McGrady Vol. Fire/Rescue

10/09/2026

09/23/2026

As fall wildfire season begins in North Carolina, the N.C. Forest Service is urging the public to take extra care with outdoor burning. Wildfire activity typically increases from October through early December, when falling leaves, dry vegetation and changing weather conditions can allow fires to spread quickly.

“Most wildfires in this state are preventable,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Human activity continues to be responsible for more than 99% of wildfires in North Carolina, making individual actions one of our most important tools for preventing wildfires. Before you burn, take simple steps to keep your backyard fire in your backyard.”

Read news release: https://www.ncagr.gov/news/press-releases/2026/09/23/nc-forest-service-reminds-public-increased-fire-risk-urges-caution-outdoor-burning

09/07/2026

🚨 ROADWAY INCIDENT – SEPTEMBER 6, 2026 🚨

On Sunday, September 6, 2026, McGrady Volunteer Fire & Rescue responded to a large tree that had fallen across the roadway near the intersection of Longbottom Road and Sparta Road (NC Hwy 18N).

During a period of heavy rainfall, a small truck also collided with the fallen tree. The driver of truck was not injured. Our crews worked on scene for approximately two hours to safely remove the tree and clear the roadway.

We would like to thank the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and the North Carolina Highway Patrol for their assistance in safely managing the incident and helping us reopen the roadway.

We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation while emergency crews worked to make the area safe.

Please use extra caution when traveling during severe weather, Stay safe!

09/04/2026

Incident Response – Longbottom & Sparta Road

This evening, McGrady Volunteer Fire & Rescue responded to a report of multiple trees that had fallen into the roadway just past the intersection of Longbottom Road and Sparta Road (NC Hwy 18 N).

Firefighters remained on scene for approximately one hour, working to safely remove the trees and clear the roadway. We appreciate the assistance and cooperation of the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) in helping us get the roadway reopened and safe for motorists.

Please continue to use caution while traveling, especially during periods of strong winds or severe weather.

Thank you to our firefighters and NCDOT crews for their hard work and dedication to keeping our community safe.

08/11/2026

Today presents another risk of severe thunderstorms with damaging wind gusts and localized flash flooding. An isolated tornado is possible in southeast West Virginia this afternoon. A Flood Watch is also in effect through Thursday morning along and west of the Blue Ridge.

06/22/2026

⚠️ WEATHER ALERT: Severe Storm & Flood Threat Today ⚠️
Conditions will shift dramatically this afternoon as a weather disturbance tracks across the area ahead of a cold front. Intense heat combined with deep moisture will bring a distinct threat for both severe weather and localized flooding. Storms will primarily fire up and move across the mountains during the afternoon hours. By late afternoon and moving into the evening, the activity will push east of the Blue Ridge. The entire area is under a Slight Risk, with damaging wind gusts serving as the primary severe weather threat. Flash flooding is a strong secondary threat. While the area will average about 0.5 inches of rain overall, highly efficient, slow-moving storms could drop localized totals of 2 to 4 inches in a very short period.

06/18/2026

Increased Risk of Wildfire Due to Elevated Fire Danger -- Thursday, June 18, 2026

The National Weather Service has issued fire danger statements for central and eastern North Carolina. What does increased fire danger mean for you today?

🎯 Fires can start from the smallest spark.
🎯 Dry conditions and wind increase fire spread.
🎯 Everyday activities carry more risk right now.

Avoid burning, and be cautious with anything that could cause a spark. Properly dispose of smoking materials such as ci******es. Be extremely careful with machinery and farm equipment when working outdoors.

Contact your N.C. Forest Service county ranger's office for guidance.
ncforestservice.gov/contacts

Spread prevention, not wildfire.