NC OSFM

09/04/2026

🔥 Your Community Faces a Growing Wildfire Threat. Here's What to Do About It

North Carolina's wildland-urban interface is expanding. Dry conditions. Development in wooded areas. The risk is real.

But there's a solution: Fire-adapted communities.

The National Fire Academy is offering a two-day course on building WUI resilience. This isn't theoretical: you'll leave with an actionable plan for your community.

📍November 21-22 in Emmitsburg, Maryland
For fire chiefs, urban planners, emergency managers, and fire and life safety educators willing to take that first step.

Spots are filling up quickly, with less than 20 left. Register with Kim Williams at 919-647-0093 or [email protected] using the link in the comments below!

09/04/2026

🍔 As the holiday weekend approaches, NC OSFM knows many are excited for those backyard barbecues! Before you fire up that grill, let’s make sure everything is safe and sound.

Here are some quick safety tips to keep your Labor Day celebrations fun and worry-free this year:

✔️ Clean off any grease from the grill and trays
✔️ Check your propane tank for leaks
✔️ Look over your cords for any damage
✔️ Keep the grill at least 10 feet away from your home
✔️ And remember, never leave the grill unattended!

We're wishing NC a fantastic and safe Labor Day! 🎉

09/03/2026

09/02/2026

🔥Each September, National Emergency Preparedness Month serves as a reminder for Americans to get ready for potential disasters or emergencies at home. NC OSFM has teamed up with Safe Kids North Carolina to help remind NC families about safety this month and all year long! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 🌟 Visit our website to learn more, linked in the comments below 👇

Emergencies can strike without warning, especially when families might not know where to start. Don't put off safety in your home; here are some steps you can take now to safeguard your loved ones:

✔️ Assemble an emergency kit filled with essentials
✔️ Always check your smoke alarms
✔️ Stay updated on local threats and alerts
✔️ Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes in your area

Being prepared today can significantly impact tomorrow. Prepared communities lead to safer communities for all. Is one of these items already checked off your list? How are you keeping your family safe? Share this post with and tag us!

09/02/2026

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity! Join us for a full day of learning, networking, and practical strategies with fire service leaders, safety experts, and community partners from across North Carolina.

👉 Check out the Eventbrite link in the comments or scan our QR code. Remember to select "Attendee - General Admission" to get your confirmation with the venue address. Need assistance? Reach out to Allan Buchanan at [email protected] for more details.

Learn about NFPA updates, wildfires, carbon monoxide safety, community risk reduction, and effective educational messaging. Connect with fellow professionals and discover tools to enhance safety in your community.

Event Details:

📅 Tuesday, November 10, 2026
⏰ 8:30 AM to 3 PM
📍 Nashville, NC (venue details provided after registration)

This event is proudly hosted by NFPA, State Farm, NC OSFM, NC Association of Fire Chiefs, NC Fire Marshals' Association, and more.

09/01/2026

🔥 Exciting News! Join NC OSFM for WUI Fire Training: November 21-22 in Maryland!

We're helping to strengthen communities for a fire-adapted future! The National Fire Academy (NFA) is rolling out a fantastic two-day course focused on Wildland Urban Interface resilience, with support from NC OSFM to connect you with local leaders.

👥 Who Should Attend This Beginner Course?
Fire chiefs, marshals, emergency managers, community planners, risk reduction experts, and anyone eager to enhance wildfire resilience in their community!

Event Details:
🗓️ November 21-22, 2026
📍 Emmitsburg, Maryland
📝 Hurry, only 20 seats are available, and they're filling up fast! REGISTER NOW!

📞 Contact Kim Williams at 919-647-0093 or [email protected]
✉️ Monna Gillespie at [email protected]

Don't miss out! Share with your team and sign up today! 👇 Additional details are linked in the comments below!

09/01/2026

Starting September 1, 2026, applicants will have the option to schedule their NC Code Officials Qualification Board (COQB) exam through QUEST, the new remote online live-proctored testing option.
Here’s what you need to know:
*You must first receive authorization from the NC Code Officials Qualification Board to take the exam.
*Testing Options

Remote online live-proctored testing through QUEST
In-person testing at a PSI testing location

Through April 30, 2027: You may choose either remote or in-person testing.

Beginning July 1, 2027: All COQB exams will be administered remotely through online proctoring.

Important: You will select your testing method as part of the application process. Once your application is completed, you cannot change your exam method.

Questions about eligibility or authorization?

📞 Terri Tart, Certification Administrator: 919-647-0031
📧 [email protected]

📞 Renita Denton, Certification Assistant: 919-647-0005
📧 [email protected]

Please share this update with anyone preparing to take a COQB exam!

08/31/2026

Ready for the Next Level? Company Officer Training Starts Here at the NFA weekend.

The National Fire Academy's "Command and Control for the Company Officer" course gives you practical, real-world skills for leading at the company level. Two days. Covers incident management, preplanning, communications, and safety.

Who Should Apply:
Newly appointed company officers, firefighters with CO responsibilities, and anyone aspiring to that next leadership role.

What You Need:
✔️ Complete ICS-100 and ICS-200 training (online, available through NFA)
✔️ Complete Q0891: Foundations of Leadership and Operations (online, available through NFA)
✔️ Chief's signature confirming prerequisites

This is one of many classes that will be hosted during NFA State Weekend!
📅 November 20-22nd
📍 Emmitsburg, Maryland
Don't wait. Deadline to register is 9/30/2026! Details can be found in the link in the comments below.

📞 Contact Kim Williams at 919-647-0093 or [email protected]
✉️ Monna Gillespie at [email protected]

08/29/2026

SCAM ALERT: Please Be Aware of a Fraudulent Email

The North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has been made aware of a fraudulent email using State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor’s name and the OSFM name regarding a supposed piano donation.

This email is NOT from OSFM or Chief Brian Taylor.

If you receive an email about a piano donation or a similar request that appears to come from Chief Taylor or OSFM:

❌ DO NOT open the email or any attachments.
❌ DO NOT click on any links.
❌ DO NOT respond or provide personal, financial, or other information.
🗑️ Please delete the email immediately.

If you have already received this email, please do not interact with it. Simply delete it.

If you are ever unsure whether a message from OSFM is legitimate, verify the information through an official OSFM contact before taking any action.

Please share this post to help spread the word.