Hampstead, NC – At approximately 10:45 PM on March 16, 2025, a 40-foot center console fishing boat was engulfed in flames in the Washington Acres neighborhood of Hampstead. Pender EMS & Fire responded promptly to the scene and successfully extinguished the fire.

Fortunately, there were no injuries reported in the incident; however, the boat suffered a total loss. Pender EMS & Fire worked alongside multiple agencies to ensure the situation was handled efficiently. The Pender County Sheriff's Office, Pender County Emergency Management, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, and the United States Coast Guard all provided support during the response.

The cause of the fire was investigated by the Pender County Fire Marshal's Office. Preliminary findings indicate that the fire resulted from a lightning strike, highlighting the potential hazards that severe weather can pose.

Pender County Fire Marshal's Office reminds all residents and visitors to stay vigilant during adverse weather conditions.