West Rowan VFD

🚫🔥 Burn Ban Update 🔥🚫

The North Carolina Forest Service has lifted burn bans in 81 counties across the state.

However, Rowan County and surrounding counties remain under an active burn ban. All open burning is still prohibited in these areas.

Please be advised that fines and enforcement actions are continuing to be implemented by the N.C. Forest Service for any violations. Individuals may be held responsible for damages resulting from illegal burning.

We urge all residents to remain vigilant and adhere to current restrictions to ensure the safety of our communities and natural resources.

Be responsible. Do not burn.

Folks please remember the burn ban is still in affect. Please do not burn!!

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Since the state-issued ban on open burning was enacted March 28, a total of 554 wildfires has burned more than 2,200 acres across the state. With little rainfall or improvement expected over the next 7-10 days, the statewide burn ban and enforcement action will continue until further notice.

Of the 554 wildfires that have burned since the burn ban took effect, only four have been determined to be the result of lightning strikes. Preliminary data indicates that 152 of those 554 wildfires were determined to be human caused, with the remainder listed as unknown or undetermined, likely pending law enforcement investigation and action. Since the state’s burn ban took effect, 150 citations have been issued for illegal burning.

During a state-issued burn ban, the same N.C. Forest Service personnel providing initial and extended attack for wildfire response are providing the necessary enforcement action to support the ban on open burning. Reducing the number of new ignitions is critical for sustaining adequate resource availability for an extended period, making state-issued bans a necessary tool for keeping wildfires contained and as small as possible until fully extinguished.

The public is urged to abide by the burn ban and to use extreme caution with farm equipment, machines, mowers, vehicles on dry grass, smoking materials such as ci******es, anything that can throw a spark. In current high-risk conditions, these could be a possible fire source. While not classified as open burning and not affected by the state’s ban on open burning, they are still contributors to new fire starts across the state.

Read news release: https://www.ncagr.gov/news/press-releases/2026/04/14/statewide-burn-ban-and-enforcement-continue-dry-conditions-persist

🚩🚨🚩🚨🚩🚨 BURN BAN BEING ISSUED FOR THE ENTIRE STATE BEGINNING AT 6PM🚨🚩🚨🚩

🚩 RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT 🚩

Don’t let this little bit of rain fool you — we are still under a Red Flag Warning.

Conditions remain dangerous for fire spread, and it only takes one spark to start a wildfire.

🔥 Tomorrow is NOT the day to be burning.
We highly encourage everyone to wait to burn until conditions are safe.

Please do your part to protect our community:

- Avoid all outdoor burning
- Be cautious with anything that can spark
- Report any smoke or fire immediately

🚒 West Rowan VFD is here to protect you — help us by staying safe.

🚨🔥 INCREASED FIRE DANGER ALERT – 🔥🚨
Our area is currently experiencing high fire risk due to dry conditions, wind, and low humidity. Outdoor and woods fires can start quickly and spread fast.

Well folks its no secret we have some weather coming in tomorrow. Please keep your eyes peeled and stay safe. We're here if you need us!

The area is currently under a Winter Storm Warning, and hazardous conditions are expected to continue worsening. The Fire Department urges residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stay off roadways whenever possible. If travel is unavoidable, please reduce speeds and allow extra time to reach your destination safely. Anyone going outdoors should dress in warm layers to prevent cold-related injuries. If using space heaters, ensure they are placed well away from flammable materials and never left unattended. Residents are also reminded to verify that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and functioning properly. Your cooperation helps keep you, your family, and first responders safe during this winter storm.

Important Winter Weather Safety Advisory: As we anticipate winter weather this weekend, we urge everyone to exercise caution and follow these essential safety tips: -Avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary, as road conditions will be hazardous.
-Ensure generators and grills are used outdoors only.
-Keep flashlights readily available in case of power outages.
-Check on elderly neighbors and prioritize their safety.
-Please be aware that response times may be delayed, but our teams will respond as quickly and safely as possible.
-If you encounter a vehicle in a ditch or with yellow tape, it has already been attended to, so no need to call 911.
-Maintain a safe distance between space heaters and flammable materials.
-Lastly, ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly. Stay safe!

Members of the West Rowan Fire Department participated today in a live burn training exercise in collaboration with the China Grove Fire Department. Training exercises of this nature are critical to maintaining proficiency, preparedness, and operational effectiveness in firefighting operations.

West Rowan personnel actively participated in the burn evolution and also provided operational support by staffing a backup engine, tanker, and brush truck. We extend our sincere appreciation to the China Grove Fire Department and Chief Stewart for their hospitality and for providing a high-quality training opportunity.