Waccamaw Fire & Rescue Department

09/05/2026

REMINDER: BURN BAN STILL IN EFFECT FOR BRUNSWICK COUNTY’S UNINCORPORATED AREAS

PUBLIC NOTICE | Posted Sept. 4, 2026

BOLIVIA, N.C. – The Brunswick County Fire Marshal is reminding the community that a burn ban for the unincorporated areas is still in effect as of Friday, Sept. 4, 2026.

All burning within 100 feet of any structure is banned within the unincorporated areas of Brunswick County. An unincorporated area is an area not within a city or town’s limits. If you are located in a city or town, contact your local municipal official related to the burn ban.

The burn ban for the unincorporated areas has been in effect since Monday, June 8, 2026, due to significant drought conditions and fire danger risks the County has experienced throughout the summer months.

Brunswick County is still classified as an Extreme Drought (D3) county according to the most recent update from the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council (NCMDAC) on Thursday, Sept. 3. Some areas in the southern end of the county are also still experiencing Exceptional Drought (D4) conditions. These are the two highest tiers on the U.S. Drought Monitor’s scale.

The burn ban does not apply to any open burning permits issued by the North Carolina Forest Service.

All open burning of natural vegetation outside 100 feet of an occupied dwelling requires a permit from the North Carolina Forest Service. In addition, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality may require additional permits for certain types and locations of burning.

The burn ban will remain in place until conditions improve. Brunswick County will send out a notice when it is lifted and/or to communicate any necessary safety updates related to the burn ban. For questions about the burn ban, contact the Brunswick County Fire Marshal’s Office at 910.253.2041.

Visit Brunswick County’s Burn Ban / Open Burning webpage for more information about local burn bans and open burning regulations.

07/11/2026

🔥7/11/26 -- FIRE INFORMATION UPDATE: QUARRY ROAD FIRE🔥
SHALLOTTE (BRUNSWICK COUNTY)

The Quarry Road Fire ignited Friday, July 10 in Shallotte.

The N.C. Forest Service and Tri-Beach Fire Department are in unified command of the Quarry Road Fire. Multiple personnel and equipment resources are engaged. N.C. Forest Service aircraft are providing aerial support for wildland firefighters on the ground.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal along with several local fire departments and county agencies are providing incident support.

The public is reminded that firefighting engines and equipment are working and moving in the fire area. Motorists are urged to exercise caution, stay alert and avoid the area if possible.

📌Acreage and containment: Currently, the fire is 400-500 acres in size with an estimated 50% containment. Containment is estimated at this time as wildland firefighting crews remain actively engaged in suppression efforts. Percent containment represents sections of fire line that pose no escape risk without further action from firefighters.

📌Weather and Fire Behavior: Due to extreme heat, dry conditions and gusty winds, fire behavior is erratic. Firefighting personnel are addressing a spot fire that occurred this morning. Operational objectives are to get containment lines around the spot fire and to continue strengthening those lines. Spot fires occur when embers land on the unburned side of a fire line.

📌Smoke Impacts: The communities of Shallotte, St. James and Boiling Springs Lake may be impacted by smoke from the fire.

📌Evacuations / Closures: For evacuation orders and road closures, stay in tune with local Brunswick County emergency management channels for the most up-to-date information. https://brunswickcountync.gov/

📌Wildfires are a no-drone zone. Flying a drone near or over a wildfire is ILLEGAL. Don’t do it. Firefighting aircraft that respond to wildfires fly low in support of ground personnel. Drones can pose a serious threat to pilot and public safety. A drone that disrupts air operations also puts firefighters, residents and property at risk of loss to wildfire.

07/01/2026

As the 4th of July weekend approaches, The Waccamaw Volunteer Fire Department wants reminds everyone to follow best safety practices, state laws, and local rules concerning fireworks: https://ow.ly/l0GJ50ZirNp
The safest way to enjoy is to avoid using personal fireworks and go to professional displays instead. There are multiple events in Brunswick County you can attend: https://ow.ly/qHeR50StPVR
We want to remind everyone the unincorporated areas of Brunswick County are under a burn ban. See less

06/23/2026

June 21–27 is .

Knowing what to do during a thunderstorm can help keep you and your family safe.

During a storm:
• Seek shelter immediately in a building or hard-topped vehicle.
• Stay away from windows and doors.
• Avoid using electronic equipment that puts you in direct contact with electricity.
• Avoid showering, bathing, doing laundry, or washing dishes.

Get more lightning safety tips at https://nfpa.social/4dQJEEq

06/08/2026

Burn Ban Now in Effect 🚫🔥

The Brunswick County Fire Marshal is issuing a burn ban for the unincorporated areas within Brunswick County as of 5 pm. Monday, June 8, 2026. Read online: https://ow.ly/eIrm50Z92vl

Current and future weather forecast models indicate conditions that are not favorable to open burning, particularly due to increasing drought conditions and fire danger risks for this week.

All burning within 100 feet of any structure is banned within the unincorporated areas of Brunswick County. An unincorporated area is an area not within a city or town’s limits. If you are located in a city or town, contact your local municipal official related to the burn ban.

The burn ban does not apply to any open burning permits issued by the N.C. Forest Service.

All open burning of natural vegetation outside 100 feet of an occupied dwelling requires a permit from the North Carolina Forest Service. In addition, the NC Dept of Environmental Quality may require additional permits for certain types and locations of burning.

The burn ban will remain in place until conditions improve. Brunswick County will send out a notice when it is lifted and/or to communicate any necessary safety updates related to the burn ban. For questions about the burn ban, contact the Brunswick County Fire Marshal’s Office at 910.253.2041 or visit BrunswickCountyNC.gov/FireMarshal

Visit Brunswick County’s Burn Ban / Open Burning webpage for more information about local burn bans and open burning regulations: https://ow.ly/noJ350XhcjS

| Posted June 8, 2026 |

05/04/2026

05/02/2026

Please join the Waccamaw Fire Department in congratulating Firefighters Christopher Cox, Jeffrey Dobson, and Danny Ward on graduating tonight from the fire academy at Southeastern Community College.

03/28/2026

Update on May 4, 2026:
The Brunswick County Fire Marshal’s Office has lifted a ban on all open burning within 100 feet of an occupied structure for the unincorporated areas within Brunswick County effective at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 4, 2026. The N.C. Forest Service has lifted a ban on all open burning for 81 counties, including Brunswick County, effective at 8 a.m. on Sunday, May 3, 2026. The burn bans were originally issued on March 28, 2026. Details: https://ow.ly/cvQu50YKFq4

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Update on March 30, 2026:
In addition to the local burn ban, the North Carolina Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning, including land clearing, outside 100 feet of an occupied dwelling and has canceled all burning permits statewide effective 6 p.m. Saturday, March 28 until further notice. The issuance of any new permits has also been suspended until the ban is lifted. Read the full update from the North Carolina Forest Service: https://bit.ly/4dlzcXv

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Original Post on March 28, 2026:
Burn Ban Now in Effect 🚫🔥

The Brunswick County Fire Marshal is issuing a burn ban for the unincorporated areas within Brunswick County as of 8 a.m. Saturday, March 28, 2026. Read online: https://ow.ly/tnvO50YA2w9

Current and future weather forecast models indicate conditions that are not favorable to open burning, particularly due to increasing wind and fire danger risks for this weekend.

All burning within 100 feet of any structure is banned within the unincorporated areas of Brunswick County. An unincorporated area is an area not within a city or town’s limits. If you are located in a city or town, contact your local municipal official related to the burn ban.

The burn ban does not apply to any open burning permits issued by the N.C. Forest Service.

All open burning of natural vegetation outside 100 feet of an occupied dwelling requires a permit from the North Carolina Forest Service. In addition, the NC Dept of Environmental Quality may require additional permits for certain types and locations of burning.

The burn ban will remain in place until conditions improve. Brunswick County will send out a notice when it is lifted and/or to communicate any necessary safety updates related to the burn ban. For questions about the burn ban, contact the Brunswick County Fire Marshal’s Office at 910.253.2041 or visit BrunswickCountyNC.gov/FireMarshal

Visit Brunswick County’s Burn Ban / Open Burning webpage for more information about local burn bans and open burning regulations: https://ow.ly/noJ350XhcjS

| Posted March 28, 2026 | Updated May 4, 2026 |