Career Fire Department: The Oak Island Fire Department is a career fire department, employing full-time staff, 24-hours a day, every day.

Comprehensive Services: We provide a wide range of essential services, including:

• Fire Suppression  
• Ocean Rescue
• Fire Inspections / Investigations
• Technical Rescue (e.g., vehicle extrication, collapse rescue)  
• Hazardous Materials Response  
• Advanced Life Support (ALS) medical emergency response (Advanced EMT)
• Response to other public health, safety, and welfare emergencies  

Proactive Approach: The department is actively involved in fire prevention and public education programs to minimize fire risks and promote safety awareness within the community.

The Fire Department serves to apply ALL laws or ordinances related to fire safety and prevention, including:  

• STATE LAWS (basic safety standards, broad in scope and application)
  
• COUNTY ORDINANCES (More closely defined and specific to this region)
• TOWN ORDINANCES (Stricter than State / County, applies within the Town's incorporated limits)

The Department's response district includes all the Town's corporate limits covering both the island and mainland, which includes portions of N.C. 211 and Long Beach Road.

Oak Island is Brunswick County's largest barrier island, and it is the largest coastal town in North Carolina. Oak Island has a permanent population of nearly 10,000, with a Summer tourist population which swells to nearly 60,000 in-season.

The ISO Fire Protection Classification for the Town of Oak Island is currently 3/10, with the most recent grading expected to be issued by July 1, 2025. Rating are achieved based on many factors such as water supply, communications, and training.

The Department is also certified as a Light Rescue Provider by NCAR & EMS and provides emergency medical response at the Advanced EMT level.

• STATION 1: 101 East Oak Island Drive
• STATION 2: 8510 East Oak Island Drive
• STATION 3: 4151 Vanessa Drive in South Harbour Village (on the mainland)

A Message from the Chief:

Citizens and Visitors of Oak Island, As Fire Chief of the Oak Island Fire Department, I am honored to serve and protect this wonderful community. Our dedicated team of firefighters, both career and volunteer, are committed to providing the highest level of fire protection, rescue services, and emergency medical response to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in Oak Island.

We understand the unique challenges that come with serving a barrier island community, particularly the significant population increase we experience during the tourist season. Our department works diligently to prepare for these fluctuations, maintaining readiness and ensuring we can effectively respond to any emergency, whether it's a fire, medical emergency, or other critical incident.

Public safety is our top priority. We not only respond to emergencies, but we are also actively engaged in fire prevention and public education. We believe that proactive measures, such as fire safety inspections and community outreach programs, are essential to minimizing risks and preventing tragedies. We encourage you to take advantage of the resources we offer, including fire safety tips and educational programs, which can be found on our website, or by contacting our department directly.

We are proud of the strong partnerships we have with other local agencies and organizations. Collaboration is key to effective emergency response, and we are committed to working together to ensure the best possible outcomes for our community.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to the dedicated men and women of the Oak Island Fire Department. Their commitment, courage, and professionalism are truly commendable. I am also incredibly grateful for the support we receive from the community. Your generosity and appreciation motivate us to continually strive for excellence.

We are your fire department, and we are here for you. If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Together, we can make Oak Island a safer place for everyone.

Sincerely, Kenan Lee Price,

Fire Chief Oak Island Fire Department

Message from the Deputy Chief:

A Message from the Deputy Chief of the Oak Island Fire Department: Operations & Training
Citizens and Visitors of Oak Island,

As Deputy Chief of the Oak Island Fire Department, I'm pleased to share an update on our ongoing efforts in operations and training, which are crucial to ensuring the highest level of service and safety for our community.

Our department is committed to continuous improvement and staying at the forefront of firefighting and rescue techniques. We recognize that the challenges we face, from structure fires to technical rescues and medical emergencies, demand a highly skilled and adaptable team. Therefore, we place a strong emphasis on comprehensive training and operational efficiency.

OPERATIONS

We continually review and refine our operational procedures to ensure we are deploying resources effectively and efficiently. This includes:

• Response Optimization: We analyze call data and refine our response protocols to minimize response times and maximize the impact of our initial attack.
• Resource Management: We strategically manage our personnel and equipment to ensure we have the right resources in the right place at the right time. This is particularly important during peak tourist seasons when our call volume can significantly increase.
• Interagency Collaboration: We maintain close working relationships with neighboring fire departments and other emergency services to ensure seamless coordination and mutual aid when needed.

TRAINING

Our training program is designed to equip our firefighters with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to handle any emergency situation. This includes:

• Live Fire Training: We conduct regular live fire training exercises to simulate real-world fire conditions and hone our firefighting skills.
• Technical Rescue Training: Our team receives specialized training in various technical rescue disciplines, including vehicle extrication, and water rescue, allowing us to respond effectively to complex rescue scenarios.
• Medical Training: All our firefighters are trained to provide emergency medical care at the EMT-Basic level, along with additional members per shift, as well as the Chief Officers operate at the Advanced EMT level, ensuring prompt and effective medical assistance at the scene of an emergency.
• Officer Development: We invest in leadership training for our officers to ensure they have the skills necessary to lead and manage our teams effectively.
• Online and Classroom Training: We utilize a combination of online learning platforms and in-person classroom instruction to deliver comprehensive training on a wide range of topics, from fire behavior to hazardous materials handling.

We understand the importance of staying current with the latest advancements in firefighting technology and techniques. We continually evaluate new equipment and training methods to ensure we are providing our firefighters with the best possible tools and resources to protect our community.

The dedication and commitment of our firefighters to training and operational excellence are truly commendable. They are the heart of our department, and their willingness to learn and grow is what makes us so effective.

We are committed to serving the Oak Island community with professionalism, compassion, and unwavering dedication. If you have any questions about our operations or training programs, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Chris Sillings, Deputy Chief, Oak Island Fire Department

Message from the Assistant Chief:

A Message from the Assistant Chief of the Oak Island Fire Department: Ocean Rescue/Beach Services & Beach Safety.

Greetings from the Oak Island Fire Department! As Assistant Chief, I'm pleased to share some important information about our Ocean Rescue Program, Beach Services Unit and beach safety initiatives. Oak Island's beautiful beaches are a major draw for residents and visitors alike, and ensuring everyone can enjoy them safely is a top priority for our department.

OCEAN RESCUE PROGRAM

Our Ocean Rescue Program is a critical component of our commitment to public safety. We work diligently to maintain a well-trained and equipped team of ocean rescue personnel who are prepared to respond to a variety of emergencies in the water. This includes:

• Ocean Rescue Patrol Services: During peak season, May 1st through October 15th, we provide Ocean Rescue Patrols along our wonderful 10 miles of beaches. Our Ocean Rescue members are highly trained in ocean rescue techniques, CPR, and first aid. They are vigilant in monitoring the ocean conditions and proactively addressing potential hazards. They also provide beach safety information to our residents, visitors and guests.
• Watercraft Patrols: We utilize Sea-Doo GTX 300 Rescue Watercraft to patrol the waters on busy weekends and holidays and respond quickly to distress calls. These patrols also allow us to have a presence in the water and provide a rapid response in case of an emergency. 
• Rapid Response Teams: Our dedicated ocean rescue teams are on patrol and on call, ready to respond to emergencies such as rip currents, distressed swimmers, and other water-related incidents.  They also respond to medical emergencies on the Beach strand.

BEACH SERVICES UNIT

Our Beach Services Unit provides safety patrols, education to our citizens and visitors, and if required, enforcement of the local Town Ordinances.  Beach Services units patrol our beaches from 7:00 am to 5:00 M each day.  The BSU utilizes a “blue buggy UTV and also displays the current Rip Current Flag of the day.

BEACH SAFETY

While our Ocean Rescue Program and Beach Services Unit play a vital role in education and responding to emergencies, preventing them in the first place is equally important. We encourage everyone to follow these essential beach safety tips:

• Be Aware of Rip Currents: Rip currents are powerful currents that can pull swimmers away from shore. Learn how to identify rip currents and, if caught in one, remember to swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current, then swim back to shore.
• Locate: Locate the closest beach access and Water Safety Station
• Heed Warning Flags: Pay close attention to beach warning flags and understand their meanings. These flags provide important information about current ocean conditions.
• Never Swim Alone: Always swim with a buddy and never leave children unattended near the water.
• Wear Sunscreen and Stay Hydrated: Protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays by wearing sunscreen with a high SPF and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Know Your Limits: Don't overestimate your swimming abilities. If you're not a strong swimmer, stay closer to shore.
• Respect Marine Life: Observe marine life from a safe distance and avoid disturbing or feeding wild animals.

We are committed to making Oak Island's beaches as safe as possible for everyone to enjoy. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with our beach safety guidelines and to always be mindful of the ocean's potential dangers.

If you have any questions about our Ocean Rescue Program or beach safety, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to serve and protect our community.

Sincerely,

David Wagoner, Assistant Chief, Oak Island Fire Department

The most recent Oak Island Fire Department Annual Report was presented to the Oak Island Town Council during its regular meeting on March 11, 2025.

• CLICK HERE to view the report presentation

• CLICK HERE to download the report

The Town of Oak Island maintains over 800 fire hydrants, with 776 of those on the Island portion alone. Every year, at least 25 hydrants are replaced, with all 800 inspected and full testing completed on at least 160 (20%) of those. 

TESTING

Throughout the months of September, October, and November, the Department conducts annual Fire Hydrant Testing, performed Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

At the end of June, the Oak Island Fire Department (and Town as a whole) received some exciting news, the Office of the State Fire Marshall (OSFM) notified the Department that our ISO Fire Protection Classification had been UPGRADED to a ISO Rating 2, earning a score of 88.0.   

Only performed every 5 years, this rating comes after a months-long process of intense scrutiny and grading from OSFM, which reviewed several factors, including: 

• Communications
  
• Fire Department Operations and Calls
  
• Training
  
• Water Supply
  
• Community Risk Reduction

Nationally, there are 37,562 RATED fire departments, with 1,748 RATED departments in North Carolina. Of those, there are only 2,109 nationally and 139 statewide departments with a 2 ISO Rating.

This ISO Rating score would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of the Oak Island Fire Department. Each day working to set a level of service to help residents and visitors, this rating serves as a welcomed validation of that effort and commitment.

CLICK HERE to download a Report Request Form 

The Oak Island Fire Department makes available public records and reports of calls for service.

PLEASE NOTE: There is a $5 service fee to per copy of each report requested, which can be paid via cash or check. 

To obtain a copy of a report, please fill out the request form linked above, and submit via email to slefauve@oakislandnc.gov. Requests are also received by mail or in person at: 

Oak Island Fire Station 2  •  8510 E. Oak Island Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465

The Fire Department regularly receives questions about the services provided and practices used. These have been added to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) list, which can be found on the FAQ page at OakIslandNC.gov/FAQ or by clicking the link below.

The Fire Department often receives calls for service that require them to "gain entry" into a home when searching for the cause of a fire alarm or other emergency notification. While our firefighters do enjoy using those axes, sledge hammers, and Halligans ... a simple key is usually a lot quicker and much less destructive! That's where having a KNOX BOX can assist in protecting your home if there is a fire alarm or medical emergency!

The system consists of a sturdy, locked box (pictured here) mounted on the outside of your home, which contains your house key. This is similar to a "realtor's lockbox" with the main difference being that ONLY the Fire Department has access to this system.

FOR YOUR SECURITY: Only the Oak Island Fire Department has a key specific to open the Knox Boxes sold in our response area, keys from other departments WILL NOT open Knox Boxes sold for Oak Island.  

Only Fire Department personnel have access to this Knox Box key, which is electronically tracked every time it is removed from a firetruck. 

For more information on how the Fire Department uses Knox Box systems, feel free to call 910-278-1000. To learn more about Knox Box systems in general, and how to purchase one of your own, visit their website at www.knoxbox.com, or click the link below.

CLICK HERE to learn more about Knox Box Systems

While aa Knox Box can help the Fire Department with gaining entry into a home during an emergency, there's often more information needed once inside.

For this reason, the Department also uses the COMMUNITY CONNECT program, to help better serve residents and property owners. Community Connect is a free, secure, and easy to use platform that allows you to share critical information about your property. This information can greatly assist all emergency personnel when responding to a call for service at your home.

Community Connect provides first responders with a single source for your critical information. You can list important details such as medical needs, your home's floorplan and access layout, pets or animals that may be inside, and even emergency contacts for more information.

Creating an account is FREE and easy! Simply click on the Community Connect icon below to be redirected to the Community Connect website, where you can provide your email, phone number, and address, along with any other information you think would be most important for us to know in an emergency. That’s it! Just be sure to keep the details updated as things change over time, so that first responders can always have your latest information ... even if you're not physically present (or physically able) to tell them. 

The Community Connect app has been linked on the Fire Department page of the Town Website, but it can also be accessed directly by visiting www.communityconnect.io/info/nc-oakisland or clicking the icon below.

NOTICE: 202 Public Safety Camp will be June 02 - 06, 2025.

CLICK HERE for Camp Registration Information

Special thanks to our 2024 Camp sponsors: 

• Southeastern Specialty Vehicles

• Barbara M. Williams Accounting & Tax Services

• Carolina Shirt Co.

• Coastal Pediatric Dentistry

• Lil and John's Sweetreat Ice Cream

• OSFM- NC Office of the State Fire Marshall

About The Camp 

Each June, the Oak Island Fire Department hosts the Public Safety Camp (formerly known as the Junior Fire Camp) for kids ages 7 - 14. 

The camp will take place at various locations in Town, including the Fire Stations, Police Department, and Water Rescue Station.

Adventurous youth learn important lessons about basic firefighting, CPR, first aid, water safety, rescue techniques, and the equipment our department uses to save lives and protect homes and businesses. Camp attendees get firsthand interaction with ladder trucks, engines, hoses, turnout gear ... and much more in this fun camp!

Attendees should please bring a hat and sunscreen!

Space is limited and registration is required. Camp availability fills up fast, so early registration is encouraged. Use the link provided above to register online.