Combination department. Community-driven. Full-time personnel and dedicated volunteers ready 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Current notices from Piney Grove Fire and Rescue Department. Check back regularly for updates.
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We're more than a fire department — we're your neighbors. Come out and see us.
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Know the rules before you burn. NC regulations protect your neighbors, your property, and our community.
No county-wide burn ban is currently in effect. A valid NC Forest Service permit is required before any open burning.
Burning prohibited materials can result in EPA fines and citations from the NC Forest Service.
Piney Grove Fire and Rescue does not issue burn permits. Residents obtain permits free of charge through the NC Forest Service online portal. Permits are free and available online 24 hours a day through the NC Forest Service portal.
Get a Permit — NC Forest Service (opens in new tab)A department built by the community, for the community.
The Piney Grove Fire Department is located in Kernersville, NC just outside the town limits. We have 2 fire stations, one located on Piney Grove Road and the other on Vance Rd which we consider our HQ station.
Our department is a combination department meaning we are staffed with paid and volunteer personnel 24/7/365. Each station houses fire engines with one having a brush truck for woods or grass fires and the other having a small quick response vehicle utilized for medical emergencies or used in a support role for equipment. We follow under direction of a Board of Directors made up of members of the community with representation from our Fire Chief for issues pertaining to the operations of the department which this person is responsible for on a daily basis.
We average a little over 500 calls per year mostly medical related in our community of approximately 7,200. We train each week on Monday evenings on various topics such as fires, medical emergencies, rescue calls, hazmat, and many more. We also invite youth ages 14–18 to join our Cadet program where those individuals get to learn and experience what it's like to work in emergency services.
Piney Grove Fire and Rescue was established in 1967 by members of the Kernersville community who saw a need and answered the call. What began as a volunteer-only department has grown into the combination department it is today — but the community-first spirit that drove those original members is still at the heart of everything we do.
TODO: Provide the year Station 34 was established on Piney Grove Road and what that expansion meant for eastern district coverage.
The Youth Cadet Program opens the door to emergency services for anyone aged 14–18 — no experience required, all training provided. It's the same path Chief Carl Walker walked when he joined Piney Grove as a junior firefighter at age 14, inspired by a TV show called Emergency!
Under Chief Nelson "Carl" Walker — who came up through the ranks from junior firefighter to career Captain and back — Piney Grove completed a transition to full-time personnel around the clock at both stations. Combination department. Total commitment.
The person leading Piney Grove Fire and Rescue Department every day.
Chief Nelson "Carl" Walker's story with Piney Grove began at age 14, when he joined as a Junior Firefighter — inspired by the 1970s television show Emergency! and its portrayal of first responders making a difference.
After graduating East Forsyth High School, Walker joined High Point Fire Department, where he rose through the ranks over more than 20 years to reach the rank of Captain. Throughout that career he continued to volunteer with Piney Grove and serve on its Board of Directors.
Following his retirement from High Point, Walker worked in commercial fire equipment sales. In late 2021, when Chief Jimmy Barrow retired, Walker stepped in as interim Fire Chief — returning to lead the very department where his career began. He has since become permanent Chief, bringing on full-time staff, achieving 24/7 coverage at both stations, and restructuring operations, personnel, and finances.
As he puts it: "Life has now came full circle."
Piney Grove Fire and Rescue Department operates two stations covering Kernersville and the surrounding districts, with full-time personnel on duty around the clock.
Districts served: Vance Rd, Kerner Rd, Abington, Interlaken, and surrounding areas
Districts served: Bethel Church Rd, North Main St, Piney Grove Rd, and surrounding areas
Seven pieces of well-maintained equipment ready to respond across both stations at a moment's notice.
1,500 GPM pump · 750-gal tank · Station 32
1,000 GPM pump · 1,500-gal tank · Station 32
Light rescue & utility · Station 32
Reserve unit · Station 32
1,250 GPM pump · 1,000-gal tank · Station 34
Medical first response · Station 34
300 GPM pump · Volunteer-built · Station 34
No experience required. We provide all training — show up any Monday at 7 PM and see what it's all about.
No certifications needed. We provide all training at no cost — through internal sessions and state programs. If you're 18 or older and want to make a real difference, show up any Monday at 7 PM.
Ages 14–17 can start building real emergency services skills before they're old enough to volunteer. It's how Chief Walker got his start — and it could be the beginning of your career too.
Questions, volunteer inquiries, or just want to say thanks — we'd love to hear from you.
For all life-threatening emergencies, fire, or medical — always dial 911.
Every Monday at 7:00 PM at either station. New volunteers are welcome — no prior experience or certifications required.