Merry Hill - Midway Volunteer Fire Department

03/28/2026

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

03/16/2026

A strong cold front approaches the area today, with strong to severe storms likely from late morning through the evening. Impacts from this system could be significant. All severe hazards are possible, with damaging winds and isolated tornadoes the primary threats. Please ensure you have a plan in place BEFORE severe weather impacts your area. Stay weather aware today and stay safe!

03/15/2026

A strong cold front approaches the area Monday, with strong to severe storms likely from late morning through the evening. Impacts from this system could be significant. All severe hazards are possible, with damaging winds and isolated tornadoes the primary threats. Stay weather aware and continue to monitor the latest information!

03/14/2026

A strong cold front approaches the area Monday, with strong to severe storms looking increasingly likely from late morning through the evening. Impacts from this system could be significant. All severe hazards are possible with damaging winds and isolated tornadoes the primary threats. Stay weather aware and continue to monitor forecasts over the weekend!

03/11/2026

Today, Fire Chief Jodey Sary attended a presentation for $1,000,000 in federal funding awarded to the fire departments in Bertie County. This funding was made possible through the office of Representative Don Davis.

The funds will be split evenly among the 12 departments. In addition, $1,000,000 was presented to Bertie County Communications to assist with the construction of a new 911 Communications Center.

We would like to extend our greatest gratitude to Emergency Manager John Rawls for writing the grant that made this award possible.

02/24/2026

COMMUNITY ALERT!!!

Detour starting this Friday 27th - Monday March 2nd. Plan accordingly if you have to travel on Highway 45 this weekend.

NCDOT and Fred Smith Company are planning to close NC 45 from Sans Souci Rd to NC 308 Cooper Hill Rd starting Friday night February 27 at 6PM. This work will be to continue crossline pipe replacement and NC 45 will be reopened by Monday Morning March 2 at 6AM.

A sign detour will direct traffic from NC 45 to Sans Souci Rd, to NC 308, back to NC 45.

Residential traffic will be allowed into the closure up to the location of the work.

02/24/2026

These new photos give a whole different perspective of the magnitude this event was.

02/22/2026

2/22/2026 5:23pm EST

We are deeply saddened to confirm that the associate who was unaccounted for following Saturday’s explosion at our Cofield, North Carolina facility has died. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, friends, and loved ones. This is an incredibly difficult moment for them and for many across our company, and we are providing support as they grieve this loss.

We are grateful to the first responders who acted quickly and professionally, and we are cooperating fully with local authorities as they investigate what happened. Our focus remains on the safety of our people and supporting those affected.

02/22/2026

02/22/2026

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families involved as well as the multiple agencies on scene. 

02/21/2026

Around 3:00 a.m., North Carolina Emergency Management requested our USAR team respond to an explosion and collapse of an 8-story grain tower in Hertford County with reports of people trapped or missing.

We immediately deployed NC Task Force 10, comprised of members of Greenville Fire/Rescue and New Bern Fire/Rescue and currently have 24 member Type IV team on site conducting search operations for one confirmed worker who was inside the building at the time of the collapse. Our personnel are also assisting the local fire department with search operations and logistical support. A medical specialist is also embedded with our team to ensure the safety of our members during operations.

Please keep everyone involved in your thoughts as this complex operation continues. We will provide updates as information becomes available.

02/09/2026