Williams Township Volunteer Fire Department

03/28/2026

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

03/28/2026

Effective Saturday, March 28 at 8 a.m., the National Weather Service has issued a ** 🚩🚩RED FLAG WARNING🚩🚩** for some North Carolina counties. For counties that aren’t under a red flag, fire danger is still critical. Review weather alerts for North Carolina at weather.gov.

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.

While open burning is permitted during a red flag, it is NOT advised. Please postpone ALL outdoor burning. If there was ever a time to show you can follow instructions the first time they are given, it’s now.

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

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OUTDATED INFORMATION, ORIGINALLY POSTED 2 PM SUNDAY MARCH 15...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

01/31/2026

01/20/2026

🚨 WINTER WEATHER ALERT – ICE EXPECTED THIS WEEKEND 🚨

Columbus County is expected to experience winter weather this weekend, with ice accumulation more likely than snow. Ice can be especially dangerous and may lead to slick roadways, downed trees, and power outages.

The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office urges everyone to begin preparing now and to check on elderly neighbors, those without reliable heat, and anyone who may be vulnerable during freezing conditions.

“Ice storms can be unpredictable and dangerous,” said Sheriff Bill Rogers. “Our priority is the safety of our residents. Please take this weather seriously, limit travel if possible, and make sure you have a plan in place. If you or someone you know needs warmth and shelter, help is available.”

🔥 COMMUNITY WARMING CENTER AVAILABLE

The Facts of Life Church is operating a community warming center to assist those in need during freezing temperatures.

📍 Location: Behind the church at 506 N. Lee Street, Whiteville
🕖 Hours: 7:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m. (when temperatures drop below 40°F)
🍲 Services Provided:
• Warm place to sleep
• Hot dinner
• Hygiene kits, water, and snacks

The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office has also supplied this location with our mobile shower trailer to further support individuals seeking shelter.

❄️ WINTER STORM SAFETY TIPS

✔ Avoid unnecessary travel—ice is more dangerous than snow
✔ Keep phones charged and have flashlights ready
✔ Do not use grills or generators indoors
✔ Keep a small emergency kit (water, snacks, medications)
✔ If using space heaters, keep them away from flammable items
✔ Check on neighbors, especially seniors and those without power

The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office will continue monitoring conditions and sharing updates as this system moves closer. Please stay weather-aware and stay safe.

12/14/2025

Tonight we had our annual Christmas Party and as always we awarded Firefighter of The Year!! Please help us congratulate Reid Singletary in being awarded the 2025 Firefighter of the Year!!!

10/25/2025

As we enter the final days of Fire Prevention Month, make sure you have a plan of escape if your house catches on fire.

10/17/2025

Great news for residents of the Williams Township Community!!

If you are in need of new smoke detectors please contact us by sending a direct message to our FB account. Thanks to Columbus County Emergency Services and NC OSFM we have been given BRAND NEW SMOKE DETECTORS to install in homes located in our district.

Help us keep the residents of Columbus County Safe!!

Take a look at this NC OSFM link to help better educate yourself on smoke detector safety tips.

https://www.ncosfm.gov/community-risk-reduction/fire-prevention-education/smoke-alarms

09/29/2025

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