Topics Related to Disaster Recovery

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: State Fire Marshal Urges North Carolinians to Celebrate Safely During America's 250th Anniversary

As North Carolina and the nation prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor is encouraging residents to enjoy the holiday safely by attending professional fireworks displays rather than setting off fireworks at home.

For Immediate Release: NC Office of State Fire Marshal Reports 3 Fatalities and More Than $4.3 Million in Fireworks-Related Damage Over Fourth of July Holiday

The North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is urging residents to use extreme caution with consumer fireworks after investigations from across the state documented dozens of fireworks-related fires, injuries, and fatalities during the Fourth of July holiday.

Preliminary reports received by OSFM and local fire investigators identified 27 fireworks-related incidents resulting in:

For Immediate Release: Application Period Opens for Hurricane Helene Disaster Recovery Grants Round 2: 18 Million in Additional Aid Approved for Impacted Fire Departments and Rescue Squads

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.