Fire News North Carolina, Apr./May 2024

Story

Cars on Fire on Apartment Parking Deck

Raleigh Fire Dept. responded to an 5-story parking deck for a working structure fire.

See story on page 4

Kannapolis House Fire on Lyla Ave.

Units were dispatched to a house fire with people and dogs in the home at the time of the fire.

See story on page 10

Live Burn Training

Hosted by Atwell F.D.

Multiple training scenarios for departments that attended a live burn training at a donated structure.

See story on page 18

Chief Kelvin Brim Retires from

Charlotte F.D.

C Shift Division Chief Kelvin Brim

Retired after 25 years of service to the Charlotte Fire Department.

See story on page 22

NC Association of Fire Chiefs Mid-Winter Conference 2024 and Awards Banquet

See stories on pages 24 & 25

Lt. Raymond Harrell

Honored by Community

Aspecial parade was held to support retired Raleigh F.D Lt. Raymond Harrell while he was battling cancer.

See story on page 26

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Cars on Fire on Apartment Parking Deck

GutterCompany

On Sunday, January 7, 2024, Raleigh Fire Dept. was dispatched to an automatic fire alarm at a five-story student apartment building. Engine 5 arrived with nothing showing from the front. Ladder6 arrived and reported heavy smoke from the parking deck. The call was upgraded to a working structure fire and additional units were dispatched. Crews found vehicles burning on the fourth level of the deck. Crews helped access the fire floorand Lines were also use d from ground level. The fire was controlled a short time later. Three vehicles were heavily damaged, with five others also damaged.

- Fire News photos by Mike Legeros

Gutted by Fire on New Year’s Morning

January 1, 2024, at 0400 hours, Stallings Fire Department, Hemby Bridge Fire Department and Wesley Chapel Fire Department were alerted to a commercial structure fire at 107 Business Park Drin Indian Trail. Upon arrival firefighters encountered smoke and flames showing from a large 1-story brick warehouse, which is the home to Leafguard Gutter. The fire was rapidly spreading within the warehouse, due to the large size of the building and difficult access due to gates. Acall for mutual aid was requested from Matthews Fire & EMS (Mecklenburg County). Firefighters battled thick smoke, flames, and continuous flare-ups. Firefighters worked for hours to extinguish the fire. Thankfully, no one was inside the building at the time of the blaze. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation by the Union County Fire Marshals Office.

- Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

Charlotte Garage Fire

Just before midnight on December 6, 2023, companies from the Charlotte and Harrisburg Fire Departments responded to a reported house fire on Barclay Forest Drive. Upon arrival, Engine 34 reported fire from the garage. Battalion Chief 2 assumed command and crews controlled the fire in 35 minutes. There were no reported injuries to civilians orfirefighters. Charlotte Fire Investigators determined the fire to be accidental in nature and caused an estimated $170k in damages. The Red Cross assisted the occupants.

- Submitted by William Kennedy

Mutual Aid Called in Raleigh forHouse Fire

On February 27, 2024, the Raleigh Fire Department was dispatched to a house fire at Azalea Drive at 0017 Engine 16 was first arriving with fire showing from both floors of a 2-story, single-family dwelling. The property was also set back from the street, on an elevated parcel. Fire soon broken through the roof. Interiorand exteriorlines were used. Two hydrants supplied suppression efforts. The fire was controlled at 0059.

- Fire News submitted by Mike Legeros

Mutual Aid Call; Shingle Hollow F.D. and Bills Creek F.D.

Tenants Rescued from Apartment Fire in Goldsboro

Goldsboro Fire Department responded to a fire that took place on February 8, 2024, at S. CenterStreet. The apartments were occupied and firefighters recused tenants from theirapartment using ground ladders.

- Submitted by Jhante Reyes

Firefighters operated at a woods fire recently, in Rutherford County. Shingle Hollow Fire Department responded with mutual aid by Bills Creek Fire Department. - Fire News photo by Jeff Jackson

Multiple Injuries Rescuing Person from Burning Truck

Three Mooresville Firefighters were injured while rescuing a person from theirburning truck. The call was received at 1553 hours fora vehicle fire at Williamson Road. Mooresville Ladder5 was in the area and immediately on the scene. Crews rescued the driverfrom his burning truck and extinguished the fire along with Mooresville Rescue 1 and Mount Mourne Engine 1. Iredell County EMS transported the driverand injured firefighters to the hospital. All firefighters were treated and released; the condition of the driverwas unknown.

- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

SolarPanels Ignite on House

In the afternoon of February 16, 2024, Cary Fire units, along with Apex units, responded to a report of a house fire on Devonhill Lane. Upon arrival, Cary Engine 6 had active fire in the solarpanels on the roof. Two lines were stretched, one to the interiorand one to the exterior. The fire was quickly extinguished with minimal damage to the house.

- Fire News photo by Chris Creighton

Kannapolis House Fire on Lyla Ave

Tree Falls Across Mocksville Highway

Units from the Kannapolis and Concord (NC) Fire Departments were dispatched to a possible house fire on Lyla Avenue in Kannapolis. Crews arrived on the scene and found smoke showing and declared a working fire. There were people in the home at the time of the fire, and several dogs, all were rescued by firefighters.

- Submitted by William GKennedy

The Cool Springs Volunteer Fire Department responded to a report of a large tree down across all lanes of Mocksville Highway on February 18, 2024. Crews using multiple chain saws, worked forabout 50 minutes to clearthe highway. No injuries were reported.

- Fire News submitted by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

Mooresville Firefighters Respond to Business Fire

Windy Conditions and Burning Leaves = Bad Combination

On Sunday January 14, 2024, Steele Creek Fire Department was alerted to a brush fire on Glenduff Place nearthe NC/SC Border. Winds were strong that day and conditions were perfect fora rapidly spreading fire. Mecklenburg Fire Dispatch began receiving multiple 911 calls saying the fire was spreading fast. Luckily Steele Creek FD Engine 3 was training nearby, when crews arrived they found fire in a backyard of one home that was indeed being spread by strong winds toward a vinyl fence and jumping in adjacent yards. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire and prevent even furtherspread ordamage to otherproperties, The quick action by Steele Creek Fire Department personnel also prevented the fire from damaging any homes. The Mecklenburg County Fire Marshal was called to the scene to investigate due to the nature and rapid fire spread. The cause of the fire was deemed to have started from a small pile of burning leaves in a backyard.

- Submitted by Brittany Corl

February 5, 2024, the Mooresville Fire-Rescue was dispatched to a structure fire in the 400 block of S. Broad Street. Several people called 911 and reported seeing smoke and flames at the Two Fingers Automotive. Engine 1 arrived on scene within 3 minutes of being dispatched and saw heavy black smoke upon arriving. Crews began extinguishing the fire. Mooresville Fire Marshal’s Office began investigating the fire while Mooresville Police Departmen t shut down S. Broad Street between W. Wilson Avenue and W. Mills Avenue. Firefighters extinguished the fire within an hour. The cause of the fire is underinvestigation. One individual sustained a minorcut to theirhand.

Dog Perishes at House Fire on Sylvan Rd

On February 19, 2024, Atwell, West Rowan, Landis, China Grove, Kannapolis, Locke, South Iredell Fire Departments and Rowan County Rescue Squad responded to a house fire on Sylvan Road. Arriving crews were met with fire and smoke showing and a working fire was transmitted. Crews quickly had a knock on the fire and searches were negative. Sadly, one dog perished in the fire and the cause is being investigated.

- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

- Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

Charlotte House Fire

Crews from the Charlotte Fire Department responded to a house fire on Twin Brook Drive on January 3, 2024. Engine 28 arrived and found heavy fire in the garage area of the residence. Crews were able to control the fire in less than 20 minutes. There were no injuries to any of the residents of the house, but one firefightersustained minorburn injuries and was treated on scene. The cause of the fire was undetermined. Estimated property/content losses $21K.

-Submitted by William GKennedy

Mint Hill House Fire

February 22, 2024, the Mint Hill, Idlewild, and Robinson Fire Departments were dispatched to a structure fire on Wilgrove Mint Hill Rd. Mint Hill Car10 arrived on scene to find a secondary or building to the rearof the primary residence with heavy fire showing from the alpha side. The original callerreported a large amount of ammunition was stored in the structure. The Crew initiated fire attack establishing a watersupply. The crew of Robinson Engine 1 completed a search and Idlewild Engine 93 established RIT. The fire was brought undercontrol in 15 minutes preventing the fire to reach where the ammunition was stored. There were no injuries reported. Mecklenburg County Fire Marshall is handling the investigation.

- Submitted by William GKennedy

Harrisburg Multi-Vehicle Accident on NC Hwy 49

MVAwith Trapped Driver on Houston Road

On February 23, 2024, at 1321 hours, Harrisburg Fire Department’s Engine 33 reported a multi-vehicle accident with heavy damage on NC Highway 49 at Robinson Ave. Harrisburg Ladder31 and Cabarrus EMS respond. At 1323 hours, Engine 33 requested two additional ambulances, reporting a total of 7 patients. Battalion Chief 31 assuming command. Ultimately, Harrisburg Fire and Cabarrus EMS treated 9 total patients, none of which had life threatening injuries. - Submitted by William GKennedy

2-Vehicle Collison and Overturn Blocks Traffic

Just before noon on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, Cary Fire units, along with Wake EMS, responded to a motor vehicle collision involving an overturned truck. Units arrived to find the truck blocking a travel lane. One patient was treated by EMS.

- Fire News photo by Chris Creighton

February 25, 2024, the Troutman Fire Rescue was alerted fora motorvehicle accident on Houston Road. Crews found the driverof a pickup truck was pinned and used the Hurst tool to pop the doorand extricate the driver, who was in critical condition. The driverof the othervehicle refused medical ca re at the scene and crews secured the scene.

- Fire News photo by immsterfirephotos.com

Matthews Multi-CarCrash

Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at 2100 hours, Matthews FD along with Idlewild FD & Mecklenburg EMS responded to a MVA involving multiple vehicles with reported entrapment and fire. The crash occurred on E. Independence Blvd. Upon arrival firefighters discovered a 2-vehicle MVAwith one vehicle fully engulfed in flames. All occupants were out of the vehicles. Mecklenburg EMS transported two patients who suffered serious injuries to the trauma centerat Novant Presbyterian Medical Center.

- Fire News photo by FullyInvolved MediaGroup.com

Truck Collides with Train

On Tuesday, March 5, 2024, a commercial truck hauling metal in a trailercollided with a Norfolk Southern Freight Train in West Charlotte. The crash occurred at the crossing at Old Dowd Rd and Marshal Acres Drive. Steele Creek Fire Department and West Mecklenburg Vol. Fire Department, spotted a smoke headerfrom a distance. Firefighters arrived and found a truck crushed against the Norfolk Southern locomotive. The locomotive pushed the truck down the tracks approximately 50 to 100 feet before the truck caught fire. Mutual aid was requested from Charlotte Fire Department fora tankertask force & full Hazmat Tankers shuttled waterto a central dump site nearthe scene to supply hose lines. Fora short time, the trains crew ortruck driverwere unaccounted for, but eventually found safe and uninjured. Thankfully, there were no hazardous materials orspill concerns that firefighters had to contend with. Firefighters controlled the fire within 24 minutes. - Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

T-Bone Crash Requires JAWS of Life in Matthews

On January 13, 2024 at 2208 house, Matthews Fire & EMS and Mecklenburg County EMS responded to a reported overturn vehicle on outbound East Independence Blvd., North of Matthews Township Pkwy. Matthews Engine 22 arrived and found a SUVin the middle of the expressway with a black sedan into the woods both with heavy damage, firefighters worked to extricate multiple patients who were entrapped in the t-boned sedan. Mecklenburg EMS transported 4 total patients including 2 with minorinjuries and 2 with serious injuries to local hospitals.

- Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

On February 15, 2024, Mooresville Fire Rescue conducted a live burn training on a donated structure forits most recent graduating academy class. Crews worked about a dozen fires in the structure before it was allowed to burn down. Crews used multiple handlines to protect exposures.

- Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

Live Burn in Mooresville

Live Burn Training Hosted by Atwell Fire Department

February 17, 2024, the Atwell Fire Department held a live burn training at a donated structure. Crews from South Iredell, West Rowan, and Landis Departments also attended. Multiple training scenarios were completed then the structure was allowed to burn down.

- Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

MOTLEY CREWS OF THE MONTH

- Submitted by William GKennedy

Members of the Colington Volunteer Fire Department, at a recent live burn on January 18, 2024, at Pamlico Jacks Restaurant, in Nags Head, North Carolina, Dare County.

- Submitted by Lee Goldman, Colington Volunteer Fire Department

Firefighters from the Concord Fire Department.

New Apparatus for Goldsboro

Goldsboro Fire Department push-in ceremony fornew apparatus.

- Photos submitted by Jhante Reyes

End of Era forCFD Lightning Alley Engineer

On Wednesday, January 10, 2024 Charlotte Fire Department Station #24 Engineer Greg Burke retired from the Charlotte Fire Department after 25 Years of Service.

Greg graduated from the Charlotte Fire Department Academy with Recruit Class #53 on September 8, 1998, and began his career at Station #1 on Engine 1. Greg rose through the ranks and continued his career as an Engineer at Fire Station #24 on B-Shift before transitioning to A-Shift. With 25 Years of Service to the citizens of Charlotte, firefigh ters from around the city came together to congratulate Greg on an epic c areer.

During the ceremony CFD A-Shift Division Chief David Farnum presented Greg with a certificate from Charlotte Fire Departmen t, Chief

Congratulations Greg, you will be missed on the fireground.

- Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

Reginald Johnson placed the pin recognizing his 25-Years of dedicated service and well-earned retirement.

New and Renovated Fire Stations

The town of Knightdale in Wake County recently opened a fourth fire station, renovated another station, and are building a replacement main station. Knightdale Station 4 at 1325 Hodge Road was place d in service on February 12, 2024. The 12,800 square-foot facility includes three-bays, individual sleeping for 25 people, and a 34-foot training tower. Ladder 13 is assigned to the new station that’s serving the western side of town. The new station also houses the department’s swift water rescue assets. Older Knightdale Station 3 at 4828 Clifton Road was recently renovated, with extensive reworking of the 1996 station’s living spaces to better-accommodate the full-time fire and EMS crews. The facility was originally designed for a largely volunteer fi re force, when it first opened for the Knightdale Volunteer Fire Department, a precursor of the town department.

The town is also building a new Station 1 at Old Knight Road and Forestville Road. The 16,192 square-foot facility will house both KFD and Wake County EMS. When completed, apparatus and personnel will be relocated from the Steeple Square fire station, which i s located in the town's public safety center. The Steeple Square fire sta tion will be remodeled to exclusively house the offices of fire administration.

- Fire News photos by Mike Legeros

Chief Kelvin Brim Retires after25 Years of Service

Charlotte Fire Division Chief retired after stellar career on Friday, January 26, 2024, Charlotte Fire Department C Shift Division Chief Kelvin Brim rode his final shift after 25 years of dedicated service to the CFD and the citizens of Charlotte. In 1993 when Chief Brim was in high school he felt his calling and knew he wanted to become a firefighter. While living in Los Angeles, California in 1993, Kelvin took the LAFD exam with thousands of other applicants and passed, but wasn’t selected in the end. Fast forward to 1998, Brim and his family moved to Charlotte where he began his career in the Charlotte Fire Department on May 27, 1998. Chief Brim rose through the ranks starting in CFD Engines Companies like Engine 11, Engine 32 & Engine 4 just to name a few. In 2020, he was promoted to Battalion Chief and served as Battalion 2.

Chief Brim has his heart in serving the community and his commi tment didn’t stop there. Brim was promoted to Recruitment Chief and helped form the Charlotte Fire Department Citizens Fire Academy which held its inaugural class in 2018. Fire News photographer Andrew Tetreault had the pleasure of being a member of the inaugural C itizens Fire Academy and got to know Chief Brim throughout his experience. As Division Chief on C-Shift, Chief Brim oversaw all firefighte rs on

C-Shift in the Charlotte Fire Department.

Firefighters from across the city attended a retirement ceremon y at Fire Station 1 during his last shift. Brim was surrounded by co-workers and family including his son Brian, who is also a Charlotte Firefighter. Chief of Department. Reginald Johnson presented Chief Kelvin Brim with a plaque of appreciation for his years of dedicated service. Congratulations Chief Brim on an amazing career. You will be mi ssed on the fireground. Enjoy your retirement.

- Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

New Rehab Unit Purchased

The Raleigh Fire Department has received a new rehab unit, a 2023 Ford/Morgan Olson step van, with upfit by a local vendor. Features include interiorfood serving areas, exterior serving window, exteriorhandwashing station, retractable awnings, and rearbathroom. This is a new type of specialized unit forthe department. - Fire News photo by Mike Legeros

Renovation to Fire Station 4

The town of Cary in Wake County is renovating Fire Station 4 at 1401 Old Apex Road. The engine company moved into temporary quarters on site on January 19, 2024. Other unstaffed support units, such as a brush truck and UTVtrailer, were relocated to otherfire department facilities. The temporary buildings will be occupied fora year, as the 36-year-old station undergoes extensive renovations. The “like new” station will include such improvements as an added workout room, energy efficient LED lighting, a fire sprinklersystem, and bi-fold doors. The exteriorappearance of the building will also be updated. - Fire News photo by Mike Legeros

Rutherfordton Fire/Rescue JuniorProgram - 2nd Annual Camp Spark

The Rutherfordton JuniorExplorerProgram was started in 2017 and it has grown to a current 10 juniormembers. In 2022, they started Camp Spark where local high schoolers can sign up to spend a week with them learning all aspects of the job. They gain hands-on experience in fire, rescue, and EMS. Camp Spark is held in early August, before school starts, and has helped build the numberof young men and women joining the fire service. Since 2017 we have had 2 juniorfirefighters to make careers out of the fire service, and many serve at their local department as volunteers. Out of the current numberof juniors, we have 3 or4 interested in careers. This program supports the future of the fire service and is well worth the time and effort it takes to plan and work with these young students.

- Submitted by Brandon Harrill

D.R. REYNOLDS NOWMANUFACTURING CUSTOM FIRE TRAININGSIMULATORS

D.R. Reynolds, headquartered in North Carolina, leads the way in manufacturing custom fire simulation trainers that are both cost-effective and highly efficient. By crafting these trainers locally, the company not only ensures superior quality control but also significantly reduces production costs for clients across various sectors. D.R. Reynolds can be your turnkey solution as they partner with you from fabrication to installation and training.

These state-of-the-art fire simulation trainers are meticulously designed to repli-

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Moreover, D.R. Reynolds’trainers are customizable to meet specific training requirements, whether for municipal fire departments, industrial safety teams, or emergency response units. This level of cus-

tomization ensures that each training session is tailored to address unique challenges and scenarios, enhancing the effectiveness and readiness of trainees.

With a strong commitment to excellence and innovation, D.R. Reynolds continues to be a trusted partner in the fire simulation training industry, offering cost-efficient solutions without compromising on safety standards or training effectiveness. For more details contact: Chris Langham clangham@drreynolds.com or Adam Sims asims@drreynolds.com

Obituary Lt. Raymond Harrell Honored by Community

On January 18, 2024, a special parade was held in Garnerto support retired Raleigh Fire Department Lt. Raymond Harrell, in his last stages of his cancerbattle. The procession of apparatus and emergency vehicles from Raleigh, Wake County, and neighboring areas drove past his home, where Lt. Harrell watched with his family, friends, and fellow firefighters beside him. Riding the rigs were dozens of retired Raleigh firefighters. Otherretirees participated in theirpersonal vehicles and even a couple of tractors. Sadly, Lt. Harrell passed away ten days lateron January 28, 2024. He was 64 years young.

- Fire News photos by Mike Legeros