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Fire Department · Career

Oak Island Fire Department

Oak Island, NC · Brunswick County

Permanent population of nearly 10,000 residents, swelling toward roughly 60,000 during the summer tourist season, across 10 miles of Atlantic beachfront on North Carolina's largest barrier island and largest coastal town.

Address
8510 E Oak Island Dr, Oak Island, NC, 28465 8051
7Stations
10,000Population

Active openings

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About Oak Island Fire Department

Oak Island Fire Department protects Brunswick County's largest barrier island and the largest coastal town in North Carolina, a jurisdiction that spans the island itself and a pocket of mainland along N.C. 211 and Long Beach Road. Its year-round population of nearly 10,000 residents swells to roughly 60,000 during the summer tourist season, driving heavy seasonal call volume for a combination department of career and volunteer firefighters staffing three stations around the clock.

Beyond structural firefighting, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, fire inspections, and Advanced Life Support-level medical response, the department runs a specialty distinctive to barrier-island communities: an Ocean Rescue Program and Beach Services Unit that patrol 10 miles of Atlantic beachfront each season on rescue watercraft and UTVs, watching for rip currents and responding to water emergencies alongside structural calls.

The department's Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification was recently upgraded to Class 2, a rating held by only 139 departments statewide and roughly 2,100 nationally, reflecting sustained investment in communications, training, water supply, and community risk reduction. Community-facing programs include hydrant testing and replacement, the Knox Box rapid-entry system, Community Connect resident profiles, and an annual Public Safety Camp for kids.

MissionOur ultimate goal is to protect life and property.

How to get hired

Oak Island Fire Department hires career firefighter/EMTs and support staff through the Town of Oak Island's centralized Human Resources office. Open Fire/EMS positions are posted alongside openings from every other town department on the Town's Job Openings page, and all applicants submit the Town of Oak Island's standard employment application.

Leadership & hiring contacts

Kenan Lee Price
Fire Chief
Chris Sillings
Deputy Fire Chief, Operations & Training
David Wagoner
Assistant Fire Chief, Ocean Rescue/Beach Services & Beach Safety
Joe Snapp
Fire Marshal / Inspector
Samantha LeFauve
Administrative Assistant

Frequently asked questions

How do I become a firefighter with Oak Island Fire Department?

Fire/EMS openings are posted on the Town of Oak Island's Job Openings page alongside other town departments. Applicants download and submit the Town's standard employment application when a Fire/EMS position is open.

What is Oak Island Fire Department's ISO rating?

The department's ISO Public Protection Classification was recently upgraded to Class 2 (score of 88.0), a rating held by only 139 departments in North Carolina and about 2,100 nationally, based on communications, operations, training, water supply, and community risk reduction.

Does Oak Island Fire Department have an Ocean Rescue program?

Yes. From May 1 through October 15, Ocean Rescue personnel patrol the town's 10 miles of beaches on rescue watercraft, responding to rip currents, distressed swimmers, and other water emergencies, alongside a Beach Services Unit that patrols daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

How many fire stations does Oak Island Fire Department operate?

Three: Station 1 at 101 East Oak Island Drive, Station 2 at 8510 East Oak Island Drive, and Station 3 at 4151 Vanessa Drive in South Harbour Village on the mainland.