Pender County Emergency Services

10/31/2026

⏰ DON'T FORGET TO CHECK YOUR SMOKE ALARMS! 🔥

With the time change approaching, Pender County Emergency Services is reminding everyone to take a few minutes to check their smoke alarms and make sure they're working properly.

Traditionally, we recommend changing the batteries in your smoke alarms when you change your clocks. However, if you have smoke alarms equipped with sealed, 10-year batteries, there's no need to replace the batteries every time the clocks change.

These sealed-battery smoke alarms are designed with a non-replaceable battery that lasts the life of the alarm, typically 10 years. Just remember:

✅ Test your alarms using the test button.

✅ Make sure alarms are installed on every level of your home and inside and outside sleeping areas.

✅ If you have traditional battery-powered alarms, replace the batteries as needed.

✅ If you have sealed 10-year battery alarms, test them regularly and replace the entire alarm when it reaches its expiration date or begins chirping due to a low battery.

🚨 Remember: Smoke alarms save lives, but only if they work!

A few minutes today could make all the difference tomorrow.

Stay safe, Pender County!

10/29/2026

Today, we proudly held the traditional push-in ceremony for Truck 16, officially welcoming this new apparatus into service!

We want to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who came out to celebrate this milestone with us. Your support means a great deal to our firefighters and to the community we are honored to serve.

Truck 16 replaces our 2007 ladder truck, which has served the citizens of Pender County faithfully for many years. We are grateful for the countless calls answered, the firefighters supported, and the lives protected by that apparatus throughout its service.

As we turn the page and put Truck 16 to work, we look forward to the years of service ahead. This new addition represents our continued commitment to providing our firefighters with the tools they need to protect our growing community.

Thank you again to everyone who joined us today and continues to support Pender County Emergency Services!

10/19/2026

10/18/2026

10/12/2026

Pender County Emergency Services will host its inaugural Fire Recruit Graduation & Emergency Services Promotional Ceremony on Friday, November 6, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Hampstead Annex, located at 15060 US-17 in Hampstead.

The ceremony marks an important milestone for the newly established Pender County Emergency Services, bringing together personnel from Fire, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and the Fire Marshal’s Office to recognize career advancement and celebrate the accomplishments of its personnel.

The event will recognize the graduation of the county’s newest fire recruits as they complete their training and prepare to serve the community. The ceremony will also recognize promotions and career advancements among Fire, EMS, and Fire Marshal’s Office personnel, highlighting the continued growth and development of the organization.

As the inaugural ceremony for Pender County Emergency Services, the event reflects the organization’s commitment to its personnel and the important role they play in protecting the residents and visitors of Pender County.

Pender County Emergency Services invites the public to attend and join in celebrating these important career milestones. Community members, family, and friends are encouraged to come out and show their support for the individuals who dedicate their careers to serving Pender County.

Event Details
• Date: Friday, November 6, 2026
• Time: 6:00 p.m.
• Location: Hampstead Annex
• Address: 15060 US-17, Hampstead, NC 28443

10/08/2026

Our thoughts and prayers are with the men and women of the Durham Fire Department following the tragic loss of one of their own in the line of duty.

We stand with our brothers and sisters in Durham during this incredibly difficult time. Our deepest condolences go out to the firefighter’s family, loved ones, coworkers, and the entire Durham Fire Department family.

The fire service is a brotherhood and sisterhood that extends far beyond our individual departments and communities. When one of us falls, we all feel the loss.

Please keep Durham Fire Department and the fallen firefighter’s family in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate the days ahead.

10/07/2026

U.S. Highway 17 Reopens Following Propane Leak in Scotts Hill

Pender County, NC – Pender County Emergency Services reports that all lanes of U.S. Highway 17 in the Scotts Hill area are now open to traffic following an earlier propane leak involving an underground storage tank.

Emergency crews remain on scene as hazardous materials personnel continue operations to safely mitigate the incident. The Wilmington Fire Department Hazardous Materials Regional Response Team has established equipment on the tank to facilitate a controlled burn-off of the remaining propane.

Responding agencies include Pender County Emergency Services, Wilmington Fire Department, Pender County Sheriff’s Office, New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, and North Carolina Emergency Management.

While the highway is fully open, motorists are urged to use caution when traveling through the area and to be alert for emergency personnel, vehicles, and equipment operating near the roadway. Drivers are asked to slow down and provide crews with adequate space to safely complete their work.

Emergency personnel will remain on scene until the operation is complete and the area has been determined to be safe.

Pender County Emergency Services thanks motorists and the community for their patience and cooperation throughout the response.

10/07/2026

*** TRAFFIC/GAS LEAK UPDATE ***

Highway 17 Propane Leak Update – Scotts Hill Area
Pender County, NC –

Pender County Emergency Services is providing an update regarding the propane leak along U.S. Highway 17 in the Scotts Hill area.

Emergency crews remain on scene, including Pender County Emergency Services, the Wilmington Fire Department Hazardous Materials Regional Response Team, Pender County Sheriff’s Office, New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, and North Carolina Emergency Management.

An underground propane tank has been identified as the source of the leak. Hazardous materials personnel have connected specialized equipment to the tank to initiate a controlled burn-off procedure of the remaining propane. This operation is being conducted to safely remove the remaining product from the tank and mitigate the hazard.

As a result of the ongoing operation, northbound U.S. Highway 17 will be reduced to a single lane in the area of Scotts Hill until the operation is completed.

Motorists traveling through the area are asked to use caution, reduce their speed, and provide adequate room for emergency personnel and equipment working along the roadway. Drivers are encouraged to avoid the area if possible and allow additional travel time.

Emergency personnel will continue to monitor the situation and provide additional updates as conditions change.

Pender County Emergency Services appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation while crews work to safely resolve the incident.

🚨 TRAFFIC ALERT – HIGHWAY 17 CLOSED

U.S. Highway 17 is currently closed in the area of Scotts Hill Loop Road in Hampstead due to a gas leak.

Emergency crews are on scene working to address the situation. Motorists are urged to avoid the area and seek an alternate route.

Please use caution and allow emergency crews room to work.

We will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

Please avoid the area until further notice.

10/07/2026

*** Water Wednesday ***

🚒 Hydrant Testing Starts This Month

Pender County Emergency Services will begin testing fire hydrants in Pender county this month.

-October 5th-16th: 18 -Scotts Hill District
-October 19th-30th: 16-Hampstead District
-November 2nd-November 13th: 14-Sloop Point District
-November 16th-27th: 28-Island Creek District
-November 30th- Dec 4th: 21-Long Creek District
-December 7th- 18th: 29-Currie District
-January 4th- 8th: 31-Penderlea District
-January 11th-15th: 17-Penderlea District

Why we do this:
Hydrant flow testing checks that each hydrant can deliver enough water at the right pressure for firefighting. Crews also flush the lines to clear sediment that builds up over time. Regular testing keeps the water system ready for an emergency and helps us spot hydrants that need repair.
What you may notice:
- Water flowing from hydrants into the street
- Temporary drops in water pressure
- Discolored or cloudy water (often brown or rusty) after testing
This is normal and usually clears within a few hours.

Please do not open or operate hydrants yourself, and give crews room to work safely.

10/06/2026

Charge on a hard, flat surface like a table, desk, or floor. Beds,
couches, and pillows can trap heat and block airflow, which can
cause a battery to overheat. For more info: fpw.org.