Fire News North Carolina, Dec./Jan. 2023/24 by Fire News

NORTH CAROLINA

Dec./Jan. 2023/24

Volume 1, No. 6

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In this issue... Crews Out Just in Time Mooresville and Mount Mourne crews were met with fire throughout ...and evacuated before a collapse occured. See story on page10

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Landscaper Medevac’d After Fall

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Waxhaw volunteers responded to a call for an injured man who fell 20-feet down an embankment.

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3 Injured in Salisbury Hwy. MVA Statesville and Iredell first responders have to wait for the power to be cut before extricating a man.

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Long Extraction Has Good Outcome Potters Hill, Beulaville, Duplin County EMS and NC Highway Patrol extricate a driver who’s out of the hospital in a day. See story on page 24

Union VFD Places 3rd in Spencer Festival The department’s beautifully restored 1945 Ford Oren Fire Engine takes home 3rd place cup. See story on page 32

Kennersville Gets ISO Class 1 Rating The award makes Kennersville the 28th department in the state’s 1216 departments to achieve this milestone. See story on page 35

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Page 4, Fire News, December 2023/January 2024

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Charlotte Firefighters Battle Hot EV Fire

Quick Stop on S. Faison Avenue

On October 23, 2023, at 2122, Charlotte Fire Deportment Station 29-A Shift responded to a vehicle fire on Sardis Road North. While en route, firefighters learned an EV (electric vehicle) was possibly on fire. Firefighters arrived and found the vehicle fully involved in flames. Under the command of E-29 Captain Clark, firefighters used copious amount of water in an attempt to extinguish the stubborn fire. Firefighters from both Engine 29 and Engine 3 worked for about an hour in toxic smoke, extinguishing the fire, which burned the vehicle beyond recognition. Engine 3 stretched a second line with a high-volume nozzle to introduce more water. A Charlotte fire investigator was requested to the scene due to the nature of the fire. The cause of the fire was under investigation. - Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

On September 14, 2023, Faison VFR, Calypso VFD, Warsaw VFD, Piney Grove VFD (Sampson County) Smith Chapel VFD (Wayne County) and Duplin County EMS responded to South Faison Avenue for a residential structure fire. Faison Engine 1 arrived just a couple minutes after dispatch and found smoke showing from the structure. An attack line was placed into service and an aggressive interior attack was made. Interior crews found a room and contents fire and quickly extinguished the fire. Once the fire was extinguished, crews started salvage, overhaul and wetting down hot spots, and an investigation in to cause and origin was completed. - Fire News photo by David Miller

Page 6, Fire News, December 2023/January 2024

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Cover Story

Oakridge Farm Hwy. 2-Alarmer

On September 23, 2023, at 1719, South Iredell, Mooresville, Shepherds and Mount Mourne fire rescues were alerted for a structure fire on Oakridge Farm Highway in Mooresville. Arriving units were met with heavy fire coming from the structure. Crews made an aggressive interior attack on the fire, but it was too well involved and they were pulled out. A defensive attack went into operation and a second alarm was transmitted. Multiple departments from two counties were called and tankers continued to feed two drop tanks until the fire was brought under control. - Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

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Storage Building Catches Fire Behind High School On August 8, 2023, at 1355, multiple Charlotte Fire Department (CFD) firefighters responded to a reported structure fire at Providence High School on Pineville-Matthews Road in South Charlotte. Fire companies had a visible header from approximately two miles away. CFD Engine 24 arrived to a 10- x 20-foot storage building behind the high school fully involved. Due to the heavy volume of fire, a nearby pickup also caught fire. Firefighters from multiple stations used water and a foam operation to extinguish the blaze. - Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

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Fire News, December 2023/January 2024, Page 9

Structure Fire Spreads to Field Firefighters operated at an abandoned structure fire to which Ahoskie Rural, Ahoskie Town, Union Rural Fire Department in Hertford County and Powellsvile Fire Department of Bertie County responded. The fire occurred just before an approaching thunderstorm with 40-plus mph wind gusts. Fire also was spotted in the woods across the field and road where North Carolina Forest Service CFS responded. - Submitted by Chris Smith

House a Total Loss on Rivenbark Road Around 1100 on September 10, 2023, Harrells Volunteer Fire Department (Sampson County) responded to Rivenbark Road in the Duplin County district for a residential structure fire. Automatic aid came from Wallace Volunteer Fire Department and Penderlea Volunteer Fire Department (Pender County) and Duplin County EMS. Arriving crews encountered fire venting from the roof. Multiple attack lines were deployed and an aggressive attack was initiated. A rural water supply was placed into operation with a tanker shuttle. Shiloh-Columbia Volunteer Fire Department (Pender County), Pender EMS and Fire (Pender County), Teachey Volunteer Fire Department (Duplin County) and Rose Hill Volunteer Fire Department (Duplin County) were added to the call for tankers and manpower. The fire was brought under control in about an hour, and salvage and overhaul began. The Duplin County Fire Marshal’s Office responded to assist in the investigation of the cause and origin; the structure was a total loss. - Fire News photo by David Miller

Page 10, Fire News, December 2023/January 2024

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Crews Out Just in Time On October29, 2023, at 1735, Mooresville and Mount Mourne fire rescues responded to a structure fire on Bluffton Road. Arriving units were met with fire through the roof of a two-story structure. A second alarm was transmitted and additional crews responded. An aggressive interior attack stopped the fire from extending to the rest of the structure. Crews were able to get out of the second-floor-fire room before the roof collapsed. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

Well Involved on Arrival On October 8, 2023, at 1036, Harmony, Union Grove and Central fire rescues responded to a report of a structure fire on Raider Road. Arriving units found a well involved structure with no exposure problems. Crews stretched several handlines and extinguished the fire. The cause was under investigation. - Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

Drunken Resident Sets Hotel Room on Fire On October 26, 2023, at 2108, Charlotte Fire Department Station 24-C Shift responded to a fire alarm at the Extended Stay America on PinevilleMatthews Road. As firefighters began investigating the fire alarm, the crew of Engine 24 discovered smoke at the end of a hallway. Upon further investigation, a fire in a first-floor room was discovered with a drunken resident within and room sprinklers activated. Under the command of CFD Battalion Chief Brown firefighters rescued the occupant and extinguished the fire. The fire was under control within eight minutes. Firefighters from Engine 24 and Ladder 24 utilized fans to evacuate large amounts of smoke. Due to the nature of the fire, CFD fire investigators were requested to respond. Mecklenburg EMS transported the rescued resident to Atrium Pineville with non-lifethreatening injuries. - Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

Sarecta Douses Combine Fire On October 23, 2023, around 1930, Sarecta Volunteer Fire Department responded to Dark Branch Road for a combine on fire. As Monday nights are meeting/training nights for the department, crews responded and arrived in just under five minutes and the fire was quickly extinguished causing minimal damage to the combine. The harvesting head was removed to allow crews a better look at where the fire was burning to ensure the fire was completely extinguished. - Fire News photo by David Miller

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Combine Fire in Warsaw

On October 11, 2023, Warsaw Volunteer Fire Company responded to a combine fire in a field. Units arrived and found the fire had already been extinguished by the farmer. A thermal imaging camera was used to insure all fire was out. The quick actions of the farmer prevented the fire from completely consuming the combine. All Warsaw units cleared the call and returned to their station. - Fire News photo by David Miller

Sarecta Road House Fire Snuffed On October 2, 2023, at 0200, Potters Hill Volunteer Fire Department, Beulaville Volunteer Fire Department, Sarecta Volunteer Fire Department, Pink Hill Volunteer Fire Rescue and Duplin County EMS responded to northbound NC Highway 41 at the intersection of Sarecta Road for a residential structure fire. Potters Hill Engine 1 arrived to smoke showing from the Alpha side, and made entry into the home and found active fire on the Charlie side. The fire was quickly brought under control. The Duplin County Fire Marshal responded to assist with the investigation into cause and origin. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by David Miller

Good Stop at Abberly Apartment Fire

On October 30, 2023, at 2225, Mooresville Fire Rescue responded to a balcony fire at the Abberly Green Apartments on Longford Way. Crews quickly knocked down the fire before it could extend inside the apartment. No injuries were reported. The cause was under investigation. - Fire News photo by ImmsterFirephotos.com

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Fire News, December 2023/January 2024, Page 13

Landscaper Airlifted to Hospital After 20-Foot Fall

On the afternoon of October 4, 2023, the Waxhaw Volunteer Fire Department (WVFD) responded for a call of a landscaper who fell down an embankment from a sidewalk. Firefighters WVFD Engine 180 arrived and found the landscaper 20-feet down in a wooded area. Due to significant injuries Union EMS requested a MedCenter Medevac. Under the command of WVFD Assistant Chief William Davis, and the assistance of Waxhaw police officers, firefighters from Engine 180, Tower 18 and Rescue 18 began a Long-Haul/Short Haul technical rescue operation utilizing Tower 18. After about 20 minutes the patient was brought to street level and transferred to an LZ at nearby Atrium Waxhaw ER. The patient was airlifted to a trauma center in Charlotte with critical injuries. - Fire News photos courtesy of Waxhaw VFD

Page 14, Fire News, December 2023/January 2024

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Another Smack from Mother Nature As Tropical Storm Idalia made its way off shore of North Carolina on Augsut 31, 2023, Duplin County received three to five inches of rain, while the central and southern parts of the county received five to eight inches, which caused flash flooding to low lying roadways that always flood during these storms. The worst part of the storm hit the area between 2400 a 0900. During this time frame units from Wallace, Teachey, Rose Hill, Greenevers, Magnolia, Warsaw, Kenansville, Albertson and Chinquapin answered several water rescues for vehicles driven into flooded roadway, and trees down on structure and in roadways. This picture is one vehicle that hydroplaned in water crossing the roadway and ended up in a flooded ditch. There were no injuries reported in any of the rescues. - Fire News photo by David Miller

Highway 276 Fatality Transylvania County Rescue Squad responded with Brevard Fire Department to Highway 276 above Sliding Rock for an MVA. USFS personnel were on scene advising that a single vehicle was upside down in Looking Glass Creek, approximately 60-feetdown a steep embankment. The sole occupant of the vehicle was deceased. Rescuers extricated the victim and set up a 3:1 haul system to get the body up the embankment. NC Highway Patrol was investigating the accident. - Photo courtesy of Transylvania County Rescue Squad

Fatality at Lumberton MVA

Concrete Truck Versus Pickup

On October 11, 2023, Lumberton Rescue and EMS along with Lumberton Fire Department, responded to an MVA in which a pickup struck a tractor-trailer. The tractor-trailer driver was not injured. However, the driver of the pickup did not survive. He was pinned in the wreckage and was extricated by rescue and fire personnel after a large wrecker lifted the trailer from the pickup. - Submitted by Robert Ivey, Cdr. Lumberton Rescue and EMS

On September 5, 2023, Beulaville Volunteer Fire Department, Duplin County EMS and Beulaville Police Department responded to an MVA on North Brown Road. A concrete truck was stopped in the northbound lane getting in place to back into a driveway when an SUV failed to slowdown and slammed onto the back of the concrete truck. Beulaville units were cancelled and there were no entrapment and law enforcement had the roadway closed. The drivers of both vehicles were check out by EMS and refused transport. - Fire News photo by David Miller

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Fire News, December 2023/January 2024, Page 15

Bicyclist Suffers Head Injury After Union County Crash On October 22, 2023, at approximately 1745, 911 callers reported a bicyclist had been hit by a vehicle on Tom Short Road and Rea Road in Waxhaw. Wesley Chapel Fire Department Ladder 44 arrived and found a female bicyclist in the roadway suffering from a severe head injury. Due to the distance of EMS at the time, a medical helicopter from MedCenterAir was placed on standby. Firefighters and Union County Sheriff Deputies began to render aid awaiting EMS. The victim was transported by Union County EMS to the trauma center at Atrium in Charlotte for treatment. - Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

Iredell Overturn MVA On October 18, 2023, at 1054, the South Iredell Fire Rescue was alerted for an MVA with rollover on Landis Highway and Brumley Road. Engine 1 arrived and reported the overturned car and the driver had self-extricated. The driver was evaluated by Iredell County EMS and crews secured the scene. -Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

Page 16, Fire News, December 2023/January 2024

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Car vs. Pole with Wires Down On the night of August 13, 2023, Swift Creek Fire Department, Cary Fire Department, and Wake EMS were alerted for a car-versus-pole MVA in the area of Holly Springs Road and Southeast Cary Parkway. Upon arrival, Swift Creek found live wires down across the roadway. The vehicle was located down the road in a parking lot. - Fire News photo by Chris Creighton

MVA Overturn on Bowdens Road On October 18, 2023, around 0700, Warsaw Volunteer Fire Department, Duplin County EMS and North Carolina State Highway Patrol responded to Bowdens Road for a single-vehicle MVA overturned into the woods. Warsaw units found one patient entrapped with non-life-threatening injuries. Crews removed the door from the vehicle and the driver was turned over to EMS for transport to the hospital. Warsaw units remained on scene to assist with traffic control until a wrecker could remove the vehicle from the scene. - Fire News photo by David Miller

Fatal Hit & Run in West Charlotte Caused by Speed On August 5, 2023, a sport sedan driving at a high rate of speed down West Arrowood Road struck a similar vehicle head-on, causing it to hit a tree and pinning the driver; the driver of the vehicle was ultimately pronounced deceased by Mecklenburg EMS. The driver of the other car was later arrested after fleeing the scene on foot. - Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

Duplin/Wayne Line MVA On September 16, 2023, Pricetown (Wayne County) Pleasant Grove departments, along with Duplin County EMS and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, responded to Willie Best Road at the Duplin/Wayne County line for an MVA. Units arrived and found a single vehicle pulling a trailer overturned in the roadway. The driver was out of the vehicle and was checked out by EMS and refused transport. Fire crews closed the roadway till the vehicle could be removed. - Fire News photo by David Miller

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Fire News, December 2023/January 2024, Page 17

3 Injured in Salisbury Hwy. MVA

On September 13, 2023, at 1039, Statesville Fire Rescue and Iredell Rescue Squad were working a car-into-building alarm when they were alerted for an accident on Salisbury Highway. Units found a truck had collided with another vehicle causing it to strike a utility pole that landed on the truck with live wires and a transformer crushing the roof and trapping the driver. Crews had to wait for the power to be shut down and, when it was, they removed the transformer that was crushing the roof and quickly removed the doors and roof of the truck to gain access to the driver. Three people were injured and transported to local hospitals. - Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

Page 18, Fire News, December 2023/January 2024

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DWI Driver Kills One in Head-On

On September 19, 2023, at approximately 2245, at least one person died after a crash involving a pin at Park Road and Birnen Drive. Under command of Battalion 7, firefighters from Charlotte Fire Station 24 along with Rescue 10 performed a full extrication and roof removal for one person pinned in a heavily damaged sedan. Mecklenburg EMS transported one victim with serious injuries to Atrium CMC Main. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) Major Crash took over the scene for a fatality accident investigation. CMPD later arrested a driver who was charged with DWI and Felony Death by Motor Vehicle. - Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

Page 22, Fire News, December 2023/January 2024

SAFRE 2023 – ANOTHER LOOK

- Fire News photos by Kevin Imm & Tesh Parekh/IWP Photography

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Fire News, December 2023/January 2024, Page 23

SAFRE 2023 – ANOTHER LOOK

- Fire News photos by Kevin Imm & Tesh Parekh/IWP Photography

Page 24, Fire News, December 2023/January 2024

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Long Extraction, But All Ends Well

Around 0900 on September 14, 2023, Potters Hill Volunteer Fire Department, Beulaville Volunteer Fire Department, Duplin County EMS, and North Carolina State Highway Patrol responded to Wagon Ford Road for a single-vehicle MVA with overturn and possible entrapment. Minutes after dispatch, Potters Hill Car 9 came upon the scene while responding to the station, and advised of a commercial well drilling truck on it’s roof, with the driver pinned in the vehicle. Duplin Medic 5 arrived and requested a medical helicopter be dispatched. Potters Hill and Beulaville units began the process of extracting the driver from the cab. Command requested Pink Hill Volunteer Fire Rescue, (Lenoir County) and Richlands Volunteer Fire Department, (Onslow County) for manpower and apparatus to close the roadway. Duplin County Fire Marshal FM 3 and Beulaville Engine 2 handled the LZ in a nearby large grass lot. Kennedy’s Wrecker Service responded with their rotator wrecker to assist with the extraction. About an hour into the call the patient was removed from the wreckage and placed in care of the flight crew and flown to a trauma center. The patient was released from the hospital the next day. - Fire News photos by David Miller

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Fire News, December 2023/January 2024, Page 25

Driver Arrested After Crashing into South Charlotte Townhome

On October 28, 2023, at 0117, Charlotte Fire Department Engine 14 responded to a reported MVA on Churchhill Road. Additional 911 calls reported a pickup hit a townhome. Upon arrival Engine 14 arrived and found a blue pickup had slammed through a front bay window of a townhome. The call was upgraded due to the truck being inside the home and the uncertainty of structural stability. Under the command of CFD Battalion Chief Michael Gerin, firefighters from Engine 14 and Rescue 10 winched the vehicle from the living room to begin checking the integrity of the structure. Additional manpower from CFD Tower 3 assisted in stabilizing the front of the townhome. All occupants inside the affected townhome escaped without injury. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Depart-ment arrested the driver of the pickup for DWI. - Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

Page 26, Fire News, December 2023/January 2024

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Car Fire Training

On September 18, 2023, Cool Springs Fire Rescue held car fire training at Station 2. The training allowed some of their newest firefighters to get a feel for extinguishing a car fire for the first time and to understand the procedures. - Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

Training for Lake James Fire Department

Firefighters from Lake James Community Fire Department during a recent training. - Submitted by Farrah Corpening

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Fire News, December 2023/January 2024, Page 27

Shepherds Live Burn Training

On October 21, 2023, Shepherds Fire Rescue conducted live burn training on a house that was donated by the Shepherd Baptist Church on Charlotte Highway. Crews trained on live burns for about two hours until the structure was unsafe and it was left to burn. The training was a huge success. - Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

Page 28, Fire News, December 2023/January 2024

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Charlotte Hosts ARFF Certification Course

The Charlotte Fire Department recently hosted the NC Airport Firefighter Course for firefighters across North Carolina. Over six days firefighters from various agencies including Charlotte Fire Department, Monroe Fire Department and others were taught the basics of the Airport Firefighter curriculum through lectures and practical evolutions. Firefighters in the class worked hands-on with aircraft rescue and firefighting trucks and learned operations of the trucks from how to operate the multiple turrets to hose handling. Firefighters also spent a half-day exploring the operations of various cargo planes on the grounds of CharlotteDouglas International Airport, from how UPS operates its cargo planes to the workings of the general aviation aircraft that run in and out of Charlotte daily. Under the guidance of instructors from the North Carolina Office of the State Fire Marshal, students spent an entire day at the Charlotte Fire Aircraft Live Burn simulator. Scenarios ranged from fire suppression to a full-scale medical aircraft crash simulation (Alert 3) which tested the firefighters skills learned throughout the course in various disciplines including victim rescue, hose handling/fire suppression and fire attack. - Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

Lake Lure FR Drafting Training Lake Lure Fire Rescue in the North Carolina mountains on Lake Lure was training on their drafting techniques using their fire boat to feed their Engine with a five-inch supply line on October 19, 2023. - Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

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Fire News, December 2023/January 2024, Page 29

Driver Trapped After Car Overturns in Front of Church On September 28, 2023, at approximately 1915, Charlotte Fire Department Station 24-C Shift responded to a single-vehicle MVA involving an overturn on Carmel Road near Michelangelo Court. Engine 24 arrived within minutes and found a driver pinned inside an overturned SUV in front of Living Saviour Lutheran Church. Firefighters from Engine 24 and Ladder 24 used Hurst eDRAULIC tools to free the driver from the vehicle. After a quick extrication, the victim was packaged by Mecklenburg EMS and transported with serious injuries to the trauma center at Atrium Health Carolina Medical Center. - Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

Page 30, Fire News, December 2023/January 2024

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Fatality at Houston Road MVA On October 15, 2023, at 1851, Mooresville and Shepherds Fire Rescue responded to a vehicle rollover on Houston Road. Crews worked on extricating the trapped driver, but the driver was pronounced at the scene. - Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

2-Alarm Fire Leaves Families Homeless Before Holidays On November 5, 2023, at 1355, the Charlotte Fire Department responded to an apartment fire on Hedley Way. Engine 16 arrived to heavy fire and smoke showing from all three floors of a three-story building. Firefighters from Engine 16 began to access the third floor when it collapsed. Due to water supply issues and heavy fire conditions the fire was upgraded to a second alarm. The fire spread rapidly throughout the structure causing — almost immediately —a collapse of the stairs from the second floor to the third. Under the command of Battalion Chief Lance Patterson, firefighters were ordered to evacuate. Three ladder pipes were used worked from outside the structure. Fifty-plus firefighters extinguished the massive fire within about an hour. Five apartment units were completely destroyed leaving multiple people homeless before the holidays. Charlotte Fire Investigators deemed the cause to be an unattended candle that caught combustible material on fire. - Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

Honing Their Swiftwater Skills Members of Transylvania County Rescue Squad practiced their swiftwater and rigging skills recently on the French Broad. Members built raft-on-a-highline systems designed to give rescuers a stable platform and allow them to perform rescues that would be too dangerous via powerboat, paddle raft or swimmer. Under a light tower, boat crews simulated searching river strainers and performing shore-to-shore evacuations. It was a complicated evolution that showcased the skills honed by so many of the new members who are taking their Technical Rescuer classes. - Photo courtesy of Transylvania County RS

High-Angle Rescue Demo Charlotte Fire Department demonstrating a highangle rescue operation at an Open House at Charlotte Fire Station 39. - Fire News photo by Fully Involved Media Group

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Fire News, December 2023/January 2024, Page 31

Up Close & Personal Firefighters from Lake James Community Fire Department. - Submitted by Farrah Corpening

Firefighters from the Cashiers Fire Department. - Photo courtesy of Cashiers FD

Page 32, Fire News, December 2023/January 2024

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Union Places 3rd at Spencer Festival The Union Volunteer Fire Department of Vale had recently participated in the fire truck festival at the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer. The department’s beautifully restored 1945 Ford Oren Fire Engine took home third place in the show. Formerly in service in Franklin, this was Union’s first truck when the company was organized in 1964. It is powered by a V8 flathead Ford, has a manual transmission and a 500-gpm pump. The truck was sold off in the 80s and was in private hands until it was purchased back by company founding member Bob Schronce in 2013. It was restored and then donated to the department in 2018. Everything is fully functional on the truck minus a water tank. It is currently used in parades, fire prevention, and memorial services. We would like to thank the many supporters for keeping this history alive and personally thank Josh Stiles for towing the truck to the show. The company also took delivery of a 2024 Chevrolet 3500 Duramax. This truck is replacing a 2006 Ford Crown Victoria, that was a retired sheriff’s car before it was put in service for the fire department. This new truck will be used as a medical responder for EMS calls and support truck for mutual aid calls. We would like to thank Representative Jason Saine and Senator Ted Alexander for their continued support of volunteer fire departments. We would also like to thank Everett Chevrolet, Custom Changes, and ASR Graphics for assisting in the purchase and upfit of this new truck. - Fire News photos by Colt Henderson

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Fire News, December 2023/January 2024, Page 33

D.R. Horton Feeds Mooresville FR 1 Ariel and Latonya from D.R. Horton, Americas largest home builder, stopped by Mooresville Fire Rescue Station 1 to drop off some lunch for the firefighters from Fire House Subs in appreciation of their service to the community. - Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

Gaston FR-EMS Wins 2nd Place at SC Competition Fire cadets from Gaston Fire-Rescue-EMS in Northampton County traveled to Myrtle Beach, SC to compete in the South Carolina Fire Rescue Conference Cadet/Explorer fire competition in June. Gaston secured a second place overall finish among the many departments represented. - Fire News photo by Paul Nowell

BBQ Comp for a Cause On October 13, 2023, 10 BBQ cooking teams converged on the Duplin Events Center in Kenansville for the 1st Annual Fire Department BBQ Cook Off as part of the Team Olivia’s Truck, Car and Motorcycle Show for the Cure RTD Foundation. Around 0600 the smell of BBQ filled the air and the sounds of cleavers chopping bbq could be heard all around. Around 0840 the sample plates were taken to the judges Jimmy Dixon 4th District State Representative, and Brian North Morning Anchor/Sports Director/The Blitz host for WCTI 12 News, tasted the sample plates over and over again. Both agreed on first and second place but third came down to a tie, so they recruited an employee of the Duplin Events Center to break the tie! In the end Defiant Spirits Motorcycle Club with head cook Randy

Knowles, and the only non fire department team, took home first place, and were awarded a white fire helmet and $1000 in cash. The team donated the money back to the cause to help fight this disease. Second place went to Substation Potters Hill VFD Team 2 with lead cook Chris Barbour, who were awarded $750 and a red fire helmet and also donated the money back. Third place went to Harrells VFD with head cook Aaron Andrews

and were awarded $500 and a black fire helmet and, you guessed it, they also donated the money back. Interested in next year’s event? Email duplincountyfirenews@gmail.com. - Fire News photos by David Miller

Waxhaw Fire Department Open House On October 8, 2023, the Waxhaw Fire Department opened their doors to the community during Fire Prevention Week. Waxhaw firefighters had trucks on display for kids to tour and learn about, as well as various activity stations for kids to participate in during the afternoon. - Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

Page 34, Fire News, December 2023/January 2024

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New Asheville Fire Station 13 Opens

New Asheville Fire Station 13 opened in early November on Broadway Street, north of downtown. The 21,831 square-foot facility also houses a police substation and a new emergency operations center. The fire station has three drive-through bays and is the first infill station for the city. Ground was broken on the $14.6 million facility in October 2021. - Fire News photos by Mike Legeros

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Fire News, December 2023/January 2024, Page 35

Now That’s a Sweet Truck R Treat! On October 28, 2023, the Cool Springs Fire Rescue held its annual Truck R’ Treat event. The event started off small over 10 years ago and has grown over the years. Members decorated the truck room floor with spooky characters and a fog machine added to thrill the over 700 children who made their way through the maze, stopping at candy stations along the way. The department handed out over 300 pounds of candy! - Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

Kennersville FR Gets ISO Class 1 Rating Kernersville Fire Rescue proudly announces its attainment of an ISO Class 1 fire insurance rating, making it the 28th fire department out of 1216 in the state of North Carolina to achieve this distinction. This achievement underscores the commitment, dedication, and support of the entire community, marking a historic milestone in the department’s 100-year legacy of service. Fire insurance ratings play a pivotal role in determining insurance premiums for businesses and homeowners, directly impacting the local economy and safety. Kernersville rating signifies the highest level of fire protection and readiness, translating to potential cost savings for residents and businesses in the area. - Submitted by Chris Kauffman

Cumberland Valley VFA ‘We Are Changing Our Name Not Our Mission’ During the Cumberland Valley VFA Fall Meeting in Odenton, MD, members unanimously adopted a resolution stating that the organization will be known as Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firefighters Association (CVVFA) going forward. This change is largely ceremonial to reflect the dedication and operations of that CVVFA displayed for the last 122 years. According to our Constitution and By-Laws the legal change to our name must take place

at the Annual Convention. Because we are forward thinking, we decided to begin calling ourselves a “Firefighters” Association now reflecting the makeup of our membership. What once began as a collaboration between four neighboring states, CVVFA is now a nationwide organization, comprised on men and women who not only are members of fire and EMS departments but also law enforcement agencies, tow operators and

more. We started with a mission to standardize hose couplings in 1901 and have further expanded our focus on responder safety at roadway incidents, community risk reduction and reputational risk management. Over the next months, CVVFA will continue to enhance our brand under the new name as we head to our 123rd CVVFA Convention in Halfway, MD in August where the official name change will take place. - Submitted by Steve Austin

New to Sugar Loaf FD Sugar Loaf Fire Department’s “new” Engine 362. is a 2009 Pierce Arrow XT which previously served Troutman Fire and Rescue in Troutman. Sugar Loaf is located in Taylorsville on Highway 16 North. The engine has a 1000-gallon tank, a 1500gpm pump, an on-board hydraulic generator, light tower, and a complement of Hurst hydraulic extrication tools. - Submitted by Josh Chapman

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Rose Hill Get Rescue Craft Donated The Rose Hill Volunteer Fire Department has placed a water rescue boat into service. The boat, trailer, and a new outboard motor were all donated by a gracious and anonymous town resident. All of the boating safety equipment and water rescue recovery equipment were purchased from donated funds as well. This will come in very handy not only to the residents of their district, but those of the mutual/automatic aid districts as well, especially during the summer months when hurricanes that come ashore cause major flooding to most of the county. The boats call sign will be Marine 3. - Fire News photo by David Miller

A Hard Working Truck Retires Dare County Regional Airport on the Outer Banks recently retired this 1977 Walter B1500/1990 CRES crash truck. It originally served Raleigh-Durham International Airport, where it was delivered new. In 1990, it was rebuilt by Crash Rescue Equipment Services. The Dare County Airport Authority acquired the truck after it was retired from RDU in 2000. - Fire News photo by Mike Legeros

LONGTIME FIRE SERVICE ADVOCATE VICKIE PRITCHETT RECEIVES NFFF’S GLATFELTER DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) has recognized Ms. Vickie Pritchett as the newest recipient of the Foundation’s Arthur J. Glatfelter Distinguished Service Award. Ms. Pritchett serves as the Vice President/Executive Officer at the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) and is being recognized for her many and varied contributions to the NFFF, according to Troy Markel, Chair of the NFFF Board of Directors. “Vickie is a tireless advocate for the Foundation and the fire service in general,” Markel said. “Her dedication sets the bar for the rest of us to follow.” Vickie is a long-time advocate for safety throughout the fire service and for NFFF, specifically. Her constant support of and participation in numerous NFFF events and activities, such as the Memorial Weekend, the Truman Fire Forums and Firefighter Life Safety Summits, and most recently the U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention and Control and the subsequent “Fire Stop Tour.” She is a key component of the Foundation’s national leadership efforts and strategic grassroots programming. Her impressive resume and influence throughout the fire service is well known, and her support of NFFF is constant. “Vickie is the true embodiment of the spirit of the Glatfelter award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to support and further the mission of the NFFF. For many years, her innovative

thinking and great leadership have not only benefitted the Foundation but have promoted firefighter safety and amplified the voice of safety in the fire service overall. I am confident that her impact as a connector, liaison, spokesperson, and hands-on partner for the NFFF will continue for years to come,” said Chief Ron Siarnicki, Executive Director of the NFFF. The NFFF created the Arthur J. Glatfelter Distinguished Service Award to recognize exceptional service to the NFFF by men and women who continue in support of Glatfelter’s legacy as a champion of the fire service. In 1969, Glatfelter created the Volunteer Fireman’s Insurance Services (VFIS), the first company of its kind to meet the insurance needs for volunteer firefighters. Glatfelter was also an enthusiastic advocate for the NFFF and its mission and served for many years on the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Ms. Pritchett was presented the Glatfelter Distinguished Service Award by Tony Campisi, Chairman of the Glatfelter Insurance Group, on September 27, 2023, during the opening session of Firehouse Expo in The Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. “Vickie Pritchett represents everything that Art Glatfelter stood for,” Campisi said. “We are grateful for leaders who carry the standard for the fire service, and it’s a privilege to present Vickie with this award.”

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NC State Fair a Hit The North Carolina State Fair was held October 12 through October 22, 2023, at the state fairgrounds in Raleigh. Over 925,000 people attended the annual event. Fire and EMS coverage was again provided by Western Wake Fire Rescue (WWFR) in partnership with Wake County EMS. From open to close each day, WWFR stationed an engine, brush truck, and three UTVs on site, with 10 to 12 firefighters. Additional staff were added on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday fair dates. WWFR used a combination of their membership and seasonal/special events members from other departments around the region. They also covered the tractor pull, demolition derby, and other motorsport demonstrations. All while also providing coverage to their normal response district outside of the fairgrounds. During the 11 days of the fair, WWFR had over a hundred medical contacts along with a few fire-related calls. No major incidents occurred. The North Carolina Fire Service exhibit area included displays of both vintage and modern wildland engines and a variety of tracked vehicles. Not pictured are a pair of aircraft displays. The North Carolina Department of Insurance’s Office of the Fire Marshal conducted daily fire safety demonstrations with partner fire educators from around the state. Sparky the Fire Dog and Fire Educator Brené Duggins of Pinecroft-Sedgefield Fire District in Guilford County and their Enlarging Machine program also appeared. The North Carolina Fallen Firefighters Foundation sold merchandise and raised awareness at their booth beside Dorton Arena. - Fire News photos by Mike Legeros

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Outer Banks 9/11 Memorial Walk On September 11, 2023, the Outer Banks 9/11 Memorial Walk held its second Walk to Remember. Members of the Colingon, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, Southern Shores fire departments along with the Dare County Sheriff’s office, Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk police departments and Dare County EMS participated. Many members of the community also participated in this 5K Walk to Remember. - Fire News photos by Lee Goldman