Columbus County Emergency Services

Columbus County Emergency Services Public Safety Department comprised of Emergency Management, Fire Marshal's Office and 911 Communications.
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05/10/2026

Columbus County Emergency Services responded yesterday, May 9, to storm damage in the Delco community following severe weather that moved through the area.

The National Weather Service in Wilmington has confirmed that the damage was caused by an EF1 tornado with estimated peak winds of 100 mph. The tornado was on the ground for approximately 1.38 miles, with a maximum width of 100 yards. The tornado began near Delco School Road and traveled east-northeast before dissipating near Fertilizer Road.

This storm formed very quickly. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries or fatalities.

Columbus County Emergency Services would like to thank Acme-Delco-Riegelwood Fire & Rescue for their quick response and dedicated service to their community. Their immediate actions helped protect residents, secure hazards, and support response efforts during a fast-moving and dangerous situation.

We also thank our public safety partners, utility crews, and community members who assisted during and after the storm.

Residents are reminded to report storm damage or hazards to the appropriate authorities.

Columbus County Burning Ban LiftedThe Columbus County burning ban is lifted effective Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 8:00 a.m.P...
05/03/2026

Columbus County Burning Ban Lifted

The Columbus County burning ban is lifted effective Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 8:00 a.m.

Please note: the state burn ban remains in effect for the following counties until further notice: Alamance, Anson, Cabarrus, Chatham, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Iredell, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Stanly, Stokes, and Union.

Residents are urged to continue using extreme caution with any outdoor burning. Conditions can change quickly, and spring wildfire season is still ongoing.

Before burning:

• Obtain a valid burning permit, if required.
• Check weather conditions before starting.
• Keep the fire at least 50 feet from any structure
• Keep water, a shovel, rake, or other firefighting tools nearby.
• Stay with the fire until it is completely extinguished.
• Do not burn during windy or unsafe conditions.

As a reminder, it is illegal to burn man-made materials such as tires, lumber, plastics, household garbage, and other prohibited items. Only approved natural vegetation such as leaves, limbs, and land-clearing debris may be burned.

For questions regarding local burning regulations in Columbus County, contact the Columbus County Fire Marshal’s Office at (910) 640-6610, ext. 3 or 5.

This week, April 12–18, 2026, Columbus County Emergency Services proudly recognizes National Public Safety Telecommunica...
04/13/2026

This week, April 12–18, 2026, Columbus County Emergency Services proudly recognizes National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

We want to thank the dedicated telecommunicators who answer the call when our citizens need help most. They are the calm voice in the chaos, the steady presence on the other end of the line, and the critical link between the public and emergency responders.

Day and night, they gather lifesaving information, provide instructions, dispatch help quickly, and support first responders in the field. Their work is demanding, fast-paced, and often unseen, but it is absolutely essential to public safety in Columbus County.

Thank you for your professionalism, compassion, and commitment to serving our community.

04/08/2026

For immediate release:

Fire crews from Columbus County are currently assisting Bladen County with a large grass fire in the Rosindale Road area near Council, NC. This fire is causing smoky conditions in parts of Columbus County and may also result in ash falling in some areas.

Citizens are urged to limit time outdoors in areas affected by smoke, especially those with breathing issues or other health concerns. Please avoid the Rosindale Road area if possible while emergency crews work to contain the fire.

🚫 BURN BAN IN EFFECT – COLUMBUS COUNTY 🚫Effective 6:00 PM on Saturday, March 28, a statewide burn ban has been issued du...
03/29/2026

🚫 BURN BAN IN EFFECT – COLUMBUS COUNTY 🚫

Effective 6:00 PM on Saturday, March 28, a statewide burn ban has been issued due to hazardous wildfire conditions.

Columbus County Fire Marshal's Office is enforcing this burn ban in conjunction with the North Carolina Forest Service. All open burning is prohibited until further notice.

⚠️ Violations will result in a citation, and individuals may be held responsible for the cost of fire suppression.

These conditions create a high risk for fast-spreading wildfires. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation in helping keep our community safe.

We will provide updates as soon as the burn ban is lifted.

Please be weather-aware tomorrow, Monday, March 16, as our area remains under a moderate risk of severe weather. Accordi...
03/15/2026

Please be weather-aware tomorrow, Monday, March 16, as our area remains under a moderate risk of severe weather. According to the National Weather Service briefing, multiple rounds of severe thunderstorms are possible throughout the day, with another squall line expected to move across the area later in the afternoon. Damaging winds, tornadoes, and large hail will all be possible. Even outside of thunderstorms, wind gusts could reach up to 45 mph.

The greatest concerns will be damaging straight-line winds, fast-moving tornadoes, and isolated large hail. The tornado threat may develop quickly both in storms ahead of the main line and within the squall line itself. The overall flash flooding risk appears low at this time, but minor flooding could still occur in areas that receive repeated rounds of rain.

Please make sure you are monitoring weather conditions closely throughout the day and have multiple ways to receive watches and warnings.

03/15/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Columbus County Emergency Operations Closely Monitoring Potential Severe Weather

Columbus County Emergency Operations is closely monitoring a developing weather system expected to impact Columbus County beginning tonight and continuing through Monday, with the greatest threat for severe weather expected on Monday.

County emergency officials are actively tracking forecast updates and maintaining communication with the National Weather Service as this system develops. Emergency Operations will continue monitoring conditions closely and will provide updates to the public through official county communication channels as new information becomes available.

A warm front is expected to move north through the area this evening, bringing showers and thunderstorms. Some storms this afternoon and evening could become strong, with the potential for isolated damaging wind gusts, hail, and possibly a tornado.

After a brief lull in activity this evening and early overnight, additional rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop overnight and continue into Monday. A squall line is forecast to move through the area Monday afternoon into the evening, bringing the greatest potential for severe weather across the region.

Forecast threats include damaging straight-line winds with scattered gusts greater than 60 miles per hour and isolated gusts that could exceed 75 miles per hour, the potential for tornadoes, and hail measuring between one and two inches in diameter. In addition, windy conditions are expected outside of thunderstorms, with south winds gusting between 35 and 45 miles per hour.

Residents are encouraged to closely monitor weather forecasts and remain alert for watches and warnings. Now is the time to review family emergency plans, ensure mobile devices are charged, secure outdoor items, and identify the safest place in your home should severe weather develop.

Columbus County Emergency Operations will continue to monitor the storm system closely and will share updates with the public as conditions change.

03/15/2026

OUTDATED INFORMATION, ORIGINALLY POSTED 2 PM SUNDAY MARCH 15...

The severe weather risk for tomorrow has been increased well-inland of the coast to a Moderate Risk (level 4 out of 5) while the risk outside of this zone remains Enhanced (level 3 out of 5), with the primary threats being damaging winds of 60-80 mph and tornadoes (including isolated strong tornadoes up to EF-2 strength), and a secondary risk for large hail generally up to 1-1.5" diameter. A squall line is expected to cross the area from west to east during Monday afternoon and evening with clusters of storms tracking northward ahead of this line starting as early as tonight.

View specific probabilities for each severe weather hazard here: https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day2otlk.html and learn what these risk categories mean here: https://www.spc.noaa.gov/about/outlooks/

We’re out here now at North Whiteville Volunteer Fire Department for their Community Day and would love to see you!747 P...
03/14/2026

We’re out here now at North Whiteville Volunteer Fire Department for their Community Day and would love to see you!

747 Peacock Rd, Whiteville, NC
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (going on right now)

Several first responders from around the community are here today. Bring the family, check out the trucks and equipment, and come spend a little time with us. 🚒🚑🚓

Address

131 W. Webster Street
Whiteville, NC
28472

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