SOPpoints to be considered when fighting electric vehicle (EV)fires.
See story on pages 6-7
2 FF injured in Raleigh Blaze
Extreme heat and humidity resulted in 2 firefighters being transported to the hospital.
See story on page 12
3 Children Rescued from Swollen Creek Alarge crew of Raleigh firefighters rescue three children holding onto a tree.
See story on page 15
High Angle Rescue in South Charlotte
On arrival firefighters find a worker struck in a construction lift entangled in a powerline but uninjured.
See story on page 18
South Atlantic Fire Rescue Expo 2024
Alook at the gathering from this year’s expo.
See story on pages 22, 23, 29, 30
Warriors Always Rise
Achallenge was held by Warriors Always Rise for their 4th annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb Challenge.
See story on page 27
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pages 19, 20, 21 & 25 Focus of the Month
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page 26
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page 29
Mooresville Responds to Vehicle Fire…Maybe!
On August 3, 2024, at 1953, Mooresville Fire Rescue was alerted fora vehicle fire on Statesville Highway and Rinehardt Road. Arriving units found no fire, and used thermal imaging cameras to determine if the heat was possibly coming from the brakes oran electrical connection.
- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Harrisburg Trash Truck Fire on Rocky RiverRd.
On September5, 2024, at 1327, Concord Communications dispatched units from the Harrisburg and Concord fire departments to a reported large vehicle fire on Rocky RiverRoad near UpperRocky RiverRoad. Communications reported that a garbage truck had a fire in the body of the truck. Harrisburg Engine 32 and Flowes Store Engine 2 were on separate incidents nearby and were able to clearand were added to the assignment. Upon arrival, Flowes Store Engine 2 and Harrisburg Engine 32 found the driverhad pulled the trash truck into a private parking lot and dumped the burning load in a gravel area of the lot. Flowes Store Engine 2’s crew began extinguishing the fire in what remained inside the truck, while Harrisburg Engine 32’s crew handled the pile of burning trash. Harrisburg Battalion 31 assumed command of the incident. Concord Engine 12 and Harrisburg Ladder31 arrived on the scene and secured a water supply and then assisted with the extinguishment and cleanup efforts.
- Fire News photo by William G. Kennedy
CarFire AfterCharlotte Street Takeover
On September2, 2024, at 0215, Charlotte Fire Department Engine 20 responded to a reported vehicle fire at West Arrowood Road and Arrowbridge Boulevard. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a fully engulfed caron Arrowbridge with multiple Charlotte Mecklenberg Police (CMPD) and North Carolina State Police units on scene. CMPD reported that the vehicle was full of fireworks. Law enforcement confirmed that the vehicle was involved in a street takeoverearlierin the evening. CFD Engine 20 quickly extinguished the fire and requested a fire investigatorto respond due to the nature and circumstances surrounding the incident.
- Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com
SilerCity Assists with Structure Fire
On July 4, 2024, SilerCity Fire Department was dispatched to assist Bonlee, Goldston and First Health of the Carolinas fora reported structure fire on Old 421 south of town. Being dispatched third due, Tanker913 responded with the careerstaff. Tanker913 arrived first with Bonlee Engine 612 and Engine 914 and found the rearof the home engulfed in fire and began the fire attack. Despite the heat, all personnel worked feverishly to contain the fire to the rearkitchen and porch of the home. Thank you to ourdedicated volunteers who responded and assisted despite the heat and holiday celebrations. Also, a shout out to Silk Hope and Bennett, forcovering ourdistricts and handling a grass fire on the westside.
- Submitted by Scott J. Murphy, Fire Chief
Being Prepared forEVFires
By Matthew Pruitt EVGoat01@gmail.com
Firefighters are no strangers to new technologies. In fact, most of us pride ourselves on being able to improve our tactics and strategies using the most up-to-date, state-ofthe-art equipment. It’s really no different in any other industry. Since the late 90s, car manufacturers around the world have been working tirelessly to bring consumers an engine that is safe, energy efficient, and great for our environment. The internal combustion engine evolution from the Model T, to the Prius and now to fully electric vehicles has created a need in the fire service to be prepared for some of the most dangerous, albeit somewhat low frequency, fires we’ve ever encountered. The infrequency and increased risk of electric vehicle fires makes it impossible to ignore and necessary to train for.
Extinguishing the typical, traditional car fire is pretty straightforward. We pull a bumper line, and go to work. Electric vehicle fires are vastly different, as you will read in this article. Extrication of a patient trapped inside an electric vehicle is delicate, for sure. You have to be extremely careful when cutting on an electric vehicle. The orange cables may be charged if the car’s safety mechanism has failed. Also the top of the battery tray, which is basically the entire floorpan of the car, could be charged. And, in my experience, thermal runaway can begin as soon as an external source - the accident or your extrication equipment - damages the battery, so you have to consider how long it has been since the accident happened. In addition, when fighting EV fires, it seems that the more water we put on them, the longer they burn. That’s true actually because the water only cools the battery cells, and will simply slow down the fire, causing it to last for hours and hours because, when burning, lithium-ion batteries create their own oxygen. Just like a fish is able to “breathe” underwater, so is a lithium-ion battery. You can’t drown either one of them.
lably hot and propagates to the next cell, eventually spreading to all the cells in the module. Even at the point of ignition, there may be no way to know where, exactly, the problem starts.
Also, unlike traditional car fires, when an EVis in thermal runaway, the motor (s) lock down. As you may know, an electric car’s battery weighs at least 1,000 pounds by itself. When added to the regular weight of a car, you’re looking at a paper weight that weighs up to 9,000 pounds. This excessive weight of a car with locked wheels presents a plethora of difficulties, to say the least.
So, what do we do? How do we fight an EVfire? What are the safest and most effective tactics?
After having the opportunity to train on live EVfires in controlled environments, and having responded to multiple EVrelated incidents, we have been able to test some strategies. Some have worked better than others. I’d like to share with you some of the most impactful takeaways from my experiences.
(this is only the latest measurement of an EV fire temp, it could be hotter).
First and foremost, you will need to always make sure to wear your gear when approach-
“The heat of a Li-Ion battery fire is a threat, but an equally dangerous threat is the toxic emissions from the fire”
The heat of a Li-Ion battery fire is a threat, but an equally dangerous threat is the toxic emissions from the fire. You need to be aware that Li-Ion batteries in thermal runaway can give off hydrogen fluoride gas. When we apply water to the gas, it becomes hydrofluoric acid. Hydrofluoric acid is a colorless, odorless liquid that is acutely dangerous. It can damage your eyes, your lungs and your skin. The danger is that hydrofluoric acid is slow burning. You may not have symptoms of exposure for several hours.
Another difference is that getting water to the origin of the fire is nearly impossible. The composition of an electric vehicle battery tray looks something like this: thousands of battery cells are put together in water-tight sets called modules, the modules are placed into a battery tray which is encapsulated in a watertight shell. There are vents in the tray to allow smoke and gases to escape, but the vents will not allow water or foam inside the tray. Think of a battery failure inside the tray like a winddriven fire. One damaged cell gets uncontrol-
ing a wrecked electric vehicle, even if you don’t see fire or smoke. I have witnessed an electric vehicle go from not burning, to fully involved, within minutes. On the other hand, I have also seen this progression take several hours. Time starts the instant that the battery is damaged, not when you learn about the incident. When you respond to an EVemergency, you have to be dispatched, get out of the station and make it to the scene. You may not know the exact timeline, so it’s always best practice to be safe and wear your gear. It is also important to consider how hot an EV fire actually is. An electric vehicle that is in thermal runaway can burn as hot as 2700°F
Now, you’re on scene, have your gear on, and you’re ready to put some water on the fire. What’s best? In my experience, I have found the use of an EVblanket to be vitally important. The EVblanket is designed to limit the oxygen available to the fire, but the burning batteries create their own oxygen so the blanket itself will not extinguish the fire. Before deploying the blanket, you must knock down the fire on the inside of the vehicle just like you would on a traditional car fire. This step immediately begins cooling the car so that it will be less likely to burn through the blanket. Once the car is extinguished, throw the blanket over the vehicle. Make sure to throw the blanket high so that it is not damaged by sharp edges or parts of the vehicle that may be protruding. EV blankets, depending on the brand and type, come in a variety of sizes.
Being Prepared for EVFires...continued
and type, come in a variety of sizes. Depending on the brand of blanket that your department uses, your team may need to open up the blanket before use to mark the front, rear and center. Some brands of EVblankets have already marked the front and rear of the blanket for you, which would save you a step. Sometimes EV blankets are rectangular, rather than square, which can cause difficulty on scene if you have not previously marked them. Once the blanket is deployed and covering the car, tuck it under the vehicle to keep it from blowing up so that it will continue to limit the oxygen that the fire can use. It is very important to keep the blanket cool. The best way to do that is with the line you used to knock down the fire initially.
I also recommend, and have had great success with, an EVnozzle placed under the car with a second line. Again, you are not trying to put out the fire, you can’t. The fire has to burn itself out. The purpose of the EVnozzle is to cool the battery tray. Cooling the tray will not extinguish the fire, but it will make the scene safer and more manageable. You do not really want to cool the battery too much because it will only prolong the incident. I recommend using an EVnozzle with low gallonage because it cools the battery while still allowing it to burn safely.
from previous page
Using these tactics have been successful for us in the past. I am often asked about the time frame between extinguishing the fire and moving the car from the scene. Although there is no good way to determine with absolute certainty that it is completely safe to move the damaged vehicle, I do have a few tips and tricks that might help. The first, and most obvious, is that there is no visible sign of fire, including no evidence of smoke or off-gassing. Make sure, too, that you no longer hear the sounds of cells popping (sounds like popcorn in the microwave). In addition, it may be helpful to monitor the temperature reduction of the battery using a Thermal Imaging Camera. Although nothing is for certain, in my experience, my crew and I have been able to safely transport a damaged vehicle after a couple of hours. This may seem like a long, drawn-out event, but this method is much quicker than submerging the vehicle into a large, watertight container - a separate method of EVfirefighting that can take several days to weeks before the vehicle is safe and is not necessarily feasi-
ble in a crowded city or on the side of the interstate.
“The fire has to burn itself out. The purpose of the EVnozzle is to cool the battery tray. Cooling the tray will not extinguish the fire, but it will make the scene safer and more manageable.”
Still, if you move too quickly then the threat of reignition is very great due to the stranded energy in the batteries. Stranded energy is when the batteries have not expelled all of their energy. Since the cells are already damaged, stranded energy in them creates a greater threat of reignition. This threat is why it is important that you escort the tow. If the car reignites while being towed, disconnect it from the tow truck so you don’t have two car fires. Knock down the fire and then continue the tow, Make sure to tell the tow yard management that the car you’re leaving with them is an electric vehicle.
Ultimately, the decisions you make on a fire scene belong to you and your department. These suggestions have worked for my department. We have had great successes when dealing with EVincidents using these strategies and tactics. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to me at EVGoat01@gmail.com.
Lightning Starts 3-Alarmer in Raleigh
Vehicle Fire Extends
to House
Three alarms were struck in a residential neighborhood in Raleigh on August 30, 2024, afterlightning started a house fire on SilverView Lane. Ladder23 arrived and found heavy fire showing from a two-story, single-family dwelling. Strong winds spread fire to the houses on either side and second and third alarms were soon struck. Durham Highway Engine 2, arriving on mutual aid, used theirdeck gun to protect additional exposures. Fouraerial streams were deployed, along with portable monitors and handlines. The fire was dispatched about 1415 and marked undercontrol at 1554. The Raleigh Fire Department also responded to three otherworking fires, all also caused by lightning-during the three-hourperiod of severe weather.
- Fire News photos by Mike Legeros
Boiling Springs Station 4 units were alerted to a vehicle fire recently. As units responded, updates continued to pourin, prompting the request fora full structure fire response. First arriving units found heavy fire in one vehicle fully involved, a second vehicle burning and the first extending to the house. Thanks to the efforts of the first-in engine crew, a quick hit was made and a bulk of the fire was knocked down, allowing additional resources to arrive and complete the extinguishment. Crews operated forroughly two hours between the incident and clean up. Thanks as always to ourmutual aid partners that were ready to respond and assist without hesitation.
- Photo courtesy of Boling Spring Lakes FR
Charlotte House Fire on Avon Hill Lane
On July 28, 2024, at 2304, the Charlotte Fire Department dispatched units to a reported house fire on Avon Hill Lane in North Charlotte. Fire Alarm (Charlotte Fire’s Dispatch) reported receiving a call from someone who stated the side of theirneighbor’s house was on fire. Engine 36 arrived in three minutes and reported a working fire with fire on the side of the house. Engine 36 initiated the fire attack and Battalion 2 assumed command upon arrival. Crews were able to control the fire in 16 minutes and primarily contain it to the garage area. There were no injuries to civilians orfirefighters. Fire investigators determined the cause of the fire was improperly discarded smoldering charcoal ashes. Units on the assignment included Engines 36, 27, 28 and 31; Ladder31; Safety 1; and Battalion Chief 2, with Battalion Chief 6, Rescue 11 and Rehab 1 added on the working fire upgrade. - Fire News photo by William G. Kennedy
SilerCity Commercial Blaze
At 0856 on July 22, 2024, Siler City, Silk Hope, Bonlee and Staley fire departments, along with First Health of the Carolinas, were dispatched to the 200 block of East Raleigh Street in Siler City. Upon arrival Siler City Engine 912 observed fire venting from the storefront windows. Engine 912 established their own water supply by laying 400-feet of five-inch supply line to a hydrant. Engine 912 personnel stretched a 300-foot 1-3/4 inch water/foam line to begin fire attack at the front of the structure. As additional personnel arrived a second 13/4-inch water/foam line was stretched. Silk Hope Engine 1314 picked up another hydrant to supply Truck 9. Pittsboro fire was special called for Engine 1 and manpower. Personnel used both Ladder 9 and Truck 9 to access the roof and perform vertical ventilation.
No one was injured during the incident. The fire was under investi-
gation by the Siler City Fire Department, Siler City Police Department and Chatham County Fire Marshal’s Office. With the older buildings in downtown Siler City, it could have spread to the whole block of buildings. All personnel worked seamlessly as one group and performed their tasks without hesitation.
Thank you to all departments and their personnel that responded. Luckily, Siler City’s last major fire in a row of shops was back in 1981 with the old Wood’s 5 and Dime store fire. I would like to thank ALLresponders and all the business owners affected by this incident. Thank you to Cowboy Café for their preparation of food during lunch rush for our personnel and to our Siler City Ladies Auxiliary who handled it.
- Submitted by Scott J. Murphy, Fire Chief
Emma Mae Drive Garage Fire
Stopped
On August 27, 2024, at 1834, the Troutman, Wayside and Shepherds fire departments were alerted fora structure fire on Emma Mae Drive. Arriving units were met with heavy fire coming from an attached two cargarage and a working fire was transmitted. Quick actions by firefighters stopped the fire from spreading to the first and second floors of the home. South Iredell responded with theirAirVan and Iredell County EMS stood by at the scene. The fire was declared undercontrol at 1907 and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation.
- Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Two Firefighters Injured in Raleigh
On July 15, 2024, two firefighters were injured at a residential structure fire on Donald Ross Drive in east Raleigh. Squad 7 arrived to a single-story residential structure converted to a storage building and an adjoining two-story apartment building. Crews made an interiorattack from both the front and rearof structure, plus roof operations forventilation. Two additional engines were special called. In addition to the extreme heat and humidity, a nearby hydrant was found out of service and an alternate was located. Both firefighters were transported to the hospital with heat-related injuries. Extensive overhaul kept crews on scene fora numberof hours. - Fire News photos by Mike Legeros
Vehicle Wreck with Fire
Boiling Springs Station 4 units were recently alerted to a vehicle rolloverwith fire. Initial reports were that everyone was out of the vehicle. First arriving Engine 471 found a single vehicle overturned in the ditch and fully involved. Crews deployed a 1-3/4-inch attack line and knocked down the fire. Units from Station 3 and Station 35 arrived with heavy rescue and assisted with the fire attack. The driverwas located in a nearby passengervehicle awaiting arrival of emergency crews. The driverwas checked and refused transport. Units operated forroughly three hours.
- Photo courtesy of Boiling Spring Lakes FR
Harmony Hwy. Fire
On September5, 2024, at 1909, the Stony Point, Monticello, West Iredell fire departments and the Iredell County Rescue Squad responded to a commercial structure fire on Harmony Highway with a report of a grain elevatoron fire. Statesville’s Ladderwas added to the alarm. Arriving units found nothing showing; the fire had been extinguished priorto theirarrival. Crews took care of some hot spots and were released shortly after.
- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Tree Starts Electrical Fire
On July 28, 2024 at 1849, Troutman Fire Rescue responded to a reported structure fire on West Avenue W. Troutman units found a fallen tree had pulled the electrical service away from a house and was actively burning. Duke Powerwas notified and crews stood by and cooled the structure down. Once the utility company shut off the powercrews extinguished the fire and checked forextension which was negative.
- Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Kannapolis House Fire on Midlake Ave.
On August 18, 2024, at 1641, the Kannapolis Fire Department was dispatched to a reported house fire on Midlake Avenue. Dispatch reported receiving multiple calls, including a neighborwho stated he believed the residents were inside based upon the cars in the driveway. While en route, battalion called in a visible headerand upgraded the call to a working fire. Engine 11 arrived and reported fire and smoke showing and commenced the fire attack, with Ladders 34 and 14 conducting primary searches. Battalion Chief 1 assumed command. The search was negative as the residents were not home. The fire was controlled by1707. Units on the original assignment included Kannapolis Engines 11, 21, 41 and 51, Ladders 14 and34, Battalion 1, Safety 1 and Chief 1, along with Landis Fire Engine 443 and Cabarrus County EMS. The working fire upgrade added Engine 31 and a second Cabarrus EMS truck.
- Fire News photo by William G. Kennedy
Three Children Rescued from Swift Water in Raleigh
On August 8, 2024, Raleigh firefighters rescued three children clinging to a tree in a swollen creek, behind a residence on Partridge Lane. They had fallen into waterwhile attempting to cross the creek. Safety ropes, rescue swimmers, and a boat were deployed. Rescuers were also positioned downstream. Afterwards, the crews gathered fora brief hot wash and a round of applause to the children, who stayed strong during theirrescue. Ladder15 was first-arriving. Otherunits on scene included Engine 15, Engine 17, Ladder14, Squad 14, Battalion 5, Battalion 1, USAR 8, High Water17, Mini 14 and boat trailer, and Incident Safety Officer14, along with Wake County EMS units.
- Fire News photos by Mike Legeros
High Angle Rescue at South Charlotte Publix
On July 15, 2024, at 1516, Charlotte Fire Department, Ladder39 responded to a reported electrocution at the Publix construction site on Providence Road. Upon arrival, Captain Sandau discovered a construction workerstruck approximately 20-feet up in a construction lift entangled in a powerline but uninjured. The incident was upgraded to a high-angle rescue, bringing additional units to the scene. Duke Energy was requested to cut and isolate power. Firefighters set up a rigging system with Ladder39, while Duke grounded powerto the area. ADuke Energy bucket truck removed the entangled lines and, ultimately, rescued the trapped construction worker. The workerwas brought to safety afterapproximately two hours and refused medical attention.
- Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com
South Charlotte Tricky DoorPop MVA
On August 19, 2024, at 1915, the Charlotte Fire Department responded to an MVAwith pin at Carmel Road and TimberHill Court. Ladder24 B-Shift arrived and found a sedan with a female drivertrapped. Firefighters from CFD Station 24-B along with Engine 32 simultaneously used Hurst eDraulic tools to pop the driver’s side door. Because of the positioning of the vehicle up against a tree, extrication efforts were challenging. However, the patient was freed in 10 minutes. Mecklenburg EMS transported the woman to Atrium CMC with life-threatening injuries.
- Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com
I-485 Overturn in Pineville
On July 7, 2024, at approximately 1900, Pineville Fire Department and Mecklenburg County EMS responded to an overturned vehicle on I-485 nearthe Park Road bridge. Pineville firefighters arrived to find a dark-colored SUVoverturned in the brush on the innerloop of the interstate. Firefighters secured the vehicle and assisted one patient to the ambulance. Mecklenburg EMS transported one person with minorinjuries to a local hospital.
- Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com
Carinto Structure on Apple Valley Road
On September4, 2024, at 1543, Troutman Fire Rescue responded to a traffic accident on Apple Valley Road and a report of a carversus a structure. Units arrived to find a carhad struck a house causing structural damage; no injuries were reported. The scene was turned overto the North Carolina Highway Patrol upon theirarrival.
- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Cool Springs Vehicle Fire Training
On the evening of September9, 2024, the Cool Springs Volunteer Fire Department conducted a vehicle fire training forits members. Many new members got to experience and train on how to extinguish vehicle fires quickly and efficiently, directed by seniormembers of the department. Two donated vehicles were used, and firefighters were able to get in a lot of live fire training sessions. - Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Live Fire Training
Teamwork makes dream work. Six personnel traveled to Franklinville recently to participate in live fire training. This type of training is invaluable to ourmembers. Thank you, Chief Dixon, forthe invite. - Submitted by Scott J. Murphy, Fire Chief
Troutman Holds Burn Down Training
On July 26, 2024, at 1300, Troutman Fire-Rescue conducted a “burn down” training at a Murdock Road structure that was the scene of a working fire in April 2023. With the structure donated to the department by the ownerand cooperation from the town, the burn down was conducted without incident on a hot July afternoon. - Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
New Charlotte Fire LadderCo. Placed in Service TRAINING
On June 29, 2024, the Charlotte Fire Department placed a new laddercompany into service. Charlotte Fire Department brass, firefighters, friends and family along with a Charlotte City Councilmember(District 7) attended the push-in ceremony. CFD Station 39. The “Arboretum Express” opened its doors on December20, 2008. Station 39 is one of six fire stations underBattalion 7. According to Charlotte Fire Department Chief Reginald Johnson, it has taken 10-plus years to get Ladder39 from concept to reality. With the growth of the neighborhoods that Station 39 serves, adding an additional laddercompany was needed. Ladder39 was placed in service officially at 0801 on June 29. With the addition of Ladder39, Charlotte Fire Department operates a total of 17 aerial trucks serving the City of Charlotte.
- Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com
Live Burn Training
On August 31, 2024, the Stony Point VolunteerFire Department conducted a live burn training along with West Iredell and Hiddenite fire departments. The structure was donated to Stony Point and the training was a success.
- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
South Atlantic Fire Rescue Expo 2024
- Fire News photos by Tesh Parekh
South Atlantic Fire Rescue Expo 2024
- Fire News photos by Tesh Parekh
Stony Point Trains
Twin Tillers
Two of Raleigh’s fourtillers are shown on the apron of Station 12, at a special event on July 30, 2024. The City of Oaks operates fourPierce TDAs: Ladder1 (shown), Ladder6, Ladder12 (shown), and Ladder15. All but Ladder1 are equipped with pumps and tanks.
- Fire News photo by Mike Legeros
New Mobile Command Post forState Highway Patrol
Displayed on the show floorat the South Atlantic Fire Rescue Expo in Raleigh in August was the new North Carolina State Highway Patrol Mobile Command Post. Pulled by a FreightlinerT680 tractor, the 53-foot trailerwas built by Frontline Communications. It includes two opposite slides with 34 workstations including two dispatch centers. Otherfeatures include a galley, eight 55-inch SmartTVs, eight 29-inch ultrawide monitors, exteriormonitor, and awning. It will be based in Johnston County, in central North Carolina. The current command post vehicle, a 2007 Freightliner/MBF Industries, will remain in service and be relocated to western North Carolina.
- Fire News photo by Mike Legeros
Warriors Always Rise
A9/11 StairClimb Challenge was held on September7, 2024, by Warriors Always Rise (WAR) which was their4th annual 9/11 Memorial StairClimb Challenge at Charlotte MotorSpeedway. The event was a day of honor, remembrance and camaraderie to honorfirst responders who lost theirlive on 9/11, along with military personnel who lost theirlives as part of this country’s response to the 9/11 attacks. Participants, including veterans, first responders and civilians, took the challenge of climbing 110 flights of stairs
at Charlotte MotorSpeedway to benefit. WAR, which is a registered 501(c)3-based in Kannapolis, that gives back to veterans and first responders in need, including the Do Good Fund. The Do Good Fund was established to honorKannapolis FirefighterMatthew Goodman and provides funding fortrainings that benefit firefighters, helps covernon-standardized equipment and provide mental health retreats that directly help counterthe stress and PTS that follows the job. - Fire News photos by William G. Kennedy
OuterBanks 9/11 Memorial Walk
Local first responders from multiple county and town agencies attended along with many residents of Dare County. The walk started at the new Dare County EMS Station 1 / Kill Devil Hills Firehouse Station 14 and then went to the top of the Wright Brothers monument and back. The walk is a 5K and many firefighters did the walk in full turnout gear. This is the third year and the event as grown to 200 participants. - Submitted by Lee Goldman
New Aerial Platform at Apex
In Wake County, the Town of Apex has placed a new laddertruck in service. New Ladder34 is a 2024 Spartan Gladiator/ Smeal aerial platform, 2000/400/100-foot. It replaced an olderE-One aerial. AFD has six stations with five engine companies, two laddercompanies, and one rescue company. They have two battalion shifts on shift each day.
- Fire News photo by Mike Legeros
SilerCity Assists
Silk Hope Chicken House Fire
Just after1300 on July 20, 2024, the SilerCity Fire Department was dispatched as part of a first-alarm assignment to assist Silk Hope on a chicken house fire. Engine 912 arrived as second due Engine and was requested to handle watersupply. Engine 912 reverse laid 500-feet of five-inch supply line from Silk Hopes firstdue engine and setup a drop tank. SilerTankers 911 and 913 along with Snow Camp and Staley tankers shuttled waterfrom a draft.
- Submitted by Scott J. Murphy, Fire Chief
The South Atlantic Fire Rescue Expo 2024
More photos on page 30
CFSI SYMPOSIUM AND DINNER
The 35th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner is expected to draw over 1,500 fire and emergency services leaders from across the country. Participants will attend seminars, conduct meetings with their members of Congress and network with their colleagues.
The Symposium and Dinner will be held on February 12 and 13, 2025 at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, DC.
At the conclusion of the two-day event, you will join together in the Washington Hilton ballroom to hear national political leaders paying tribute to the dedication and commitment of our nation's firefighters and emergency services personnel.
Individual tickets are $475 and include a seat at the dinner as well as access to all seminars. If you order before 12/1/24, the Early Bird Sale ticket price is $425. If purchasing 10 or more tickets, please see the table level options on our website. Order tickets at https://cfsi .org/annual-symposium-and-dinner/tickets/.
us at update@cfsi.org if you have any questions.National Fire and Emergency Services Awards Applications OPEN; Apply NOW. Award Applications Are Due by October30, 2024.
The four awards include:
Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award. Sponsored by CFSI and Motorola Solutions, the award recognizes leaders at the national level for their contributions in advocating for our nation's fire and emergency services in the areas of public education, prevention, and response.
The Congressional Fire Services is accepting applications for its 2025 national fire service leadership awards. The four awards, which will be presented at the 2025 National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner on February 13, 2025, recognize individuals and organizations for leadership in fire and life safety. CFSI will cover the travel costs for the recipients to attend the dinner program. Please contact
CFSI/Masimo Excellence in Fire Service-Based EMS Awards Program
Sponsored by CFSI and Masimo, the award recognizes fire departments for innovations in the delivery of emergency medical services.
Dr. Anne W. Phillips Award for Leadership in Fire Safety Education
Sponsored by CFSI and the International Fire Service Training Association, the award honors public safety educators for outstanding achievements in fire safety education.
SenatorPaul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award. Sponsored by CFSI, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, VFIS, and ULFire Safety Research Institute, the award recognizes organizations for implementing programs that address firefighter health and safety, using NFFF's 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives as the award criteria.
