Sandy Ridge Fire and Rescue

05/15/2026

To close out National Police Week, we want to give a big shoutout to the men and women behind the badge who answer the call day and night to protect our community.

From working wrecks together on the highway, to standing side-by-side on difficult scenes, we are grateful for the partnership, professionalism, and dedication our local law enforcement officers show every single day.

We may argue over who makes the better coffee and whose sirens sound better… but when it matters most, we know we can count on each other. 🚔🚒

Thank you for your service, sacrifice, and commitment to keeping our community safe. Stay safe out there — we’ve always got your back.

Union County Sheriff's Office, Monroe, NC, happy National Police Week!

05/10/2026

What’s better than a firefighter?
A firefighter’s mom. ❤️🚒
The women who raised us tough, taught us to help others, and still worry every time the tones drop deserve a little extra love today.
Thank you to all the firefighter moms for the prayers, support, snacks, phone calls, and unconditional love through every late night and early morning. We wouldn’t be who we are without you. Happy Mother’s Day! 🌷

05/08/2026

🔥 BURN BAN LIFTED 🔥
The state and local burn bans have been lifted. Outdoor burning is now permitted; however, we encourage everyone to continue practicing safe burning habits.
Please remember:
✅ Never leave a fire unattended
✅ Keep water hoses, buckets, or tools nearby
✅ Avoid burning on windy or dry days
✅ Keep fires away from structures, vehicles, and wooded areas

🚫 Most importantly:
**NC law only allows the burning of natural vegetation, such as leaves, branches and plant growth. If it does not grow, don’t burn it!
That means no household garbage, construction debris, plastics, furniture, tires, or other man-made materials. **

Even with the burn ban lifted, fires can spread quickly and become dangerous in a matter of minutes. Help protect your community, property, and first responders by burning responsibly.

05/08/2026

As of 8am May 8th, the state burn ban will be lifted. Please check the UC Fire Marshal’s website for updates on the local burn ban.

05/04/2026

Today we take a moment to remember the firefighters who gave their lives in the line of duty.
On National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day, we honor those who showed up when it mattered most and never made it home. Their sacrifice is something we will never forget.
We’re also thinking of their families, friends, and departments—those who continue to carry that loss every day.
We will keep doing this job the way they did: with pride, with purpose, and for our community.
Please take a moment today to remember them.

05/03/2026

Union county will still be under a burn ban until further notice. For the most up to date information, check the N.C. Forest Service website.

04/25/2026

🚒🔥 Public Service Announcement 🔥🚒
Yes… we’ve had a little sprinkle of rain.
No… it was not enough to undo weeks of dry conditions.
And yes… we are STILL under a burn ban.
We get it—the ground looks a little damp and the urge to clean up that brush pile is strong. But Mother Nature gave us a sip, not a soak. 🌧️
So just to clear things up:
❌ No burning leaves
❌ No burning brush
❌ No bonfires
❌ No “it’s just a small pile” burning
❌ No “I’ll watch it closely” burning
✔️ Yes, the burn ban still applies to everyone
Help us keep our crews safe and prevent unnecessary emergencies. We promise—the fire pit, burn pile, and backyard bonfire will still be there when conditions improve.
Until then… let’s keep the only thing burning your patience, not your yard. 😉
Thank you for doing your part!

04/20/2026

We have seen an increase in outside fires in the county. Reminder: there is still a statewide burn ban. All outside burning is prohibited!

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

04/20/2026

Hemos observado un aumento en los incendios al aire libre en el condado. Recordatorio: continúa vigente una prohibición de quemas en todo el estado. ¡Queda prohibida toda quema al aire libre!

Debido al aumento del riesgo de incendios forestales, el Servicio Forestal de Carolina del Norte ha prohibido toda quema a cielo abierto y ha cancelado todos los permisos de quema en todo el estado con efecto a partir de las 18:00 horas del sábado 28 de marzo hasta nuevo aviso.

Según la ley de Carolina del Norte, la prohibición prohíbe toda quema a cielo abierto en los condados afectados, independientemente de si se había emitido previamente un permiso. La emisión de nuevos permisos también ha sido suspendida hasta que se levante la prohibición. Cualquiera que incumpla la prohibición de quemar se enfrenta a una multa de 100 dólares más 183 dólares de costas judiciales. Cualquier persona responsable de provocar un incendio puede ser responsable de cualquier gasto relacionado con la extinción del fuego.

La prohibición de quemas no se aplica a incendios iniciados a menos de 30 metros de una vivienda ocupada. El jefe de bomberos local tiene autoridad para prohibir quemar dentro de esos 30 metros.

Lee nota de prensa: https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/nc-forest-service/3-28-26-burn-ban-information-spa.pdf/open