Raleigh, NC — The North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal’s Fire Investigation Unit (FIU) experienced a significant increase in workload in 2025, responding to 232 fire scene examinations, an average of 19 per month. That marks a 36% increase from 171 examinations in 2024.
Topics Related to News Advisories
Chadbourn, NC – In response to the tragic loss of four children in Columbus County on August 30, 2025, and in recognition of Fire Prevention Week, State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor will join Columbus County Fire Marshal Shannon Blackman, local fire departments, and partners Kidde and the American Red Cross to distribute over 1,000 smoke alarms to 20 fire departments across Columbus County. This initiative aims to ensure more homes in Columbus County are better protected with working smoke alarms, helping prevent future tragedies.
The North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM), in partnership with the Wilson Fire/Rescue Services will host a live fire demonstration to show just how quickly lithium-ion batteries can catch fire if damaged, overheated, or improperly handled.The event will highlight the 2025 Fire Prevention Week theme: “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” Fire officials will provide important safety tips to help families protect themselves from these increasingly common fire hazards.
Raleigh, NC – All Media is invited to speak with State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor about lessons learned from Hurricane Helene and the FEMA White Paper submitted by the NC Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) with recommendations for improving federal disaster response and recovery.
Safe Kids North Carolina, in partnership with the State Farm Good Neighbor Car Seat Safety Program, UNC Highway Safety Research Center and Mebane Fire Department will host two Child Passenger Safety Car Seat Distribution Events in Orange and Alamance counties to support families impacted by Tropical Storm Chantal.Due to severe flooding from the storm, many families in the Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough, and Mebane areas experienced significant property loss, including critical child safety seats. These events aim to replace car seats that were damaged or destroyed.
The Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is now accepting applications for the second round of Disaster Recovery Grants for fire departments and rescue squads impacted by Hurricane Helene. The additional $18 million in funding was authorized through House Bill 1012 / Session Law 2025-26 by the North Carolina General Assembly to further support storm recovery and strengthen wildfire preparedness across Western North Carolina. Eligible departments and squads may receive a flat $50,000 grant award to help replace damaged equipment or facilities or enhance wildfire response capacity.
The 2025 Q3 NC OSFM Quarterly Newsletter is now available. View it at https://www.ncosfm.gov/osfm-quarterly-newsletter-q3-2025.
Last updated: July 8, 20251. How many departments applied for the Disaster Relief Grant in Round 1?294 departments were eligible to apply in Round 1. Out of those, 206 submitted applications, resulting in 201 submissions after consolidating duplicates.2. How much funding was requested vs. available in Round 1?Departments requested nearly $44 million in total, while the available funding for Round 1 was $10 million.
Raleigh, NC – The North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM), in collaboration with Kidde and State Farm, will host a Smoke Alarm Saturday Kickoff Media Event on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Fairview Volunteer Fire Department in Buncombe County. This event marks the launch of OSFM’s annual Smoke Alarm Saturday Initiative, which will take place the following day across North Carolina.