Fire Services

Morganton Public Safety Fire Services Division is a multi-discipline Division providing; structural and non-structural fire suppression, technical rescue operations, hazardous materials mitigation, in the city limits of Morganton. The department also operates robust programs in community risk reduction.

The Fire Services Division is directed by Capt. Israel Gibson.

The Fire Services Division’s staff and resources are distributed among three strategically located fire stations throughout the city which are staffed 24 hours a day with a compliment of highly trained officers and firefighters that ensures rapid response and intervention regardless of the emergency, the time of day, or the location.

The City of Morganton Fire Services Division offers fire protection for 19 square miles, and responds to approximately 700 fire-related service calls each year within that area. Morganton Firefighters are involved in approximately 10,600 hrs of Fire Service related training per year dept. wide. 

In 2022, the department received a Class 3 Public Protection Classification (PPC) rating from the Insurance Services Office (ISO). The Class 3 rating means business owners, residents and visitors to Morganton can count on superior fire protection. It is also one of the factors used to determine fire insurance premiums for homeowners and businesses. The Morganton Public Safety Fire Services Divisions also maintains and tests 1,200 fire hydrants and updates 1,400 commercial pre-plans annually.

The City of Morganton Fire Services Division delivers fire education throughout the year to approximately 5,000 citizens. The majority of this fire education occurs within private and public schools.

Request for Open Burn Permit:

Contact Capt. Israel Gibson at 828-432-2522 or igibson@morgantonps.org. You may also download and complete the open burn permit below and email it to Capt. Israel Gibson at igibson@morgantonps.org.

Request Fire Prevention Education:

Contact Capt. Israel Gibson at igibson@morgantonps.org or 828-432-2522.

Fire Inspections and Permitting:

Contact Cecil Huffman at chuffman@morgantonnc.gov or 828-438-5266

Request for Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms:

Contact Capt. Israel Gibson at igibson@morgantonps.org or 828-432-2522.