SUNSET HARBOR, NC — What began as a small rural fire station built by neighbors in 1979 has grown into one of southeastern Brunswick County’s most essential emergency‑response agencies. The Sunset Harbor & Zion Hill Volunteer Fire Department, founded on September 11, 1979, now serves a rapidly expanding district where new neighborhoods, schools, and commercial sites have transformed the once‑quiet coastal landscape.
The department’s earliest years were defined by grit and community resolve. Residents of Sunset Harbor and Zion Hill, then a patchwork of fishing families, farmland, and unpaved roads had built the station themselves, raised money for equipment, and responded to emergencies with an all‑volunteer crew. That grassroots foundation shaped the department’s identity for decades.
As Brunswick County grew, so did the department’s responsibilities. New developments such as Winding River, River Run, Sea Watch, Brookstone, Mill Creek Cove, Grande Palms, and Bella Point brought thousands of new residents – with more land clearing, anticipated 800 new homes brings population even higher with sharp rise in emergency calls.
The district also expanded to include higher‑risk sites, including Roger Bacon Academy Charter School and a commercial propane supply yard, requiring more advanced training, planning, and apparatus.
To meet those demands, the department transitioned from a fully volunteer agency to a combination department, adding full‑time and part‑time personnel while continuing to rely on volunteers who remain central to its operations. Over the years, the fleet has modernized with upgraded engines, a donated ladder truck, and specialized equipment designed for both structural and wildland‑urban interface response.
Today, the department provides a full range of emergency services, including fire suppression, medical response, and vehicle rescue. Firefighters respond to structure fires, brush fires, vehicle collisions, and medical emergencies, often arriving as the first trained personnel on scene. They also conduct pre‑incident planning, hydrant testing, and district mapping to support efficient response across a growing service area.
Beyond emergency calls, the department maintains a strong public‑education presence. Firefighters regularly speak at schools, HOA meetings, and community events, offering guidance on smoke alarms, home escape planning, carbon monoxide safety, and seasonal hazards such as space heaters, grills, and hurricane‑season risks. During Fire Prevention Week, the station often opens its doors for tours, demonstrations, and family‑friendly safety activities. When resources allow, firefighters assist residents with smoke‑alarm checks and installations, particularly for seniors or homeowners with limited mobility.
The station itself is located at 2706 Sunset Harbor Road SE in Bolivia, serving as both an operational hub and a community anchor. For non‑emergency questions, residents can contact the department at 910.842.9449.
While the station welcomes visitors and community engagement, it is not a walk‑in medical facility. Firefighters may be out on calls or unavailable inside the building, and medical emergencies require EMS dispatch. For any urgent health concern, including copperhead bites, sudden illness, or injury residents are to call 9‑1‑1, ensuring the appropriate fire, rescue, and EMS units are sent without delay.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the department continues to rely on community support. Fundraisers – ranging from BBQ plates to raffles and donation drives help pay for equipment upgrades, protective gear, and training. These events also serve as informal outreach, giving residents a chance to meet the firefighters who protect their neighborhoods.
The department currently holds a Class 4 insurance rating for most homes within five miles of the station. Properties between five and six miles receive a 9E rating, and those beyond six miles remain unrated. To close that gap, the department is planning a second station positioned at the six‑mile limit, a move expected to improve response times and reduce insurance costs for homeowners in outlying areas.
The department is led by Fire Chief Rob Johnson, whose leadership focuses on operational readiness, volunteer recruitment, and long‑range planning as the district continues to grow. Under his direction, the department continues to balance modernization with the community‑driven spirit that has defined it since its founding.
From its humble beginnings to its present‑day role as a critical public‑safety provider, the Sunset Harbor & Zion Hill Volunteer Fire Department remains rooted in the values that built it: service, commitment, and a deep connection to the community it protects.
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