Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Dove was appointed to Fire Chief on Monday, March 4th, 2024. Dove has served as the Fayetteville Fire Department's deputy fire chief of operations since June 2021. He has been employed with the department since October 1999 and has served in all ranks during his tenure.

Chief Dove holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership and Fire/Rescue Executive Leadership from Waldorf University and a Bachelor of Science in Fire Service Management from Fayetteville State University. Dove is a credentialed Chief Fire Officer (CFO) through the Center for Public Safety Excellence. He holds the Executive Fire Officer (EFO) and Managing Fire Officer (MO) through the National Fire Academy, as well as a Municipal and County Administration certificate through the University of North Carolina (UNC) School of Government. He is also a member of the Cumberland County Fire Chief's Association and the North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs.

Chief Dove was born and raised in Fayetteville/Cumberland County and graduated from South View High School. He is married to Stephanie and has a son, Cameron. He is an active member of Southview Baptist Church and is heavily involved in his community.

The Fayetteville Fire Department (FFD) is a diverse organization that offers a wide range of services to the community. The department's primary function is to provide fire protection to the City of Fayetteville (CoF) citizens and visitors with a staff of over three hundred personnel, seventeen fire stations, and a vehicle fleet equipped with a large cadre of specialized equipment, including hazardous materials and urban search and rescue (USAR). Personnel trains daily to ensure adequate skill levels are maintained to carry out the duties of response requirements effectively. Training allows the department's personnel to maintain an elevated level of safety and awareness that protects the public and the firefighters.

Although fire protection is the department’s primary function, fires account for a small percentage of our annual call volume. Over seventy-two percent (72%) of the department’s call volume is medically related. Every department firefighter must maintain an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Level Certification with the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services (NCOEMS). The EMT certification allows firefighters to care for patients with respiratory, cardiac, traumatic, and many other medical conditions. The FFD supplements the advanced life support service Cumberland County Emergency Medical Services (CCEMS) provides.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Fayetteville Fire Department is to prepare for, reduce, and mitigate all risks facing the City of Fayetteville while serving with R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

Vision Statement

To realize a safe and secure community that is resilient against all-hazards.

Core Values

• Responsibility: We will accept our responsibilities and promote personal accountability.
• Ethics: We will operate honestly and promote transparency of government.
• Stewardship: We will operate in a cost-efficient manner and promote fiscal maturity.
• Professionalism: We will operate with “best-practices" in mind and promote competence.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: We will operate innovatively and promote creativity.
• Commitment: We will operate with an understanding of stakeholder's needs and promote loyalty.
• Teamwork: We will operate as a group and promote cooperation.

1791-Present And Looking Forward

The Fayetteville Fire Department (FFD) is a unique department that is embodied with over 230 years of tradition, experience, leadership and growth.  It is one of the oldest organizations in the state.  The department was first chartered by the North Carolina Legislature in the year 1791 as the Fayetteville Fire Department.  It mainly consisted of citizen fire brigades that had limited equipment, using only leather buckets.  Just as many cities during this era, Fayetteville experienced a fire that nearly devastated the city.  In the year 1831, over 600 stores, residences, and other buildings burned to the ground.  This outcome led to the purchase of the city’s first fire apparatus, a hand powered engine.  It was purchased in 1832 and named the Yankee.

In the year 1882 Fire Captain James D. McNeill was elected the City’s first Fire Chief. During Chief McNeill’s tenure as Chief, the Fayetteville Fire Department experienced many changes.  The department reorganized into a more manageable organization that included building actual fire stations and acquiring more fire apparatus.  In 1884, the department received delivery of a new Silsby Steamer along with 1,500 feet of new fire hose.  In 1903, Chief McNeill stepped down as Fire Chief.  His time with the department included 40 years of service, 20 years serving as Fire Chief.  At the end of his tenure, the department had blossomed.  The membership was approximately 30 volunteers including the Chief.

In 1908, the city opened Central Fire Station.  Prior to this, the department stored equipment in smaller houses.  In 1914, the department purchased its first motorized fire engine which was an American LaFrance.  Over the next decade, motorized vehicles replaced the older hand powered and horse drawn equipment.  In the year 1941, a second fire station was built on Haymount Hill.  With this station still in operation today, it is the oldest working fire station in the city.  It once housed several historical items from the department, that have since been moved to the Fayetteville Transportation Museum.  The fire department's Silsby Steamer, and American LaFrance have both been restored.  The Silsby Steamer and the American LaFrance are both on display at the Fayetteville Transportation Museum.

With the addition of a second station Fayetteville began to make the transition from an all-volunteer department to a paid staff department. In the year 1947, the department began staffing both stations on a 24-hour basis. In 1949, a new Central Fire Station was built replacing the older one.  This station would see over 50 years of service, until being replaced with today’s Fire Station 1 located at 607 Person Street, which was put into service in 1998.

Over the course of the next several years, the department experienced nominal growth. Additional stations opened adding additional apparatus and personnel to the city.  In 1974, a third shift was added and the department staffing strength grew to 156 employees.  In the 1980’s and 90’s, the state General Assembly loosened laws which allowed municipalities to grow.  During this time, the department added a 2nd Battalion along with a Hazardous Materials Team available for local and regional needs.

In 2002, the department took a step to become one of the premier departments in North Carolina.  The department received an ISO rating of “2”, which is something that few departments in the state had achieved.  On June 30, 2004, the City took on a very large annexation process where it looked to increase by an estimated 40,000 residents.  In doing so the fire department would increase by 3 stations and add a 3rd Battalion. 

The department then looked in the direction, of education. Fire Chief B.E. Nichols coordinated with Fayetteville State University to establish a Fire Science Degree Program.  This was Chief Nichols vision to bring the fire department into the next era.  Through a partnership with F.S.U., fire station 14 was built on college grounds and the program received national recognition.  Fire Station 14 was awarded the Combined Use Bronze Award by Fire Chief Magazine.  The station and program opened in early 2005.

The Fayetteville Fire Department continues to strive, grow, and deliver services to its community on a professional basis.  Today 356 personnel and 17 fire stations and different divisions make up the department. Our personnel on duty are trained in specific divisions for Rescue, Hazardous Materials and Fire Investigations.  There are also plans to have Station 4 relocated and to permanently locate Station 16 to improve response times and better serve the citizens.  Over the years, the Fayetteville Fire Department has seen numerous changes to improve our levels of service.  However, while we are always looking forward, we will never forget where we have been!  

History Timeline

• 1791: Fire Department chartered by the North Carolina Legislature.
• 1820: Water works, and fire hydrants incorporated by the legislature and installed.
• 1831: Over 600 stores, residences and other buildings burned, nearly wiping town off the map.
• 1882: Capt. James D. McNeill elected first Fire Chief.
• 1883: African Americans establish and staff two engine companies. 
• 1884: Department reorganized; Silsby Steamer and 1,500 feet of new hose put into service.
• 1893: New water works system installed.
• 1900: Fayetteville Fire Company formed.
• 1903: Chief McNeill retires after 40 years of service, 20 as Chief. McNeill replaced by his son James S. McNeill.
• 1929: African American company and Camp Bragg firefighters rescue firefighters and Chief from old downtown Utley Building that burned. They were buried in the rubble of a wall collapse. Luther Horne becomes the first Fayetteville firefighter to perish in the line of duty; passing away from a crushing injury. 
• 1941: Fire station built in Haymount area.
• 1947: Department begins full-time 24-hour staffing of its two stations. Fate of African American company after this is unknown, but detailed research is continuing.
• 1956: Second line-of-duty death was firefighter Williams Capps on July 18, 1956. Capps was repairing an old box alarm system.
• 1974: Third shift created; department’s personnel grow to 156.
• 1980s: Department sees increased growth and community development due to laws being changed by the General Assembly. The growth continues to present day – department has a regional and local Hazardous Materials response team.
• 2000: Third line-of-duty death was firefighter David Sharpe on March 17, 2000. Sharpe was driving an aerial device when it was struck by a train. 
• June 30, 2004: Department adds third battalion of firefighters.
• July 2004: Western Fayetteville Annexation adding a third Battalion and three fire stations increasing personnel to 302 from 261 and increasing station count to 15.
• 2005: Addition of Emergency Management Position  
• October 2010: Council adoption of FFD/EM Strategic Plan
• FY2010: Implementation of Mobile Computer Terminals (MCT)
• FY2011: SAFER Grant allowed increase in personnel count to 330
• April 2011: Tornado disaster between the City and Ft. Bragg
• August 25, 2011: The department achieves Accredited Agency Status for the first time
• 2012: Restored the Emergency Management Position
• 2012: FFD/EM Personnel Count increased to 33
• 2012: Merge of City/County Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD)
• April 2012: Opening of Station 19 bring total station counts to 16
• January 2014: Hazmat Team reorganized for additional coverage (Station 1 and 17)
• July 2014: FFD/EM Administration moved from City Hall to Station 14
• April 2015: Achieved ISO Class
• August 16, 2016: The department achieves Accredited Agency Status for the second time
• October 2016: Hurricane Matthew Response implemented
• May 2018: Relocated Station 12 to 911 Hope Mills Road to improve response times
• September 2018: Hurricane Florence Response implemented
• 2020: Enhanced response plans to effectively address the Coronavirus Pandemic (SARS-CoV-2)
• FY2020: SAFER Grant allowed increase in personnel count to 356
• November 16, 2021: The department achieves Accredited Agency Status for the third time

For more information, visit your local fire station or take a trip to the Fayetteville History Museum downtown.

Benefits of Accreditation

The Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) offers officer credentialing, education, and certification services. The Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) oversees the accreditation process for fire and emergency service agencies worldwide.

The CFAI program serves as a detailed self-assessment and evaluation framework designed for fire and emergency service organizations. It allows these organizations to analyze their service levels and performance—reviewing past, present, and future metrics—and to benchmark their findings against industry best practices. This comprehensive approach helps ensure continuous improvement and enhances overall service delivery. 

The following is an expanded list of benefits that this process offers to both the department and the community it serves:

1. **Clear Mission and Objectives**: It guarantees that both colleagues within the department and the public are aware that the department operates with clearly defined missions and objectives. These goals are thoughtfully aligned with the needs and expectations of the jurisdictions that the department serves, fostering trust and accountability.

2. **Comprehensive Service Evaluation**: The process includes a thorough assessment of the services provided to the community, allowing for an in-depth understanding of how effectively the department meets community needs and expectations. This evaluation helps in promoting transparency and ensuring community satisfaction.

3. **Community Risk Assessment**: By identifying and analyzing community risk factors and safety needs, the department can prioritize its efforts and allocate resources more effectively. This proactive approach ensures that the most pressing issues are addressed, enhancing overall community safety.

4. **Strategic Planning Framework**: It establishes a robust mechanism for formulating strategic and program action plans. These plans serve as roadmaps for the department's initiatives, ensuring that all actions are purpose-driven and aligned with the community's needs.

5. **Performance Evaluation**: The process involves a systematic evaluation of the department's performance, facilitating the identification of areas for improvement. This ongoing assessment promotes accountability and encourages a culture of excellence within the department.

6. **Organizational Improvement**: A structured method for achieving continuous organizational improvements is established, enabling the department to adapt to changing community needs and operational challenges. This commitment to growth helps foster a culture of innovation.

7. **Program Justification**: The use of performance measurements aids in substantiating program effectiveness and budgetary requirements, providing solid evidence when negotiating resources and support from stakeholders and funding bodies.

8. **Strengths and Weaknesses Identification**: This process aids in pinpointing the department's strengths and weaknesses, fostering a better understanding of internal capabilities. Recognizing these elements is crucial for enhancing operational efficiency and service delivery.

9. **Addressing Deficiencies**: By creating structured methods or systems for identifying and addressing deficiencies, the department can implement targeted interventions that contribute to organizational success and improve community outcomes.

10. **Risk Mitigation**: Identifying potential risks allows the department to take preemptive measures to mitigate emergencies effectively. By ensuring that appropriate resources are available, the department can respond more efficiently to crises, ultimately enhancing community safety.

11. **National Recognition**: Engaging in this process not only strengthens the department’s operations but also fosters national recognition among peers and the public. This acknowledgment can enhance the department's reputation, attract talent, and improve community relations.

By embracing these benefits, the department can ensure that it operates effectively, meets community expectations, and continuously enhances its service delivery, thus building a safer and more robust community.

Planning and Research

The Planning and Research Division, which supports the overall functions of the Administrative Division, is responsible for coordinating programs that affect all areas within the organization. Its primary goal is to help develop and implement innovative programs that enhance the organization’s ability to preserve life, property, and the environment in the surrounding areas. Additionally, the Planning and Research Division oversees various functions, including accreditation, records management, annexation mapping, ISO compliance, service contracts, and other related responsibilities.

Accreditation Staff

The Logistics Division supports the department by providing supplies and coordinating fleet maintenance, apparatus specification, and equipment repair. By utilizing the Logistics Division, the department maintains accountability for its equipment and ensures it can effectively carry out the mission of the Fayetteville Fire Department.

The Fayetteville Fire Department’s Logistics Division is responsible for various purchasing tasks, including acquiring bids and making general purchases on a daily basis to support the department's day-to-day functions. This office initiates large purchase specifications and bidding, as well as coordinates delivery locations based on functional needs and available storage space. The office is located at 307 Hope Mills Road.

Additionally, the Logistics Division manages all vehicle maintenance for the existing fleet, including warranty repairs, and preventive maintenance. They also coordinate all building maintenance for the stations under the Fayetteville Fire Department’s jurisdiction through the City’s Building Maintenance division. Furthermore, the Logistics Division oversees the repair of small engines for all lawn equipment, power saws, and generators.

Logistics Staff

In addition to daily services such as fire suppression, emergency medical care, and code enforcement, the department also provides more specialized services. The Special Operations Division is charged with overseeing the operations of the Hazardous Material Team and the Collapse, Search, and Rescue (USAR) Team and coordinating with other agencies on Emergency Management.

Currently assigned to Fire Stations 1 and 17, the Fayetteville Fire Department's Hazardous Material Team trains and responds to incidents involving tank cars, industrial incidents, weapons of mass destruction, etc.

In addition to handling all local hazardous materials incidents, the State of North Carolina also contracted the team as one of the seven Regional Response Teams.  The team is responsible for responding to incidents covering 12 county areas, including  Cumberland, Bladen, Robeson, Scotland, Richmond, Hoke, Sampson, Wayne, Johnston, Harnett, Lee, and Moore Counties.  The state created these teams to ensure adequate resources to respond to incidents exceeding local capabilities and provide technical support, staffing, specialized equipment, and supplies.

The City of Fayetteville has established a Collapse Search and Rescue Team. This team consists of members from the Fayetteville Fire Department, Fayetteville Police Department, Cumberland County Emergency Medical Services, and volunteers from local fire departments within Cumberland County.

The team's primary responsibility is to conduct rescue operations, including uncovering, extricating, and providing initial medical stabilization for victims trapped in confined spaces. Such incidents may arise from building collapses, transportation accidents, or trench collapses.

These emergencies can result from various situations, including floods, dam failures, winter storms, technological accidents, terrorist activities, and hazardous materials releases. Additionally, the team is available to assist other communities in the aftermath of major disasters.

The team maintains a large cache of specialized equipment to conduct operations. This includes items ranging from delicate listening devices and search cameras to heavy-duty equipment designed to break concrete or cut steel. In the event of a long deployment, the team is also equipped with tents, food, and water. Each member is issued specialized protective equipment to ensure safety during dangerous operations.

Special Operations Staff

The Training Division schedules, coordinates, and manages a wide range of training activities for the department. In addition to general fire topics, firefighters receive training in a variety of subjects, including emergency medical care, technical rescue, hazardous material response, structural collapse, trench rescue, confined space rescue, airport rescue and firefighting, weapons of mass destruction, and terrorism. The division evaluates training programs and helps keep the department abreast of changes in fire service standards and technology.

The Training Division is located at the Fayetteville Regional Airport Firefighting Training Facility. The dedicated staff collaborates closely with Fayetteville Technical Community College to offer a diverse array of classes and training exercises. Throughout the year, firefighters from across the region can participate in various courses conducted at the training facility. 

Fire Training Facility

The Fire Training Facility serves as the main hub for the Training Division. It is operated by the Chief of Training, a Training Officer, and two Assistant Training Officers. This facility also accommodates the offices of the Public Information Officer/Recruiter and two Community Risk Reduction Specialists. Spanning approximately eleven acres, the building covers around 13,000 square feet. Within its walls, there are three classrooms, each able to hold up to twenty-five students. Additionally, two of these classrooms can be combined to create a larger space when necessary. Each year, numerous classes are conducted here, including training for recruits, continuing education for department personnel, and various courses offered in partnership with Fayetteville Technical Community College.

The construction of the Fire Training Tower was completed in January 2011, replacing the former training tower that stood on Northeastern Boulevard by the Fayetteville Botanical Garden. This new, four-story tower is equipped with various training simulators, allowing personnel to train in essential areas such as fire suppression, ventilation, rope rescue, search and rescue, and forcible entry, among others.

A significant part of the responsibilities for department personnel revolves around mastering the skills to drive and operate fire apparatus. The Fire Training Facility provides the resources necessary for training and testing. Here, personnel can practice with fire apparatus, utilize specialized equipment, and navigate the driving course during their training sessions. Every firefighter eager to progress in the Career Development Program must first become qualified as a Driver/Operator of different fire apparatus. To facilitate this, the department runs a Driver Operator Qualification Program, where participants showcase their ability to effectively drive and operate fire apparatus.

Multi-Company Evolutions

Each year, the Training Division organizes a series of drills that bring together multiple companies to practice a range of subjects in various scenarios. These drills are conducted in alignment with NFPA Standards, ensuring that our personnel can effectively assess their ability to manage different situations on the fire ground. Through these activities, we identify both our strengths and areas for improvement, enabling us to provide the best possible service to the public. Quickly gaining control of an emergency is just as important as responding to it.

Fire Science Degree Program 

• Educational Partnership Program
• Fire Protection Technology Program

To promote diversity within its ranks and provide educational opportunities for current firefighters, the Fayetteville Fire Department has teamed up with Cumberland County Schools (E.E. Smith High School), Fayetteville Technical Community College, and Fayetteville State University to develop innovative programs. This collaboration creates a mutually beneficial scenario for everyone involved.

As part of this initiative, high school students are introduced to the fire service through a Fire Academy at E.E. Smith High School. The program leverages FTCC's Huskins program, which enables students to enroll in college courses while still in high school, earning both tuition-free college credits and high school elective credits. In these classes, students gain insight into management and various aspects of fire and emergency services. The courses use a blend of online learning and weekly in-person sessions, allowing students to graduate with up to 22 credits toward a degree in Fire Science. Additionally, students from other schools can participate in the Fire Science Academy at E.E. Smith High School through Cumberland County's School of Choice program.

These innovative programs also address essential community needs. The City of Fayetteville has collaborated with Fayetteville State University to construct a 19,000 square foot fire station, Station #14, on the university's campus. Fayetteville State provided the land, while the City of Fayetteville financed the building's construction. The design of the fire station includes a classroom/community space equipped with video conferencing capabilities to enhance educational services. This facility serves as the Fire Headquarters, housing the majority of the Executive Staff and administrative personnel on one side, while the other side is staffed by certified firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and technical rescue technicians from the Fayetteville Fire Department. Collectively, they bring a wealth of skills, knowledge, and expertise to the community.

For more information, please contact 910-433-1580.

Related Links

• NC OSFM State Transcripts
• Fire Science Online
• Fayetteville State University - Fire Science Program
• Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC)
• E.E. Smith High School

Training Staff

Cumberland County Emergency Services Memorial

The memorial site is located at the Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) - Cumberland County Regional Fire & Rescue Training Center, 775 Tom Starling Road Fayetteville, NC 28306.

25th Annual Cumberland County Emergency Services Memorial Service

All are invited to attend this annual memorial service to honor Firefighters and EMS workers who have sacrificed their lives serving the citizens of Cumberland County and Fort Bragg on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 11 A.M.

Donations

If you wish to make a donation, please send a check made payable to:

CCFCA 
c/o Memorial Fund 
7221 Stoney Point Rd 
Fayetteville, NC 28306

Would you like to have a personalized engraved brick placed at the memorial?

If so, please fill out the Memorial Brick Request Form(PDF, 41KB). This form is in Adobe Acrobat PDF® format. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, click on the icon to download the program.

• Memorial-Brick-Request-Form.pdf(PDF, 41KB)

The FFD Peer Support Team was created to provide employees with psychological and emotional support through multidisciplinary services during times of personal and professional crisis.  

Intent

The department has taken another step in promoting the health and wellness of our employees by implementing a program that supports emotional well-being. Just as some of us struggle with physical ailments that limit our abilities, many suffer from psychological issues that prevent them from being their best. Though it’s relatively new science to us, much evidence exists that shows untreated emotional and behavioral ailments do not self-correct. This doesn’t mean we need medical treatment for every case, though sometimes we do. Our biggest enemy is the culture that draws us into the profession, is the same one that prohibits us from asking for help.  To save the world, we must first save ourselves.

This in-house counseling service does not replace the Chaplaincy program or EAP but supplants both. We are committed to ensuring that no one gets left behind. This is also another example where we listen. This idea was recommended during the discussions following the employee surveys and subsequent committee meetings. 

History

Traces of this team and its foundation can be traced back to the Firefighter Life Safety Summit that occurred in Tampa, Florida in March 2004.  From this summit, the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives were developed.  The thirteenth initiative relates directly to our team, which states that firefighters and their families must have access to counseling and psychological support.  Today we have evidence of this with benefits to the department such as the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and assistance provided by our Chaplin’s Corps.

It is not the intention of having the Peer Support Team established to take away or remove these other resources, but to provide another means of support our members.  There have been studies, with one specifically in North Carolina, that show a comparison between line-of-duty deaths and suicides.  The findings show that suicides occur more than three times as often than line-of-duty deaths.  This issue has been referred to as a silent killer in the fire service.  The Team’s ultimate goal is to provide an additional resource for anyone seeking support when confronted with the stressors from the job, external stressors of everyday life, or a combination of the two.  With any fire department, the most important asset to an organization is the firefighters themselves.

Contact Us

To contact the peer support team, please send an email to FFDPeerSupport@ci.fay.nc.us.

Additional Resources

• North Carolina Peer Support Team

What can a person legally burn within the City of Fayetteville?

The following are some examples of legal applications of outdoor fires as allowed by City of Fayetteville Ordinance Section 11-11 and the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code:

Recreational Fires: Recreational fires are defined by the North Carolina Fire Prevention Codes as fires 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth, or similar purposes.Recreational fires are NOT considered open burning and do NOT require a fire code permit.

• Should be at least 25’ away from structures of combustible materials
• Conditions which could cause a fire to spread within 25’ of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition
• Shall not be used to burn rubbish, yard waste, or burn material in an incinerator

Portable Outdoor Fireplaces/Fire Pits: Portable outdoor fireplaces/fire pits are defined by the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code as a portable, outdoor, solid-fuel-burning fireplace that may be constructed of steel, concrete, clay, or other non-combustible materials. A portable outdoor fireplace may be open in design or may be equipped with a small hearth opening and a short chimney opening in the top. Portable outdoor fireplaces do NOT require a fire code permit.

• Portable outdoor fireplaces shall be used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions
• Portable outdoor fireplaces shall not be operated within 15 feet of a commercial structure or combustible material.This distance does not apply to single family dwellings
• Shall not be used to burn rubbish or yard waste

Stationary Outdoor Fireplaces: Stationary outdoor fireplaces are constructed on-site, permanent in nature, solid-fuel-burning, and may be constructed of stone, brick, concrete, clay, or other non-combustible material.A stationary outdoor fireplace will normally have a hearth, fire box, and chimney/stack.Stationary outdoor fireplaces are NOT considered open burning and do NOT require a fire code permit.

• Shall not be used to burn rubbish or yard waste

Stationary Outdoor Fire Pits: Stationary outdoor fire pits are constructed on-site, permanent in nature, solid-fuel-burning and may be constructed of stone, brick, concrete, metal, or other non-combustible material.The stationary outdoor fire pit may be dug in the ground or above the ground and is designed to contain a fire and prevent it from spreading.Stationary outdoor fire pits are NOT considered open burning and do NOT require a fire code permit.

• Stationary outdoor fire pits must be at least 5’ from property lines and shall be 15’ from structures to include decks
• Shall not be used to burn rubbish or yard waste

Bonfires: Bonfires are defined by the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code as an outdoor fire used for ceremonial purposes.These are typically large fires in conjunction with a planned event such as a school prep rally or holiday event.These fires are often recreational fires that exceed the 3’ diameter and 2’ height limitations.Bonfires ARE considered open burning and ARE required to have a fire code permit.

• A bonfire shall not be conducted within 50 feet of a structure or combustible material and conditions, which could cause the fire to spread within 50 feet of a structure, shall be eliminated prior to ignition
• Shall not be used to burn rubbish or yard waste
• A fire engine usually will be requested to stand-by these events

Open Burning: Any other large fires not listed within this guide (land clearing, etc) is noted as open burning and IS required to have a fire code permit issued before ignition occurs.

Who do I contact if someone is burning illegally?

Please call 911.

Who do I contact if I need a fire inspection?

Call our Community Risk Reduction Division at 910-433-1730.

How can I become a firefighter with the Fayetteville Fire Department?

You have to be 18 years of age to become a firefighter. Questions about becoming a firefighter and what that entails should be directed to the Training Division at 433-1580. To submit an application, contact Human Resource Development at 433-1635.

Where do I pick up a copy of a fire report?

We utilize an online records request platform called NextRequest for fire report requests.

When requesting a report, click Make Request at the top left hand corner of the screen, enter pertinent information about the call you are requesting such as address, call type, and date of incident.

Select "Fire Records Request" under department and submit a good email address for us to send the files to you in a timely manner. 

The fire hydrant is flowing on my street. Who do I call to take care of this?

Contact Fayetteville PWC at 910-483-1382.

I have moved into the City and my insurance company needs to know how many miles it is to the nearest fire station and where the fire hydrant is located.

The Fayetteville Fire Department's insurance rating is ISO Class 1. Exact mileage from your house to the station can be determined by utilizing Google Maps or another map program. To determine which station responds to your area, click on the Fire Stations link and look for your street on the map.

How do I schedule a visit to a fire station or a safety talk for my group?

Call Community Risk Reduction Division at 910-433-1730. You can also click on the submit an electronic request HERE.