Upper Hominy Volunteer Fire & Rescue Dept., Inc.

04/22/2026

04/15/2026

Since the state-issued ban on open burning was enacted March 28, a total of 554 wildfires has burned more than 2,200 acres across the state. With little rainfall or improvement expected over the next 7-10 days, the statewide burn ban and enforcement action will continue until further notice.

Of the 554 wildfires that have burned since the burn ban took effect, only four have been determined to be the result of lightning strikes. Preliminary data indicates that 152 of those 554 wildfires were determined to be human caused, with the remainder listed as unknown or undetermined, likely pending law enforcement investigation and action. Since the state’s burn ban took effect, 150 citations have been issued for illegal burning.

During a state-issued burn ban, the same N.C. Forest Service personnel providing initial and extended attack for wildfire response are providing the necessary enforcement action to support the ban on open burning. Reducing the number of new ignitions is critical for sustaining adequate resource availability for an extended period, making state-issued bans a necessary tool for keeping wildfires contained and as small as possible until fully extinguished.

The public is urged to abide by the burn ban and to use extreme caution with farm equipment, machines, mowers, vehicles on dry grass, smoking materials such as ci******es, anything that can throw a spark. In current high-risk conditions, these could be a possible fire source. While not classified as open burning and not affected by the state’s ban on open burning, they are still contributors to new fire starts across the state.

Read news release: https://www.ncagr.gov/news/press-releases/2026/04/14/statewide-burn-ban-and-enforcement-continue-dry-conditions-persist

03/29/2026

The Buncombe County Fire Marshal's Office is issuing an open burning ban effective Saturday, March 28.

03/29/2026

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

03/24/2026

Our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters at Reems Creek Fire and Rescue.

01/01/2026

Fire danger is elevated across most of the state today. Outdoor burning is NOT recommended. Dry grasses, dead leaves and other vegetative debris could easily ignite and spread quickly.

Spread prevention, not wildfire.

Before burning, contact your local N.C. Forest Service county ranger’s office for guidance. Contacts: https://bit.ly/3lpoWR0

For safe outdoor burning and wildfire prevention best practices: www.preventwildfirenc.org.

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas from Upper Hominy Fire and Rescue. We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season.

12/14/2025

At our recent Christmas Party, Upper Hominy was able to honor two of our employee/members. Garrick Tilson who is a Lieutenant on B-shift was presented with the Firefighter of the Year award which is voted on by the employees. Garrett Fedock was awarded a Chiefs Accommodation for his work this year. Garrett is a Volunteer Lieutenant and part-time employee. He also oversees out volunteer training. Thank you guys for the hard work you do and congratulations.

12/03/2025

B-shift along with some of our part-time and volunteers doing some wilderness, UTV and ropes rescue training with the staff at Pisgah View State Park.

11/16/2025

The National Weather Service has issued a **🚩RED FLAG WARNING🚩** for North Carolina counties.
👉Review weather alerts for North Carolina: https://bit.ly/40DsGTW

A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures will create dangerous fire behavior.

Fire danger is elevated across the state. While open burning is permitted during a red flag, it is NOT advised. Please postpone all outdoor burning.

Careless debris burning is the leading cause of wildfires in North Carolina, and you are our best defense against wildfire.
👉For wildfire readiness and prevention tips: preventwildfirenc.org

11/13/2025

Sealed bid: Cub Cadet zero turn mower, no engine issues, approx 1000 hrs. Needs steering components replaced, min bid of $500. Bids can be sent to [email protected], or mailed to PO Box 190 Candler NC 28715.