Northwest Harnett Fire Department

10/08/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Live Fire Training Exercise – October 17, 2026
Location: 3189 Kipling Road, Fuquay-Varina, NC

Northwest Harnett Fire Department will be conducting a live fire training exercise at a residential structure located at 3189 Kipling Road, Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

The training exercise is designed to provide firefighters with valuable hands-on experience and enhance their ability to respond safely and effectively to residential structure fires.

Public Notice and Traffic Impacts

Residents and motorists in the surrounding area should be aware of the following temporary conditions during the exercise:

Smoke in the area: Smoke will be visible from the training site and may be seen from surrounding neighborhoods and roadways. This smoke is associated with the planned training exercise.

Traffic restrictions: One lane of Kipling Road will be closed to traffic between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM on October 17, 2026. Motorists should expect delays, exercise caution when traveling through the area, and follow all posted signs and directions from emergency personnel.

Emergency vehicles: Fire apparatus and other emergency vehicles will be operating in and around the training site throughout the exercise.

Northwest Harnett Fire Department appreciates the public's patience and cooperation as we conduct this important training. These exercises help ensure our firefighters are prepared to protect the lives and property of the communities we serve.

For everyone's safety, please use caution when traveling through the area and avoid entering the training site.

Thank you for your cooperation and continued support.

Northwest Harnett Fire Department

10/02/2026

🚒 Congratulations and Happy Retirement, Fire Chief Chris Prince! 🚒

On September 30, 2026, Northwest Harnett Fire Department said farewell to a true cornerstone of our department as Fire Chief Chris Prince retired after an incredible 36 years of dedicated service.

Chris was not only a dedicated firefighter and leader, but also a charter member of Northwest Harnett Fire Department. During his 36 years of service, he proudly served as Fire Chief for 25 years, dedicating countless hours to protecting our community and making our department stronger for the generations that followed.

Throughout his career, Chris served on numerous advisory boards throughout Harnett County and was a tremendous advocate for the fire service. He served as President of the Harnett County Fire Chiefs Association five times and Vice President four times, demonstrating the respect and confidence his fellow fire service leaders had in him.

Under Chris's leadership, Northwest Harnett Fire Department saw tremendous growth and progress. He was instrumental in the construction of three fire stations within our district, helping build the foundation for the department we have today. He also led the department when Northwest Harnett achieved an ISO Class 3 rating, one of the first departments in the county to achieve such a strong classification at the time.

While those accomplishments are something to be proud of, Chris's greatest contribution has always been his dedication to the people he served. For 36 years, he answered the call, gave his time, shared his knowledge, and worked tirelessly to make our community safer.

We also want to recognize and sincerely thank Chris's family. A career in the fire service is never a commitment made by one person alone. His family has supported him throughout the years, sacrificed countless evenings, weekends, holidays, and family time, and stood behind him through every call and every challenge. Their support has been an important part of Chris's ability to serve our community for so many years.

Chris, thank you for 36 years of service, leadership, friendship, and dedication to Northwest Harnett Fire Department and the citizens we serve. Your impact on this department and our community will be felt for many years to come.

We wish you nothing but the very best in retirement. We hope you enjoy some well-deserved time with your family, make up for some of those missed family moments, and finally have the freedom to spend your days doing the things you want to do.

🔥 Thank you, Chief Prince, for 36 years of service. You have truly earned your retirement.

Congratulations, Chief! We wish you a long, happy, and well-deserved retirement! 👨‍🚒❤️🚒

09/01/2026

A Huge Thank You to Lowe’s of Holly Springs!

The Northwest Harnett Fire Department would like to extend a sincere thank you to Lowe’s in Holly Springs for their generous donation of three Blackstone griddles, allowing us to outfit each of our fire stations!

These griddles will be put to great use by our crews as they prepare meals together, build camaraderie, and keep our firefighters fueled and ready to serve our community.

A special thank you to Manager Joe Skipper and Assistant Manager Anna Bowles for going above and beyond to help us through the donation process and make this possible. We truly appreciate your support of our department and the firefighters who serve Northwest Harnett.

Partnerships like this are a great reminder of what makes our community so special. Thank you, Lowe’s, for supporting your local firefighters!

Remember, grease fires are a common cause of many residential fires so keep a fire extinguisher nearby while grilling!

07/01/2026

On Monday, June 29, the Northwest Harnett Volunteer Fire Department conducted a mutual aid drill with its neighboring department in Chatham County - Moncure Fire Department.

As part of the training, two of the youngest members of the NWHFVD - enrolled in the Junior Firefighter program and open to all Northwest Harnett residents over 16 years of age - participated in reduced visibility training.

The NWHVFD conducts quarterly drills with its adjoining departments to ensure a seamless integration of firefighters and departments.

Contact the NWHVFD if you are interested in becoming a member or supporting this volunteer organization.

06/05/2026

Crews will be out over the next couple days doing smoke alarm canvassing. If you are in need, fill out the google form in the post!

📣 [Harnett County News]: The Harnett County Fire Marshal’s Office is pleased to announce the receipt of Smoke Alarm Saturday Grant from the North Carolina Office of the State Fire (OSFM). This grant will support the 2026 Smoke Alarm Canvassing and Smoke Alarm Saturday Campaign, which runs from Friday, June 5 through Friday, June 12. Harnett County residents without working smoke alarms in sleeping areas are encouraged to request a free smoke alarm by filling out the request form. ➡️ https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfloiAZ83E1C2pGgTGXYRlLW-oSnWicGcMmxLVB4nIugELydg/viewform
Read the full release on our website with more details.

05/21/2026

For those in Northwest Harnett District, this will also be effecting us as well today.

We are actively monitoring for any further fire activity as well.

03/28/2026

Public Notice

A statewide burn ban will be in effect beginning at 6:00 pm tonight (3/28/26). Issued burning permits will be canceled and new permits will not be issued while the ban is in effect. Please share this information with your staff and the public. This does not apply to fires located within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling, that is Fire Marshal’s jurisdiction.

01/20/2026

🚨 POTENTIAL WINTER STORM – PREPARE NOW 🚨

An Arctic cold front is expected to move into Harnett County late Friday, bringing dangerously cold temperatures. From Saturday through Sunday night, there is an increasing risk for ice and/or snow across central North Carolina. While exact details are still developing, confidence in impactful winter weather is increasing.

Very cold temperatures in the teens and 20s may persist into early next week, increasing the risk of house fires, carbon monoxide incidents, and weather-related emergencies.

🔥 Fire & life safety reminders:
• Have emergency supplies ready for your home and vehicle
• Prepare for possible power outages
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, especially if using alternate heat sources
• Use space heaters safely — keep them at least 3 feet from anything that can burn
• Refill fuel for vehicles and approved heating sources
• Bring pets indoors or ensure they have adequate warmth
• Check on neighbors, elderly family members, and anyone who may need assistance

Limit travel if conditions deteriorate and continue to monitor official forecasts and department updates.

Stay prepared. Stay safe. 🚒❄️

01/07/2026

Public Notice

Just a heads up to all as this will affect parts of our district today.

Warning sirens around Harris Nuclear Plant will be tested for 5 to 30 seconds today, January 7 between 10 and 11 a.m. Some sirens may be tested more than once.

12/29/2025

Please postpone any unnecessary burning. See the important message from our NC Forest Service partners.

Effective Monday, Dec. 29, the National Weather Service has issued a **🚩🚩RED FLAG WARNING 🚩🚩** for some North Carolina counties. 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.

Fire danger will be elevated, especially across central North Carolina. While open burning is permitted during a red flag, it is NOT advised. Please postpone all outdoor burning.

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