Columbus County Emergency Services

09/11/2026

09/08/2026

September 8th, 2026
UPDATE: BOAT RAMP REOPENED

The boat ramp has been reopened and is now accessible.

We would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while search and recovery efforts were underway.

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‼️ NC WILDLIFE BOAT RAMP CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE ‼️

The boat ramp on Canal Cove Road in Lake Waccamaw, NC, is currently closed until further notice due to the ongoing search for a missing person on the lake.

We ask everyone to please stay off the lake and avoid the boat ramp area so that search efforts can continue safely and without interference.

Thank you for your understanding, cooperation, and respect for the family and everyone involved. We will provide an update when the ramp reopens.

07/24/2026

⚠️ FLOOD WATCH — COLUMBUS COUNTY ⚠️

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Columbus County. Periods of heavy rainfall are expected from midday Friday through Saturday night.

Rainfall totals of 2–4 inches are possible, which may cause quickly rising water in low-lying areas, poor-drainage locations, and along roadways. Flooding may be isolated, but where it occurs, it could be significant.

A few strong to severe thunderstorms are also possible Friday afternoon, with damaging winds as the primary threat.

07/02/2026

Columbus County Emergency Services is monitoring the potential for dangerous heat across our area this holiday weekend. The National Weather Service is forecasting heat of possibly 105° or higher, with the hottest conditions expected through the weekend.

To help residents stay safe, Columbus County is sponsoring hydration stations with free bottles of water at the following locations:

📍 Chadbourn Fire & Rescue
📍 Nakina Fire & Rescue
📍 Whiteville City Fire Department
📍 Lake Waccamaw Fire Department

📅 Friday, July 3 – Sunday, July 5
⏰ 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Please take precautions if you will be outside. Stay hydrated, take breaks in the shade or in air-conditioned areas, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, and check on elderly neighbors, children, outdoor workers, and anyone without reliable cooling.

Thank you to our local fire departments for helping keep our community safe!

Nakina Fire and Rescue
Klondyke-Chadbourn Fire and Rescue
City of Whiteville Fire Department
Lake Waccamaw Fire-Rescue

Stay cool. Stay hydrated. Stay safe.

07/01/2026

Heat Advisory Expected – Columbus County

Heat index values could reach 105-110 degrees this afternoon, with heat index values possibly exceeding 105 degrees from Friday through Sunday.

Safety Recommendations:
Stay hydrated throughout the day.
Avoid prolonged time outdoors during the hottest hours.
Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
Take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned spaces.
Check on elderly family members, neighbors, and pets.
Use extra caution during outdoor work, recreation, and travel.

This heat event is expected to intensify as the weekend approaches, and officials encourage residents to monitor updated forecasts and remain alert for possible heat advisories.

06/18/2026

Heat Advisory & Increased Fire Danger – Columbus County

Columbus County is under a Heat Advisory today with afternoon heat index values expected to reach 105–110°F. Gusty winds up to 30 mph and dry fuels will also create increased fire danger across southeast NC.

Please limit outdoor activity, stay hydrated, check on children, older adults, and pets. Showers and storms are possible later this evening into Friday.

05/10/2026

NWS Storm Survey finds EF1 Tornado Damage near Delco May 9, 2026. A storm survey conducted by the National Weather Service in Wilmington has confirmed an EF1 tornado touched down near Delco, NC on May 9, 2026. Wind speeds were estimated between 90 and 100 mph. Read the full damage survey at the link below.
https://partnerservices.nws.noaa.gov/products/cache/130-2026/PNSILM/69744c8cbee5cf0eead2bc926fb0b1f2

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.

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.

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.