Marion Fire Department

10/14/2026

The past two days, the Marion Fire Department has been proud to participate in the 4-H Field Day, spending time with our community’s young people and helping spread the word about fire safety and prevention!

Fire Prevention Month is a great reminder that a few simple steps can make a big difference in keeping our families, homes, and communities safe. We’re thankful for opportunities like this to connect with our youth, share important safety information, and help build a safer future for everyone.

🏠 Here are a few important fire safety reminders:
✅ Test your smoke alarms monthly.
✅ Make sure your family has an escape plan and practices it.
✅ Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
✅ Stay in the kitchen when cooking.
✅ Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn.

A huge thank you to 4-H for inviting us to be part of this great event! We appreciate the opportunity to engage with our youth and reinforce the importance of fire prevention.

10/12/2026

We had such a fun time! 🚒🔥

Thank you for having us and for the amazing partnership! We always enjoy the opportunity to spend time with the kids and share important fire safety lessons.

🚨 Parents, we gave your kids homework! Be sure to ask them what they learned about smoke detectors and the importance of having a family meeting place outside your home in case of a fire.

Fire safety starts at home, and we hope these conversations help keep your families safe! ❤️🚒

— Marion Fire Department

10/12/2026

10/11/2026

FFWGSP The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for... McDowell County in western North Carolina... * Until 415 AM EDT. * At 1025 PM EDT, ...

10/10/2026

McDOWELL COUNTY WEATHER UPDATE & EMERGENCY SHELTER INFORMATION
Saturday, October 10, 2026

McDowell County Emergency Services continues to monitor the threat of heavy rainfall, flash flooding, strong winds, and possible landslides across our county. Our Emergency Operations Center is staffed, and emergency response agencies and community partners are prepared.

⏰ WHEN ARE THE GREATEST CONCERNS?

According to the National Weather Service:

8 AM–2 PM: Generally lighter rainfall, with rain expected to increase throughout the day.

2 PM–8 PM: Heavier rainfall is expected, increasing the potential for flash flooding.

Tonight into Sunday morning: Rain will continue, and flooding conditions may develop or persist.

⚠️ WHO SHOULD CONSIDER RELOCATING EARLY?

The National Weather Service has identified the Blue Ridge Escarpment as an area of heightened concern for heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and possible landslides.

However, flooding can occur ANYWHERE in McDowell County, not just along the escarpment.

We strongly encourage residents to consider temporarily relocating to a safer location if:

Your home or access road has flooded in the past.

You live near a river, creek, or stream that could rise during heavy rainfall.

You live in a low-lying or flood-prone area.

Your home is near or below a steep slope vulnerable to landslides.

If you need to relocate, please do so EARLY, while roads are safe. Staying with family or friends in a safer location is encouraged when possible.

🏠 EMERGENCY SHELTER — OPENS AT 12 PM TODAY

📍 McDowell County Senior Center
100 Spaulding Rd, Marion, NC 28752
Upper Level

🐾 PETS ARE WELCOME!

🚐 NEED TRANSPORTATION TO THE SHELTER?

Transportation assistance is available today from 12 PM to 6 PM by calling 828-652-3241.

PLEASE CALL EARLY! Our goal is to help residents reach a safe location before heavy rainfall and potential flooding make travel dangerous.

Transportation assistance may be extended depending on weather and road conditions, but please do not wait to make arrangements.

There is no countywide evacuation recommendation at this time. Residents outside flood-prone or landslide-prone areas should remain informed, prepare for possible power outages, and avoid flooded roads.

📱 STAY INFORMED
Text 28752 to 888777 to sign up for McDowell County Nixle emergency alerts.

We recognize that severe weather can bring concern, especially following Hurricane Helene. McDowell County Emergency Services and our response partners are working together to keep our community informed, prepared, and safe.

Please make decisions early. Don't wait until water begins rising or roads become unsafe.

Be prepared, not afraid. Stay safe, McDowell County! ❤️

10/09/2026

🌧️ McDowell County Weather Update | Hurricane Isaias

McDowell County Emergency Services continues to closely monitor the approaching storm. Our emergency response teams are prepared, resources are ready, and we are working closely with our local partners.

Our greatest concern is flash flooding along smaller creeks, streams, and low-lying areas, especially in western and northern McDowell County. The heaviest rainfall is expected Saturday evening into early Sunday.

⚠️ If you live in an area that has flooded before, PLEASE PLAN AHEAD!

Don’t wait for water to rise before leaving. If your home or access road is prone to flooding, consider leaving early and staying with friends or family in a safer location. Make those arrangements now, while roads are safe.

🏠 Emergency Shelters: Shelters are on standby but are NOT open at this time. We are prepared to open them if needed.

🚨 Emergency Operations Center: Our EOC is monitoring conditions overnight and will be open and staffed Saturday at 10 AM.

📱 Emergency Alerts: Text 28752 to 888777 to sign up for McDowell County Nixle alerts.

We know severe weather can bring anxiety, especially after Helene. Please know that McDowell County Emergency Services is prepared and ready to respond.

Be prepared, not afraid. Stay safe, McDowell County! ❤️

👇 The latest National Weather Service briefing is shared below.

10/06/2026

10/04/2026

🚒 NEW EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT 🚒

The Marion Fire Department is proud to welcome our newest full-time Fire Engineers and Firefighters to the team!

These members bring valuable experience, training, and a strong commitment to serving the citizens of Marion and the Marion Area Fire District. As they settle into their new roles, they will play an important part in strengthening our department and helping us continue to provide professional, dependable emergency services to our community.

Please join us in welcoming our newest members to the Marion Fire Department family!

🔥 Ready to Serve. Proud to Protect.

10/04/2026

On Friday afternoon, the Marion Fire Department proudly held a pinning ceremony to recognize recently hired and promoted members of our department.

We celebrated the dedication and commitment of our new and promoted Captains, Lieutenants, Engineers, and Safety & Training Officer as they step into their new roles and responsibilities.

These badges represent more than a new title—they represent leadership, service, responsibility, and a continued commitment to protecting the citizens of Marion and our community.

Please join us in congratulating these outstanding members of the Marion Fire Department and wishing them continued success as they serve our community.

The following members were honored during the ceremony.

A Shift
Captain Phillip Finley
Lieutenant Gavin Swink
Engineer Michael “Zander” Whitesides

B Shift
Lieutenant Chad McHone
Engineer Austin Guy

C Shift
Lieutenant Garrison Long
Engineer Levi Pittman (not pictured)

Safety & Training Officer Mike Gibson