Hemby Bridge Fire Department

01/07/2026

Wayback Wednesday: Fire Department Edition

In September 1990, Fire Chief Bob Conder proudly accepted a Community Service Award on behalf of the Hemby Bridge Fire Department from the Indian Trail Lioness Club.

This recognition highlighted what has always defined our department, neighbors helping neighbors, service beyond the siren, and strong partnerships with organizations dedicated to making our community better. Over three decades later, that same spirit of service continues today.

Thank you to the Indian Trail Lioness Club for supporting public safety then and to all our community partners who continue to stand with us now.

01/07/2026

01/06/2026

Tidbit Tuesday: Fire Department Edition

When firefighters respond to a motor-vehicle crash, how a vehicle is built matters. Modern vehicles are designed with specific structural components often referred to by letters that play a critical role in occupant protection and firefighter extrication.

🚗 A-Post (A-Pillar): The front roof support near the windshield
🛻 B-Post (B-Pillar): The center post between the front and rear doors
🚙 C-Post (C-Pillar): The rear roof support behind the back seat
🚌 D-Post (D-Pillar): Found on some SUVs and wagons for added rear support

These posts often contain advanced high-strength steel, airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, and electrical components. Firefighters train extensively to understand where and how to cut, spread, or avoid these areas to safely access patients while protecting both victims and responders.

Remember, always wear your seatbelt, maintain safe speeds, and drive distraction-free because the best extrication is the one we never have to perform.

01/04/2026

🚨 Motor Vehicle Accident – Mill Grove Rd 🚨

Yesterday at approximately 12:30pm, Hemby Bridge Fire Department responded to a motor vehicle accident on Mill Grove Road in the area of Howey Bottoms Road. Ladder 23 arrived on scene to find two vehicles with moderate damage. Crews quickly established scene safety, provided initial patient care, and transferred care to Union EMS upon their arrival. Ladder 23 also assisted the Union County Sheriff’s Office with traffic control until the roadway was cleared and the vehicles were removed.

We’re thankful for the teamwork between all responding agencies and for the patience of motorists as crews worked to keep everyone safe.

🚗 Driving Safety Reminder 🚗

👀 Stay alert and practice intersection awareness
📵 Avoid distracted driving
🚦 Obey traffic signals and posted speed limits
🚙 Slow down and move over when approaching emergency scenes

A few extra seconds of attention behind the wheel can prevent injuries, and save lives. Please drive safely.

01/02/2026

🔥 Structure Fire – Brittany Downs East 🔥

Just after 9:00pm last night Hemby Bridge Fire Department, along with Stallings Fire Department and Bakers Fire Department, were dispatched to a reported structure fire in the Brittany Downs East subdivision. Engine 51 arrived on scene to find a residence with fire showing from the garage and roof eaves. Crews quickly went to work, and firefighters from all responding agencies operated together to bring the fire under control. Due to fire extension and associated damage, units operated on scene for approximately three hours conducting extensive salvage and overhaul.

We appreciate the strong automatic-aid response and teamwork displayed by all departments.

As a reminder, working smoke alarms are critical. Install them on every level of your home and near sleeping areas, and test them monthly. Have a practiced family escape plan, and know two ways out of every room and establish a meeting place outside. When using lithium-ion batteries only use approved chargers, avoid charging unattended or overnight, and keep batteries away from combustible materials. Additionally, when parking on the street, do not block fire hydrants, keep intersections clear, and work with your neighbors to park on only one side of the road to allow room for emergency vehicles.

A few simple steps can make a life-saving difference.

12/31/2025

Fire danger is elevated across most of the state today. Dry grasses, dead leaves and other vegetative debris could easily ignite and spread quickly.

Fire danger is elevated across most of the state today. Outdoor burning is NOT recommended. Dry grasses, dead leaves and other vegetative debris could easily ignite and spread quickly.

Spread prevention, not wildfire.

Before burning, contact your local N.C. Forest Service county ranger’s office for guidance. Contacts: https://bit.ly/3lpoWR0

For safe outdoor burning and wildfire prevention best practices: www.preventwildfirenc.org.

12/29/2025

High winds and low humidity increase the chance for fire danger across the state on Monday early afternoon.

Wind Gusts: Our weather is going to change drastically on Monday; it'll be mild, but a strong cold front is coming Monday afternoon that'll bring gusty winds. We will see a few showers push east across the state Monday morning into the early afternoon from west to east. Then the winds are going to turn gusty with 30-45MPH across Central and Eastern sections of the state. Wind gusts of 44-55MPH across the mountains and foothills, with up to 65MPH wind gusts across the high country. These winds could result in some isolated downed trees and power outages. There will also be an increased fire danger on Monday afternoon across the state, so do not burn any fires that start could become rapidly out of control. It'll turn much colder Monday night into Tuesday.

-Ethan

12/29/2025

Parts of NC are under a Red Flag on Monday, December 29th.

A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures will create dangerous fire behavior.

Effective Monday, Dec. 29, the National Weather Service has issued a **🚩🚩RED FLAG WARNING 🚩🚩** for some North Carolina counties. Review weather alerts for North Carolina at weather.gov.

A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures will create dangerous fire behavior.

Fire danger will be elevated, especially across central North Carolina. While open burning is permitted during a red flag, it is NOT advised. Please postpone all outdoor burning.

Careless debris burning is the leading cause of wildfires in North Carolina, and you are our best defense against wildfire. For wildfire readiness and prevention tips: preventwildfirenc.org

12/25/2025

🎄 12 Days of Christmas Safety🎄

…On the twelfth day of Christmas, Hemby Bridge reminds you…Fire safety doesn’t end when the decorations come down. From winter heaters to summer grills, from smoke alarms to escape plans, fire safety is a 365 day responsibility. As you celebrate the holidays and look ahead to the New Year:

🚨 Keep working smoke alarms on every level of your home
🚨 Practice and review your family escape plan
🚨 Use heating sources, candles, and cooking equipment safely
🚨 Stay alert, prepared, and fire-safe all year long

Because protecting lives, homes, and our community is always in season. Thank you for your continued trust, support, and partnership throughout the year. Whether it’s a friendly wave, a word of encouragement, support at community events, or standing behind us when the tones drop, you make what we do possible. We are honored to serve such a strong, caring community. From all of us at Hemby Bridge Fire Department, we want to wish you and our community a very Merry Christmas and a safe, healthy New Year.

12/25/2025

🎄 12 Days of Christmas Safety🎄

…On the eleventh day of Christmas, Hemby Bridge reminds you…As Christmas Eve arrives and homes fill with family, lights, and last-minute preparations, take a few minutes to do a quick holiday safety sweep before settling in for the night:

✅ Turn off candles and space heaters�✅ Check that cooking appliances are off and cords are clear�✅ Make sure Christmas lights are in good condition and unplugged before bed�✅ Test smoke alarms and ensure clear exits�✅ Secure matches, lighters, and batteries out of reach of children

A few intentional moments tonight can help ensure the only thing waking your home tomorrow morning is the joy of Christmas.
From our fire department family to yours, we wish you a safe, peaceful, and Merry Christmas Eve.

12/23/2025

🎄 12 Days of Christmas Safety🎄

…On the tenth day of Christmas, Hemby Bridge reminds you…The holidays mean busy homes, new decorations, and curious little hands exploring everything within reach. A few simple childproofing steps can help protect ten little fingers from preventable injuries.

🚨 Install outlet covers on all unused electrical outlets
🚨 Use cabinet and drawer locks in kitchens, bathrooms, and garages
🚨 Store matches and lighters locked up and out of sight
🚨 Keep batteries (especially button batteries) secured and out of reach
🚨 Lock away cleaning supplies, medications, and tools

Small changes make a big impact. Taking time to childproof your home helps ensure little hands stay safe—and the holidays stay happy. 🎄👶✨

12/23/2025

🎄 12 Days of Christmas Safety🎄

…On the ninth day of Christmas, Hemby Bridge reminds you…Keep your furry family members safe this season. Our pets may be said to have nine lives, but fire, smoke, and holiday hazards can take those lives in seconds.

🚨 Keep candles, fireplaces, and space heaters out of paw and tail reach
🚨 Secure Christmas trees so curious pets can’t knock them over
🚨 Avoid electrical cords, tinsel, and ornaments that pets may chew or swallow
🚨 Make sure smoke alarms work and have a plan that includes your pets

Holiday safety isn’t just for people. Protect every member of your family, four-legged ones included.