Union Volunteer Fire Department Vale

N.C. Forest Service Lifts Burn Ban for 81 Counties Effective Sunday, May 3

RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Forest Service has lifted the statewide ban on all open burning for 81 counties, effective at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 3, 2026.

The ban, which went into effect on March 28 due to extremely hazardous fire conditions caused by prolonged drought, is being lifted in most of the state following recent rainfall and improved conditions. However, it remains in effect for the following 19 counties until further notice:

- Alamance
- Anson
- Cabarrus
- Chatham
- Davidson
- Davie
- Forsyth
- Gaston
- Guilford
- Iredell
- Mecklenburg
- Montgomery
- Moore
- Randolph
- Rockingham
- Rowan
- Stanly
- Stokes
- Union

**Important Reminders for Allowed Counties:**

- The lifting of the ban does **not** apply to fires started within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. Local fire marshals still have authority to issue or restrict burning in those areas.
- All previously issued burn permits were canceled when the statewide ban began. Residents in the 81 counties where the ban has been lifted must obtain a new burn permit before conducting any open burning.
- Burn permits are available online at the NC Forest Service permit portal or through authorized local permitting agents.

This is a significant relief for many landowners, farmers, and residents who rely on controlled burning for land management, debris removal, and forestry practices.

Residents are still strongly encouraged to use extreme caution when burning, follow all permit conditions, and monitor local weather and fire danger ratings.

For the most up-to-date information on burn bans and fire danger in your area, check with your local NC Forest Service county ranger or visit the official NC Forest Service resources.

It finally rained! That’s means we can burn again! Actually…. Not quite…. 

The North Carolina Forrester service still has a state wide burn ban in effect. As hard as it might be, please reframe from any outside burning, and thank you for your cooperation!

Thank you so much to our amazing community for showing up today for the UVFD Bryan Schronce Memorial Foundation Wiffleball Tournament ❤️

This tournament supports the Bryan Schronce Memorial Scholarship Fund, and because of our community, our players, and our sponsors, we’re able to help local seniors continue their education in Bryan’s memory.

Our reigning champs, Team Almost, took home the trophy again after a pouring rain championship, scoring the winning run in overtime against Team Hits and Giggles 🏆

We truly can’t say thank you enough to everyone who made today possible, especially our players and sponsors:

Angie Warlick with Century 21
Anchor-Richey EVS
Billy J. Roland Insurance Agency, Inc.
Bumgarner Oil
Carolina Eye Care
Carolina Federal Credit Union
First Federal Savings Bank
Gashaus
Hamptons Wrecker Service, Inc.
Hull’s Grove Joy Norman’s Cafe
MES
Power Generation and Control, Inc.
Sain & Heavner Trucking Co.
Scates & Sellers CPA PA
Sun Drop
West Express
Workman Construction
27 West

🚨 Mutual Aid Fire 🚨

On 4/23/26 Union Fire Department was dispatched to assist North 321 Fire Department with a commercial structure fire.

Union units on scene:
-Tanker 63
-Truck 60

🚨Burn Ban🚨

The state wide burn ban is still in affect across the state of the NC. No burning is allowed at this time.

Statewide burn ban will be in effect starting at 6pm this evening. All burning permits are cancelled. Please refrain from outdoor burning.

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

Please refrain from outdoor burning today! No burn ban is in effect currently.

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

It is with deep sorrow and profound respect that the Union Volunteer Fire Department announces the passing of Bob Scronce, a dedicated volunteer and lifelong servant to our community.

Bob proudly served with the Union Volunteer Fire Department from 1964 to 2020, giving more than five decades of unwavering commitment, leadership, and compassion. He served as Fire Chief from 1986 to 1994, guiding the department with integrity, strength, and a true firefighter’s heart.

Bob’s legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, the firefighters he mentored, and the foundation he helped build for the department we are today. His service exemplified selflessness, dedication, and love for his community.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the honor of serving alongside him. Bob Scronce will always be remembered as a true brother of the fire service and a pillar of the Union Volunteer Fire Department.

Rest easy, Chief. Your watch is complete. 🚒❤️

Obituary information for Bobby Gene Scronce View Bobby Gene Scronce's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

Congratulations goes out to Union firefighter/EMT Casey Knepp on her graduation from the Charlotte Fire Department. We are all proud of you!

Congratulations to the 14 recruits of Charlotte Fire Recruit Class 133 as they graduate today at the Charlotte Fire Training Academy.

Kevin Benjamin, Noah Boyd, Jesse Couick, Matthew Deloach, Ryan Drew, Andrew Harris, Hunter Hess, Donald Hill, Casey Knepp, Juan Morales, Ryan Mullan, Travis Thomas, Kohlman Whitfield, Dylan Williams.

Each of them has earned their place in the Charlotte Fire family through commitment, resilience, and a shared dedication to serve our community. We are proud to welcome them as they begin their careers protecting the Queen City.

Last night we celebrated our annual Union Fire Department Christmas Dinner, and it was a special one!

Engine 60 was officially placed into service — a huge milestone for our department. 🚒

We also honored this year’s award recipients, recognizing Firefighter of the Year Wayne Bridges, Firefighter Officer of the Year David Wokman, Auxiliary Officer of the year Meredith Davis and Auxiliary Member of the Year Kristy Leonard. Congratulations to all who were recognized for their dedication and service.

A great night of food, appreciation, and community as we close out another year. ❤️🎄