Hemby Bridge Fire Department

02/11/2026

Idlewild Road closed North of Crismark Drive due to a multiple-vehicle accident.

UPDATE ROAD is REOPENED

Idlewild Road is currently closed just North of Crismark Dr. due to a multiple-vehicle accident. Deputies and North Carolina Highway Patrol are on scene and working to clear the incident.

They are hopeful the closure will be minimal.

If you are traveling in this area, please use an alternate route and avoid the area if possible.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

02/02/2026

⚠️ ROAD CONDITIONS UPDATE ⚠️

Engine 231 has just returned from a service call and while we’ve seen considerable sunshine many primary and secondary roads remain snow and ice covered. As temperatures drop again this evening any moisture left on roadways will refreeze, creating black ice and extremely hazardous travel conditions. Roads that appeared wet earlier may quickly become slick with little to no visible warning. Even low speeds can result in loss of control. Several of our public safety partners across the county have reported impassable roads.

If you must travel, slow down, increase following distance, avoid sudden braking or steering, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Please take this seriously. Your safety and the safety of our responders depends on it!

02/01/2026

⚠️ TREACHEROUS ROAD CONDITIONS – TRAVEL ONLY IF ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY ⚠️

Even though we had some melting today, rapidly dropping temperatures are causing severe icing on both primary and secondary roads. Side streets, bridges, and overpasses are also impacted. Conditions are treacherous and unpredictable, and even experienced drivers are at significant risk.

🚫 Road surfaces that appear wet may in fact be solid ice, offering little to no traction.

For the safety of the public and emergency responders:
⚠️ Stay off the roads unless travel is absolutely unavoidable
⚠️ Bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas are especially dangerous
⚠️ Four-wheel drive and higher-clearance vehicles do not prevent loss of control

As you can see from earlier, roads in our area remain covered. Reducing traffic allows fire, EMS, and law enforcement to operate more safely and reach critical emergencies without delay.
Please take this warning seriously. If you do not have an essential need to travel, stay home.

01/31/2026

Road conditions are extremely dangerous with blowing snow, and at times near-zero visibility creating whiteout conditions. What looks passable one moment can become impassable the next. The attached picture is from the cab of Engine 231 responding to an incident a few moments ago. As you can see visibility is near zero!

For everyone’s safety, staying off the roads helps protect you, other motorists, and the first responders who may be trying to reach emergencies.

01/31/2026

Snow is falling across the area and while it may look calm, conditions can change quickly.
Our crews are out preparing and remaining ready to respond, but we need your help to keep everyone safe. When roadways are icy or snow-covered, even routine responses take longer. Staying off the roads unless necessary helps keep everyone safe!

01/31/2026

Snow is expected for our area today. As conditions change, we urge everyone to plan ahead, and put safety first!

Travel Safety
🚘 Avoid unnecessary travel if possible
🚘 Reduce speed and increase following distance
🚘 Watch for black ice on bridges, overpasses, and shaded roadways
🚘 Give snow and emergency vehicles plenty of space

Heating Safety
🔥 Use approved heating sources only
🔥 Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn
🔥 Never use grills, generators, or fuel-burning appliances indoors or in garages
🔥 Turn heaters off before leaving the room or going to sleep

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Awareness
⚠️ Ensure working CO alarms are installed on every level of your home
⚠️ If you experience headache, dizziness, nausea, or confusion, get fresh air immediately and call 911

Need Help
☎️ Emergencies: Call 911
☎️ Non-emergency service requests: Contact Union County Communications at (704) 289-1591
☎️ Please avoid calling the fire station directly, as crews may be responding to other emergencies.

Stay safe, stay warm, and look out for one another as winter weather moves through our community. 🚒❄️

01/26/2026

Please remember that black ice will be a concern for a couple more days.

Thankfully, Union County has been spared from widespread power outages, but black ice will be a concern on roads for a couple more days. Stay home if you can and if you have to drive, please be extra careful and go slowly.

Continue to follow unioncountync.gov/winterstorm for updates and resources.

01/26/2026

The road conditions have continued to get worse with the sleet and freezing rain. For your safety and ours, please stay off the roads.

01/25/2026

01/25/2026

Union County shelter now open at Monroe Middle School, 601 E. Sunset Drive.

In response to Winter Storm Fern, Union County is opening a shelter in partnership with the American Red Cross at 6 p.m. (Sat. Jan. 24) at Monroe Middle School: 601 E. Sunset Drive, Monroe, NC 28112

Read this important information for items to bring, details on pets, medical situations, etc. -- https://ucgov.info/shelter

As Winter Storm Fern approaches, we are taking every precaution to ensure the safety of our community. Please stay safe and prepared.

Winter Storm Info: unioncountync.gov/winterstorm
Sign Up for UC Alerts: ucgov.info/ucalerts

01/25/2026