A: Yes, we do give tours! Please call ahead and schedule a time to visit the station for tour groups of children. This helps ensure that there is someone available to show you around. You can call the Fire Department at 828-459-9678 to schedule a tour of the station and the trucks.

A: No, we are not able to fill swimming pools.

A: The Fire Department is not always manned for a number of reasons. We may be on another call, at a training, doing equipment maintenance, or simply unable to answer the phone. All Fire Department personnel have personal pagers, radios, and alarms in the station that alert them to a call. That is why you should always call 9-1-1 when there is an emergency.

A: The insurance rating is determined by the NC Department of Insurance – State Fire Marshal’s Office. It is based on many factors, including the number of fire stations, fire hydrants, and fire personnel (just to name a few). The lower the number of our score, the better the rating is for our Fire Department. The Oxford Fire Department (Catfish District) is currently rated as a 5 in “Hydrant” areas. Areas that are not in a “Hydrant” area are ranked at class 9. You may call the fire station at 459-9678 to find out more about the ratings. 

A: The Fire Department is not able to bring a truck to rescue animals. We suggest placing food on the ground underneath the tree so that when your curious cat gets hungry enough, he or she will come down. For other animal-related incidents, we suggest contacting Catawba County Animal Control at 828-466-6814.

A: The Fire Department sells the signs for $20 each. They can be ordered by calling the Fire Department at 828-459-9678.

A: If you wish to burn outside the city limits, you can receive your Burn Permit for any legal fires at the Oxford Fire Stations, or on the NC Forest Service’s website at ncforestservice.gov.

Their link is also on our website.

Burn Permits can be issued for 30 days. If you are doing a large burn, it is suggested that you alert the Fire Department in advance at 828-459-9678, and of course, if your burn becomes more intense than you can handle, always call 9-1-1!

A: We will usually announce a burning bans on the local news channels. You can also call the department at 828-459-9678 with any questions.

Even if in the absence of a burning ban, it is always important to use good judgment about burning during dry and/or windy conditions. Always be prepared before burning by having rakes and garden hoses nearby.

A. No, volunteer firefighters do not get paid; however, their equipment and training are paid for by the Department. When a volunteer reaches the age of 55 with 20 years of service, he or she is eligible for retirement benefits.

A. The cost to the Department to provide each volunteer with standard training and equipment  is approximately $6,000

The Department’s budget is primarily supplied by taxes collected from property owners in our district. We are also fortunate to receive financial support from local businesses and district residents through fundraisers and straight donations.

Thank you for your interest in protecting the lives and property in Oxford’s Catfish District!

Becoming a volunteer firefighter is a rewarding decision, but it is also a serious one.

Our Department will provide many hours of training, and you must be dedicated to  completing all training and passing certifications awarded by the Office of the State Fire Marshall.

To qualify as a volunteer firefighter, you must be  18+ years old, pass a physical fitness test and criminal background checks, and be able to work under stressful conditions. 

If you are interested, you must first submit an application for a volunteer position.