East Gaston Volunteer Fire Department

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

Citizens of Gaston County and the East Gaston Fire District, please take a few moments to fill out this survey and let us know how we are doing and how we can serve you better. Your support is crucial to our success, we strive everyday to provide you the best services possible.

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Tanker 30 and members participated in a rural water supply drill today as part of a Gaston County Tanker Task Force. These scenarios are critical in areas such as ours that have little to no fire hydrants so that we can effectively supply water for firefighting operations.

Engine 30 responded early this morning to assist Mount Holly Fire Department with a house fire. First arriving Squad 35 encountered a two story house with heavy fire from the garage area and into the second floor and attic. Engine 30s crew assisted with putting a second line to work. Engine 30s crew operated for approximately 2 hours before returning to service.

🚒 Support your local VFDs– Thank You! 🚒

A huge shoutout to Brian and Teresa Weyeneth ! 🙌 Your recent contributions to the East Gaston Volunteer Fire Department (VFD), a proud 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, are already making a huge impact. Your support helps our dedicated volunteers acquire much-needed equipment, training, and supplies to keep our community safe. 🧯🚨
Every donation strengthens our ability to respond faster, better, and more effectively to emergencies. Whether it's purchasing new firefighting gear or upgrading our trucks, your help makes it possible.
Plus, donations to East Gaston VFD are tax-deductible, giving you a great opportunity to support a vital cause while benefiting from tax advantages. 📝💵
A reminder: All volunteer fire departments in Gaston County, including East Gaston VFD, are 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) charitable organizations. Your donations go directly to enhancing public safety and supporting those who selflessly serve the community.
Thank you for your continued generosity – it makes all the difference! 💙

Please help us extend a big heartfelt congratulations to these members! The first picture is honoring three members for 40 years of service and becoming lifetime members. 120 years of service for the East Gaston Community between the 3 of them! Jeff Hovis, Lamar Lee, and Les Frady.

The other award recipients are as followed:

Tommy Russell award: David Stevens

Firefighter of the year: Brandon Henderson

Officer of the year: Bill Lee

This evening, three of our members were recognized at the Gaston County Commissioners meeting. Jeff Hovis, Les Frady, and Lamar Lee were all recognized for 40 years of service to the citizens of Gaston County.

Carbon monoxide, also known as CO, is called the “invisible killer” because it's a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. It is undetectable to the human senses, so people may not know that they are being exposed.

CO poisoning can occur when a fuel-burning appliance or machine, such as a furnace, heater or generator, is not working or vented properly.

Did you know:
Breathing in CO at high levels can be fatal. More than 150 people in the United States die every year from accidental nonfire-related CO.
Source: Consumer Product Safety Commission

Keep these safety tips in mind when it comes to CO:
Install and maintain CO alarms inside your home to provide early warning of CO.

Install CO alarms in a central location outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of your home.

Use portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas away from all doors, windows and vents.

Make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of snow and other debris.

Source: U.S. Fire Administration
https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/life-safety-hazards/carbon-monoxide/

Electrical Fire Saftey in the home is extremely important especially as we advance into the cooler months. Please remember to check your smoke detectors once a month and replace the batteries twice a year. Please take a look at the graphic to see some shocking statistics and important safety tips.

Highway 27 is bow OPEN @ 12:36pm

East Gaston VFD is operating on a serious MVA with extrication on Highway 27 near Robinson Avenue. Hwy 27 is CLOSED.

Seek alternate route

With the amount of Lithium-Ion batteries present in our homes today, here is a quick education flyer and reminder for how to inspect, charge and care for the batteries.