Harrells Volunteer Fire Department

09/26/2026

07/02/2026

Don’t be the neighbor that burns down the neighborhood – use caution with outdoor fire.

While we encounter high fire danger days here and there this time of year, we’re in a better situation now relative to fire danger than we were two months ago. Vegetation has greened up and is a less receptive fuel for fire. While forest fire conditions aren’t hazardous right now, drought is certainly a stressor that contributes to fires burning longer, hotter, more intensely and being more difficult to control.

Caution with outdoor fire and anything that can throw a spark is critical. We emphasize simple actions like checking fire danger for your area, checking the weather and wind conditions, properly disposing of smoking materials such as ci******es and being extremely careful with machinery, mowers and farm equipment when working outdoors.

When it comes to the application of outdoor fire, we recommend looking for a few key conditions before burning. If vegetation is dry, humidity is low, temperatures are warm and the wind is blowing, fire can start more easily and spread fast. On days like this, even small fires can get out of control quickly. If you see these conditions, it’s a good day to do something else. Let burning wait.

When you’re unsure, contact your N.C. Forest Service county ranger’s office for guidance. 📌www.ncforestservice.gov/contacts

A helpful resource for landowners and the public is 📌www.preventwildfirenc.org. This N.C. Forest Service site provides trusted guidance and best practices to help you prepare for and prevent wildfire.

07/02/2026

Taking recruiting to a whole new level! 🚒

Think you have what it takes? Join the Harrells Fire Department and make a difference in your community.

We want you!

Stop by every Monday night at 7:00 PM at our Main Station in Harrells!

06/30/2026

Congratulations from Harrells Fire Department! We look forward to serving with you.

Sampson County is pleased to announce that Joshua Deaver has been selected as the next Emergency Services Director. His official start date is July 1, 2026. Deaver brings a strong background in emergency services, GIS, fire investigation, 911 telecommunications, emergency medical response, law enfor...

06/18/2026

06/17/2026

Harrells Volunteer Fire Department Board of Directors Opening

Harrells Volunteer Fire Department is currently seeking one outside member to serve on our Board of Directors. This vacancy is for a Duplin County representative position on the Board.

The Board of Directors plays a vital role in the success of our organization by helping ensure sound financial decision-making, working directly with the Fire Chief to develop and maintain a balanced and sustainable budget, and monitoring department finances throughout the fiscal year.

This is an excellent opportunity to be part of something great and make a positive impact within the Harrells community. While anyone is welcome to apply, preference will be given to applicants who reside within the Duplin County portion of our fire district, as this vacancy is intended to represent that area.

If you are interested in serving or would like additional information, please submit your qualifications and any questions to Chief James at [email protected].

The Board of Directors will review all applications and take action on selecting a candidate during its July meeting. All applicants will be notified of the Board’s decision following the selection process.

Thank you for your continued support of the Harrells Volunteer Fire Department and the communities we proudly serve.

Chief Shelton James
Harrells Volunteer Fire Department

06/12/2026

Some fly by action on scene

06/12/2026

Several agencies are working a large woods fire at the Duplin/Pender line off Alderman road

HarrellsFD, NCFS, Pender Fire, Duplin EMS

06/03/2026

Congratulations, Chief James!

We are excited to announce our 2026 40 Under 40 Honorees! Congratulations to these outstanding young professionals who are making a meaningful impact in their workplaces, industries, and communities across southeastern North Carolina.

🌟 Kevin Blackburn – Kids Making It
🌟 Nicole Caldwell – nCino, Inc.
🌟 Zachary Cockerham – Novant Health
🌟 Nathaniel H. Cook – Block, Crouch, Keeter, Behm & Sayed, LLP
🌟 Rachel Crouse – Coastal Horizons / Junior League of Wilmington
🌟 Dr. Alston Enz – Wilmington Health Family Medicine
🌟 Ashlee Fritz – Wilmington Wall Printing
🌟 Julio Fuentes – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
🌟 John Gavin – Cameron Management
🌟 Keaton Gilleece – King Neptune Restaurant, Jimmy's Bar, Jimmy's Inland, Double Header, Kruiser's Mobile Bar
🌟 Bobby Guntoro – UNCW
🌟 Sara Harts – Paws4People Foundation
🌟 Drew Haygood – Wilmington Health
🌟 Will Hayes – Corning Credit Union
🌟 Chief Shelton James – Town of Leland Fire Department
🌟 David Joyner – Wilmington City Council, Assistant District Attorney
🌟 Kanon Kennedy – City of Wilmington Martin Luther King Center
🌟 Tanner Konrady – Konrady and Son Construction
🌟 Kyle Metzger-Gee – nCino
🌟 David Miller – WB Brawley Company
🌟 Bailey Minish, MD – Novant Health Family Medicine
🌟 LeRon Montgomery – NAACP New Hanover County
🌟 Hilary Ozenbaugh – Communities In Schools of Cape Fear
🌟 Emily Patterson – LS3P Associates
🌟 Kyndall Peele – UNCW College of Health and Human Services
🌟 Jesse Pridgen – Liberty Health
🌟 Caleb Rash – Murchison, Taylor & Gibson, PLLC
🌟 Roberto Ramirez, RN, BSN – Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center
🌟 Jeremy Roberts – PBMares
🌟 Lori Schweikert – University of North Carolina Wilmington
🌟 Sarah Scully – Global Laser Enrichment
🌟 Alexis Siebert – Patriot Roofing & Exteriors
🌟 Sarah Stone – Excite Credit Union
🌟 Makenzie VanderWerff – MegaCorp Logistics
🌟 Alondra Vazquez Jurado – Community Adaptation Program, American Red Cross
🌟 Rock Vomer – Avance Care
🌟 Brooke Wallace – Eastern Therapy PT, OT and Speech
🌟 Madelyn Wampler – New Hanover County Government
🌟 Marae West – Sandbar Oyster Company
🌟 Jessica Wilson – Carolinas Ready Mixed Concrete Association

We invite the community to join us as we recognize these exceptional leaders on Wednesday, October 7, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The Pointe 14 Theater (2223 Blockbuster Road).
More details here: https://www.wilmingtonchamber.org/events/details/2026-40-under-40-awards-3897

05/12/2026

Last night, we conducted live fire training drills focusing on hose advancement and fire behavior. Training like this helps ensure our personnel stay prepared and ready to perform when it matters most. Train like it’s real. 🚒🔥