Amy Burton Named North Carolina Fire Marshal of the Year
The Pender County fire official has become the first woman to receive the prestigious statewide honor.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Safety
The North Carolina Fire Marshals' Association has named Pender County Fire Marshal Amy Burton as its 2026 Fire Marshal of the Year. Burton, who previously served as an EMS battalion chief in the Town of Leland, was recognized for her leadership in fire prevention and safety.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights a career of breaking gender barriers in North Carolina emergency services. Burton was the first female fire marshal in Pender County and the first woman to serve as an Eastern Region Director for the association.
The award recognized Burton's work in code enforcement, life safety, fire investigations, and community risk reduction. This achievement follows her 2025 milestone as the association's first female Eastern Region Director.
The players
Amy Burton
She serves as the Pender County Fire Marshal and is the first woman to win the North Carolina Fire Marshal of the Year award.
North Carolina Fire Marshals' Association
This professional organization represents fire marshals across the state and manages annual safety and leadership awards.
National Fire Protection Association
This global nonprofit organization is dedicated to eliminating death, injury, and economic loss due to fire and electrical hazards.
The details
The award was presented to Burton during the annual North Carolina Fire Marshals' Association awards banquet held in Greensboro. Her professional history includes serving as the first female EMS battalion chief with the Town of Leland.
Timeline
In 2025, Burton became the first female Eastern Region Director of the North Carolina Fire Marshals' Association.
In 2026, the North Carolina Fire Marshals' Association named Amy Burton Fire Marshal of the Year.
In June 2027, Burton is expected to attend the NFPA Conference in San Antonio, Texas.
Seasonal Patterns
Burton marks a significant departure from the historical precedents established by the North Carolina Fire Marshal of the Year award recipient list. Her recognition signals a shift in the leadership demographics within the state's fire prevention agencies.
Residents can engage with community risk reduction programs by contacting their local fire marshal's office for home safety inspections. These services are vital for improving life safety and fire prevention standards throughout Pender County and the state.
The takeaway
Burton's career serves as a roadmap for future leaders in fire services looking to bridge gaps in traditionally male-dominated fields. Her work emphasizes the growing importance of community risk reduction strategies in modern fire safety.
What happens next
Amy Burton will be nominated for the National Fire Protection Association Fire Marshal of the Year award and is expected to attend the association's conference in San Antonio, Texas, in June 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about local emergency response protocols on the Safety section of our site.
