Fire Department is monitoring a potential threat for severe weather, including the possibility of tornadoes, damaging winds, and heavy rain moving through our area. Strong storms are expected to develop across parts of South Carolina, and some storms could become severe. 

⚠️ Possible Hazards
• Damaging straight-line winds
• Isolated tornadoes
• Heavy rainfall and lightning
• Downed trees and power lines

✅ Please take a few minutes now to prepare:
• Stay weather aware and monitor local forecasts
• Make sure you have a way to receive weather alerts overnight
• Identify a safe place in your home (lowest level, interior room away from windows)
• Secure loose outdoor items

🚒 Vance Fire Department personnel will be on standby and ready to respond if needed. We ask residents to use caution, stay informed, and avoid traveling during severe weather if possible.

If you experience an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Stay safe,
Vance Fire Department

02/14/2026

Roses are red,🌹
Fire trucks are too,🚒
When you call 911,📞
We’re coming for you. 🏃🏻‍➡️

This Valentine’s Day, we want to thank our amazing community for the love and support you show us all year long. Serving you isn’t just our job — it’s our honor.

Stay safe, stay warm, and know your fire department has your back ❤️

01/31/2026

⚠️ WINTER WEATHER ALERT FROM VANCE FIRE DEPARTMENT ⚠️
We are currently under a Winter Storm Warning and an Extreme Cold Warning. Our crews are out monitoring the situation, and we want you to stay safe and warm as conditions deteriorate.
❄️ CURRENT CONDITIONS:
Expect heavy snow accumulations through this evening with dangerous wind chills dropping near 0°F tonight.
🚫 STAY OFF THE ROADS:
Roads in and around Vance are becoming extremely hazardous. We urge you to stay home and keep the roads clear for emergency vehicles and SCDOT equipment. Bridges and overpasses will freeze first!
🏠 HOME SAFETY:
Pipes: Drip your faucets and keep cabinet doors open to prevent pipes from bursting.
Heating: Never use a charcoal grill or gas oven to heat your home. Keep space heaters at least three feet away from bedding or curtains.
Pets: Bring all outdoor pets inside. If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them.
📞 EMERGENCY CONTACTS:
For life-threatening emergencies, dial 911.
For non-emergency assistance or wellness checks, contact the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office.
Monitor local updates via the National Weather Service.
Stay safe, Vance! We’re in this together. 🚒❄️

Send a message to learn more

01/22/2026

Attention Vance Community! 🚒❄️

With freezing temperatures upon us, the Vance Fire Department urges everyone to take necessary precautions to stay safe and warm.

🕯️Check heating systems: Ensure your heating systems are working properly.

🚰Prevent pipes from freezing: Let faucets drip and keep cabinets open to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.

🧣Dress warmly: Layer up and cover exposed skin when outdoors.

Stay safe and look out for one another!

01/13/2026

🚒🔥 WE’RE RECRUITING – JOIN THE VANCE FIRE DEPARTMENT! 🔥🚒

Have you ever wanted to make a real difference in your community? The Vance Fire Department (Station 18) is looking for dedicated men and women to join our team and serve Vance and Orangeburg County, South Carolina.

You do NOT need experience — we provide training, gear, and support. All you need is a willingness to learn, a strong work ethic, and a heart for serving others.

👨‍🚒 What you’ll gain:
✔ Professional fire & emergency training
✔ Brotherhood & sisterhood
✔ Leadership skills
✔ Pride in serving your hometown
✔ A chance to be there when it matters most

📍 Serving Vance & Orangeburg County, SC
🚨 Station 18 | Volunteer Fire Department

If you’re ready to step up, give back, and be part of something bigger than yourself — we want to hear from you.

📩 Message us on Facebook or stop by the station to learn more.

🔥 Not all heroes wear capes… some wear turnout gear. 🔥

01/11/2026

🙏🤘🏻Huge thanks to Lucas Broggi for snapping these shots of our trucks!

🚒📷We had these beauties all cleaned up for the Christmas parade and he decided they were pretty enough to get their picture taken!

📸credit: Lucas Broggi

01/11/2026

‼️🚫🔥

FORESTRY COMMISSION ISSUING RED FLAG FIRE ALERT FOR 33 COUNTIES SUNDAY

The South Carolina Forestry Commission is issuing a Red Flag Fire Alert for 33 counties across the Midlands, P*e Dee and coastal regions of the state, effective at 6 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 11.

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. Land managers who are considering conducting prescribed burns should take extra care if they still choose to burn under a Red Flag.

The alert is being issued to discourage people from burning outdoors when weather conditions present an elevated risk of wildfire. In addition to dry fuels resulting from the lack of significant rain, forecasts are calling for very low relative humidity – below 25% – and gusty winds across much of the state tomorrow.

Counties excluded from the Red Flag Fire Alert have received what Forestry Commission officials believe is sufficient rainfall to avoid an abundance of wildfire ignitions. They include Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, Chester, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, Oconee, Pickens, Spartanburg, Union and York.

“The combination of dangerous conditions we’re going to see in the affected areas tomorrow are the classic ingredients for elevated wildfire risk, and they’re going to be vulnerable to fires that can escape easily 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.”

While portions of the mountains and Piedmont have received minimal rainfall this week, fuels are already very dry in some areas. Low relative humidity and high wind speeds contribute greatly to wildfire risk. while rain wets fuels, fine surface fuels dry rapidly under low humidity and strong winds creating high fire danger.

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/2026/01/Advisory-RedFlagFireAlert-20260110b.pdf