Story on page 6. - Fire News photo by Mike Legeros
In this issue...
Brunswick County Brush Fire
The North Carolina Forest Service adds a spotter plane, a water bomber and and a plow to assist.
See story on page 9
3rd Arson in One Month
Investigators deem the fire was intentionally set, making it three in one month for Charlotte FD.
See story on page 10
Just When You Think You’ve Seen it All
Boiling Spring Lakes is called to assist an alligator in crossing the road.
See story on page 19
Small Plane Crash in Statesville
With the location not solid, several agencies finally pinpoint the crash site in a field with two people out.
See story on page 24
Surf City Launches Water Safety Program
The city expanded its Water Safety Stations program at public beach access points.
See story on page 32
39th FFs Game Held in Southport
Part of a week-long series of events celebrating the Fourth of July.
See story on page 38
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CONTRIBUTORS: Kenneth Clouser, Chris Creighton, Kevin Imm, William G. Kennedy Mike Legeros, Andrew Tetreault
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SilerCity Assist at House Fire
SilerCity was requested fora tankerand manpowerfora house fire on May 31, 2024, to assist Silk Hope, Pittsboro Fire-Rescue and North Chatham Fire along with First Health of the Carolinas. Siler City personnel arrived as all fire personnel were being pulled from the residence aftertrying to make an interiorattack. All personnel went to defensive operations fora short time then re-entered the residence to continue the fire attack. Truck 9 was special called due to the structural integrity of the residence being compromised. As always, ALLpersonnel worked togethervery well. Thoughts and prayers to the family as they deal with theirloss.
- Submitted by Scott Murphy
Ramble Wood Lane Fire
On June 25, 2024, at 0613, the Troutman, Statesville, West Iredell and Monticello fire departments responded to a structure fire in the Ramble Wood Park on Ramble Wood Lane. Troutman Engine 1 arrived to flames showing from the structure. Engine 1’s crew stretched a line and knocked the fire down, as additional crews conducted a primary search, which was negative. Asecond line was stretched as a watersupply was established with an engine from Statesville and a tankerfrom Monticello. The fire was brought undercontrol in about 20 minutes and no injuries were reported. Iredell County EMS stood by and Central Fire responded with theirAirVan. -Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Monroe Vehicle Fire on West Roosevelt Blvd.
On May 22, 2024, at 1503, the Monroe Fire Department dispatched Quint 2 and Engine 1 to a reported large vehicle fire on West Rosevelt Boulevard. Quint 2 arrived on the scene and found a commercial vehicle towing a trailerthat had a fire in the equipment mounted in the bed of the truck. Crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire using the bumperline from Quint 2.
- Fire News photo by William GKennedy
Well Done Tacos after Charlotte Restaurant Fire
On May 6, 2024, just before 013, Charlotte Fire Department Engine 39 B Shift and Ladder24 B Shift responded to an automatic alarm at the Walgreens on Pineville-Matthews Road. As crews began investigating, firefighters discovered smoke around the building and inside Tacos 4 Life. Firefighters found heavy smoke pushing from the rearof the strip mall. Matthews Fire Engine 12 responded on an auto mutual aid agreement. The fire was emanating from a storage/refrigeration unit behind the building. Additional firefighters were called on a working fire upgrade undercommand of Battalion 7 Chief Matt Yost. Seventh Battalion companies worked to extinguish the fire and spent hours ventilating smoke from numerous businesses. Thirty firefighters controlled the fire in 40 minutes. Charlotte Fire investigators determined the cause of the fire to be restaurant grease vats and oily rags stored in the storage unit that ignited.
- Fire News photo FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com
Heavy Fire from SolarPanels at Wilmington Warehouse
On June 15, 2024, solarpanels caught fire at Coastal Beverage Company off Highway 421, north of Wilmington and just inside the PenderCounty Line. Arriving units found heavy smoke and flames showing from the roof. Crews began both interiorand exterior operations. Various issues extended the incident and control time, including hydrant debris, limited watersupply, strong winds, and the large size of the structure. Two aerials initially flowed water, with one laterused as a standpipe fora handline, to reach areas that the aerial streams could not. An additional aerial ladderwas requested to supplement roof efforts. Interiorcrews also found fire
Vacant House Fire
On May 21, 2024, at 2305, the Ebenezer, Trinity, Statesville and Cool Springs fire departments responded to a report of a structure fire in the vicinity of Turnersburg Highway and Fort Dobbs Road. Arriving crews declared a working fire with heavy fire showing from the structure. The structure was deemed vacant and crews did a primary search of the first and second floors that was negative. The fire was brought undercontrol in about 25 minutes. The cause of the fire was being investigated.
- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
below the roof in the trusses above the sprinklerheads. Crews used a handline to attack the fire before the sprinklersystem activated. Seven fire departments from two counties were on scene: Pender, Wilmington, New HanoverCounty, Rocky Point, Leland, Burgaw and Penderlea. Some fire units traveled 20 miles to the scene. Other departments from Duplin and Onslow counties assisted with moveups and coverage. - Fire News photos by Mike Legeros
No Extension in Shalom Place Fire
On May 2, 2024, at 2301, the Troutman, West Iredell, and Monticello fire departments responded to a structure fire on Shalom Place. Arriving crews were confronted with a fully involved structure and a working fire was transmitted. Tankers fed the engine companies and three lines were put in operation. A nearby structure had some exteriordamage, but there was no extension. Crews had an extensive overhaul operation, but there were no injuries.
- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Charlotte House Fire on Clooney Lane
On June 12, 2024, at 2123, the Charlotte Fire Department received several calls reporting a house fire on Clooney Lane in northeast Charlotte. Engine 22 arrived and confirmed heavy fire and smoke showing from a two-story residential structure and initiated the fire attack. Engines 27 and 11 joined them and Battalion 2 assumed command. The residents of the house were able to escape, howeverTower27’s primary search found seven deceased dogs. Crews were able to issue a control time at 2153. Investigators believe the fire began accidentally due to an electrical issue in the garage. Units on the box included Engines 22, 27, 7 and 11, Towers 27 and 18, Rescue 11, Safety 1 and Battalions 1 and 2.
- Fire News photo by William GKennedy
Late Night Fire Damages Colington Home, Displaces Four
Forest Service Brings Plow, Planes to Brush Fire in Brunswick County
- Submitted by Lee Goldman
Around 2330 on July 4, 2024, Colington firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire on Knight Court, outside of Colington Harbour. County Fire Marshal Steve Kovacs wwho as in the area arrived, and was told there were still three people who had not exited the home. As more resources were dispatched the fire marshal was able to confirm that everyone had escaped. An occupant in the downstairs portion of the home said theirdog alerted them to the fire. Flames had extended to the second-floorporch and stairs, making that escape route impossible to use. That occupant broke an upstairs window to alert the upstairs residents and managed to find a way forthem to climb off the deck to safety. Crews from Colington, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Kitty Hawk and Southern Shores responded to the two-alarm fire. Fourpeople were displaced.
On June 15, 2024, five fire departments and the North Carolina Forest Service fought a large brush fire in Brunswick County which threatened several homes. First-due Winnabow was joined by units from Leland, Boiling Springs Lake, and Bolivia. The forest service responded with ground and airunits. In the air, a spotterplane helped direct the firefighting effort. It was laterjoined by a waterbomber. On the ground, a forestry plow was used to cut firebreaks. Forest service personnel also set backfires to help contain the fire.
- Fire News photo by Mike Legeros
3rd Arson in Charlotte in One Month
On June 21, 2024, at 1825, the Charlotte Fire Department (CFD) responded to a reported structure fire on Sharon Road West. Multiple 911 callers reported smoke and flames showing with residents unable to escape from townhomes. CFD Battalion Chief Lee Thompson (Battalion 5) arrived to heavy fire and smoke showing from a second-floorbalcony and attic of a two-story townhome at the Sharon Place Condominiums. At 1830, Battalion Chief Thompson transmitted a second alarm. Firefighters stretched multiple handlines as Ladder2 performed vertical ventilation. While performing primary searches, firefighters rescued and removed a female victim from a second-floorunit. Mecklenburg County EMS transported the victim with life-threatening injuries to the trauma centerat Atrium CMC. Due to restricted access and heavy fire conditions, Charlotte Fire Ladder1 and Ladder 2 set up ladderpipe operations, with Ladder1 operating at nearby Sharon South Condos. Firefighters controlled the fire in approximately 51 minutes. Eight units were damaged/affected by fire. Charlotte Fire Investigators deemed the fire intentionally set, the third structure intentionally set within the last month.
- Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com
House Destroyed in Silk Hope
Fora second time in less than 12 hours on May 31, 2024, Silk Hope, SilerCity and Snow Camp Fire were dispatched to a house fire. The first Silk Hope firefighteron scene reported a lawn mowerand house on fire.
- Submitted by Scott Murphy
Cutting Doors at a Raleigh Storage Facility
On the morning of June 13, 2024, several units of an outdoorselfstorage building burned on Diggs Drive in south Raleigh. Forcible entry was required to attack the fires in each unit, with gas-powered saws from the rescue and laddercompanies. Extra manpower was requested, with two engines special-called, and later, two engines and a ladder. Haz-Mat units were also called to the scene, to contain a run-off hazard from the contents of the storage units.
- Fire News photo by Mike Legeros
Brush Fire in McDowell Nature Preserve
On April 14, 2024, the Steele Creek Fire Department responded to a brush fire inside the McDowell Nature Preserve. A911 call reported a small fire nearthe campground that was rapidly spreading. Steele Creek Engine 3 arrived and found approximately a half-acre of land burning and spreading. Due to no hydrants, the tankerand brush truck were requested. Firefighters utilized Engine 3, Tanker4, Brush 7 and Ladder2, along with PWcans to knock down the fire. The fire was placed undercontrol in about 25 minutes. - Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com
Odell 2-Alarmeron Guildbrook Road
On July 5, 2024, at1632, the Odell Fire Department in Cabarrus County was dispatched to a reported structure fire on Guildbrook Road. The original callerreported a grill on the deck in the back of the house had caught fire. Odell Car2 arrived and reported heavy smoke and fire spreading up the rearof the structure and into the attic. Odell Engine 22 arrived and began fire attack with a Kannapolis Engine 51 advancing a second line. Due to the conditions on scene and the lack of hydrants in the area, the incident was upgraded to a second alarm, bringing additional resources to the scene, including a County TankerTask Force. The incident was brought undercontrol in 20 minutes and was being investigated by the Cabarrus County Fire Marshall’s Office.
- Fire News photo by William G. Kennedy
3 Alarm Arson in Charlotte
On May 30, 2024, at 0156, the Charlotte Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Margaret Brown Street in the Third Ward neighborhood. CFD Engine 5 arrived to a fully involved 2-1/2 story single-family dwelling underrenovation, which was spreading to two large adjacent townhomes and a second alarm was transmitted. Charlotte firefighters had to deal with downed live wires and an actively burning gas line. Multiple ladderpipe masterstreams were placed into operation to battle the massive blaze. Athird alarm was transmitted, bringing additional manpowerto the scene. Six occupants were able to escape safely. Mecklenburg EMS transported one resident to Atrium CMC Main with minor injuries. Sixty firefighters had the fire undercontrol in 75 minutes. The single-family home was completely destroyed aftercollapsing into the foundation. Charlotte Fire investigators ruled this fires and an earlierone to be intentionally set.
- Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com
1 Displaced in Oak Brook Dr. Blaze
On July 17, 2024, at 0930, South Iredell Fire Rescue, along with Mooresville, Shepherds, Mount Mourne and Atwell fire departments, responded to a structure fire on Oak Brook Drive. Arriving units were met with heavy smoke coming from the single-story structure. Crews stretched one hoseline and began fighting the fire while additional crews searched the structure; searches were negative. Additional units stretched anotherline and assisted in extinguishing the fire. The fire caused heavy damage to the structure leaving the ownerunable to live in it. Chief Jerry Starrof South Iredell Fire-Rescue was in command of the operation. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation and no injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Charlotte Apartment Fire on Craighead Road
On June 18, 2024, at 0954, the Charlotte Fire Department was dispatched to a possible apartment fire in the CedarGreene Apartments off Craighead Road. Engine 11 arrived and reported smoke showing from a second-floorapartment. Engine 11 established a watersupply and began fire attack. They were able to control the fire in 11 minutes and there were no reported injuries to civilians orfirefighters. Investigators determined the fire was started in a vacant apartment by maintenance workers renovating the apartment. Units on the initial box included Engines 7, 11, 4 and 8, Ladder23, Tower 18, Safety 1 and Battalion 1, with the working fire upgrade adding Ladder1, Rescue 11, Car8 and fire investigators. - Fire News photo by William G. Kennedy
Charlotte Motel Fire on Queen City Drive
On June 9, 2024, at1555, the Charlotte Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire at a motel on Queen City Drive. Dispatch reported receiving several calls about fire in a maintenance room. Battalion Chief 1 was the first to arrive and reported smoke showing and that employees were unsuccessfully trying to put out the fire with extinguishers. With Battalion Chief 1 assuming command, Engine 13 stretched a line. The fire, which had spread beneath the floorboards, was controlled in 10 minutes. There were no injuries to civilians orfirefighters and damage was confined to the maintenance room and no residents were displaced. Investigators determined the cause was the result of discarded smoking materials. Units on the alarm included Engines 13, 30, 17 and 21, Ladder13, Tower18, Rescue 10, Safety 1 and Battalion Chiefs 1 and 8. - Fire News photo by William G. Kennedy
Suspicious Package at Charlotte Shopping Center
On May 30, 2024, at 1029, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department's Bomb Squad, along with units from the Charlotte Fire Department including HazMat 32and Mecklenburg County’s EMS Agency, MEDIC, were dispatched to the 12000 block of South Tryon Street fora suspicious package found outside a store in a shopping center. Afterthorough investigation, the Bomb Squad determined the item was not a threat and the area was reopened at 1230.
- Fire News photos by William G. Kennedy
South Charlotte SolarPanel Fire
On April 23, 2024, at 1530, the Charlotte Fire Department responded to a house fire on Brookmeade Drive. Charlotte Fire Battalion 7 Chief Matt Yost arrived to smoke showing from a three-story brick dwelling. Matthews Fire Department Engine 12 responded on automatic mutual aid. CFD Engine 16 made an initial fire attack, while Engine 19 conducted a primary search. Homeowners reported a dog trapped within the home. Undercommand of Battalion Chief Yost, fire was showing from the attic and through the roof prompting firefighters from Engine 39 to stretch a second line to the attic. Firefighters had a challenge of solarpanels on the entire alpha side of the roof. Crews from Engine 14 and Ladder16 performed ventilation while interiorcrews put two lines in operation. Firefighters successfully rescued the dog. The fire was controlled in approximately 31 minutes.
- Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com
Howard Avenue
Basement Fire Extends
On June 25, 2024, at 1805, the Kannapolis, Landis, China Grove, Enochville, Atwell and Locke Township fire departments, Rowan Rescue Squad (Rowan County) along with the South Iredell Fire Department responded to a structure fire in the vicinity of Howard Avenue. Firefighters were met with heavy smoke coming from the structure. Crews battled a fire in the basement that had burned through the stairs and extended to the first floor. No one was injured and the cause was underinvestigation.
-Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Just When You Think You’ve Seen It All!
Then you go help the brothers in blue remove a dinosaur from the road! This extra-large fella’was estimated to be roughly 12-feet long, and we weren’t brave enough to attempt a weigh in.
At roughly 0100, Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from Boiling Spring Lakes Fire Rescue, to mitigate a bit of a traffic issue. This angry interloper was laying in the middle of the road and would lunge at passing motorists.
Deciding that a 12-foot dragon was a bit outside what they could handle solo, they requested our assistance. Engine 471, the chief and a QRVwere sent to assist. After a first attempt to walk this gentleman across the road failed, we turned to what we know best, we flowed some water. With a gentle shower deployed to encourage a retreat, the gator finally decided he was done with civilization for the time being and finally moved back into his more natural habitat. Aquick pack up and crews were back in service and cleared the roadway.
- Photos courtesy of Boiling Spring Lakes FR
Compact vs Cement Truck MVA
On June 4, 2024, at approximately 1015, Stallings Fire Department Station 20 and Union County EMS responded to an MVAon Stallings Road at Gribble Road. The call was immediately upgraded to a pin. Stallings Engine 202 arrived to find a cement truck that t-boned a compact car. Three people were trapped with various serious injuries in the compact. Firefighters used Hurst tools tools from Resue 20 to extricate the victims from the driver’s side. Firefighters extricated patients within approximately 10 minutes. Union County EMS transported patients to an area hospital fortreatment.
- Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com
Vehicle Strikes Building and Propane Tank
On May 19, 2024, Raleigh Engine 23 was firstarriving at an unusual hazmat incident on Barefoot Industrial Road, where a vehicle had struck both a building and a propane tank. The propane tank was also leaking. Additional resources were dispatched, including HazMat 29, HazMat 8, and the HazMat Program Manager. Crews were on scene forhours. The hazard was mitigated by burning off the product from the leaking tank.
- Fire News photos by Mike Legeros
Carinto TractorTrailer
On June 4, 2024, Princeton VolunteerFire Department responded to high velocity MVAin which a small passengervehicle crashed into the rearof a tractortrailer. The driverof the carhad minorinjuries and walked away. Crews worked along with the tow truck driverto assist with freeing the vehicle from underneath the trailer
- Submitted by Adam Stanley, CFO
High-Angle Workers Rescued
- Submitted by David Yergeau
Whiteville Fire performed a high-angle rescue of workers stuck on the side of a building who were trying to replace a window.
Just Happened to be Passing By
On June 25, 2024, at 1530, Troutman Fire Rescue was dispatched foran overturned caron East Mombo Road. Just as the call was dispatched, Troutman Engine 3 came across the accident while returning from a detail. Both occupants were climbing out of the carthat was on its roof as Engine 3 pulled up. Crews assisted the two occupants until Iredell EMS arrived. Both refused medical attention. - Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
All Good AfterSmall Plane Crash in Statesville
Mooresville Carinto Building MVA
Statesville Responds to Rolloverand Pin
On June 10, 2024, at 1439 the Statesville Fire Department, while operating at a truck versus building call, were alerted along with the Iredell Rescue Squad foran MVAwith rolloverand pin on Sunset Hill Road. Crews secured the carwhich was on its side and removed the windshield so the driver, who was not pinned but couldn’t get out of the car, could safely exit the vehicle with theirassistance. Iredell County EMS evaluated the drivers of both cars.
- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
On June 28, 2024, at 1316, Mooresville Fire Rescue was dispatched to a report of a carversus a building on Hathaway Lane. Adriverbacked into a column in the front of the building knocking it down. The driveruninjured and the column was not load bearing. Ladder5 secured the scene.
- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
On June 10, 2024, at 1117, multiple fire departments and emergency personnel were alerted fora possible aircraft emergency afterthe towerat Statesville Regional airport lost contact with a small aircraft overthe Statesville area. Multiple agencies searched different areas until the location was pinpointed off of Midway Road. Trinity Fire was on the scene and reported a plane down in a wheat field with two people walking around. The plane had made an emergency landing and no one was injured. The farmerof the field responded with his heavy equipment and cleared a path foremergency crews to access the plane. All EMS crews were cancelled and Trinity crews stayed on the scene.
- Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
4 Extricated in 2-CarMVA
Before midnight on June 1, 2024, SilerCity and First Health of the Carolinas were dispatched foran MVA. Once Captain Cockman, arrived, he requested a re-dispatch and requested Staley Fire to assist due to a pin of fourpeople. Patient care and extrication began immediately on both vehicles. As Rescue 929 and Staley Engine 72 arrived with more personnel, extrication began on the passengerside of the vehicle. The chief and Engine 914 handled an additional MVAon the opposite side of ourdistrict; fortunately, it was minorand a patient was left with EMS. Those personnel responded along with Bonlee Fire Rescue 629 to assist with a prolonged extrication and to set up an LZ fortwo medevac helicopters from UNC. Thank you to ALLpersonnel who worked feverishly to provide patient care and to perform a speedy extrication of all patients.
- Submitted by Scott Murphy
2 Crashes on 1 Alarm
On June 10, 2024, at 1427, the Statesville Fire Department responded fora pickup truck that had crashed into a Wooten Street commercial business. No one was injured, but the building did sustain damage. While at this alarm, they were alerted for anotheraccident with overturn and entrapment on Sunset Hill Road. - Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Shepherds FR Completes State-of-the-Art Training Facility: The Heartbreak Hotel TRAINING
Shepherds Fire Rescue, rooted in the community since its inception in 1961 under the auspices of the Lions Club, has marked a significant milestone with the completion of their new Firefighter Training Facility, aptly named “The Heartbreak Hotel.” What began as a grassroots effort by community members to address the need for fire protection has evolved into a cutting-edge training center aimed at preparing firefighters for the complex challenges of modern emergencies.
The journey to The Heartbreak Hotel began in 2010, when Shepherds Fire Rescue acquired four metal conex containers to serve as the foundation for a makeshift training building. Over the years, dedicated members transformed these containers into a vital training resource, constructing walls, stairs, and even a large confined space maze to simulate diverse firefighting scenarios.
In late 2022, Assistant Chief Dunn initiated plans for a comprehensive training facility
that would meet ISO Credit requirements, a first for Shepherds Fire Rescue. The ambitious project gained momentum in August 2023 with the selection of Forge Fire and Company to design and construct a facility tailored to the needs of modern firefighting.
Collaborating closely with Todd Shepherds of Forge Fire and Company, Assistant Chief Dunn outlined a vision for a three-story structure comprising nine conex containers. The facility boasts essential features such as a burn room, forcible entry door, residential floor plans on the first and second floors, an office layout on the third floor, a roof ventilation prop, FDC and sprinkler prop, and a rap-
pel tower atop the building. The proposal received unanimous approval from Shepherds’Board of Directors, recognizing the critical need for on-site training facilities that allow firefighters to hone their skills without leaving the community vulnerable during emergencies. Construction commenced swiftly after securing necessary permits, and by June 2024, The Heartbreak Hotel stood proudly as a testament to community support and dedication.
“We are deeply grateful to our Board of Directors, County Commissioners, and the citizens of Iredell County whose unwavering support made this facility possible,” wrote Assistant Chief Dunn in a statement. “The Heartbreak Hotel signifies our commitment to excellence in service, ensuring our firefighters are prepared to protect lives and property in every situation. We are here for them.”
- Submitted by Rick Dunn
Concord Recruit Class 36 Live Burn Training
On May 31, 2024, the Concord Fire Department conducted a live burn training in an acquired structure forRecruit Class 36. Recruit Class 36 was an accelerated (eight-week) academy that was designed forindividuals who were already North Carolina Certified Firefighters and Hazardous Materials Technicians, along with being Certified NC (or National Register) EMTs and with previous firefighting experience. The recruits went through multiple scenarios before the structure was allowed to burn down. The class of 13 recruits graduated the following week and have been assigned to the operation division.
- Fire News photos by William G. Kennedy
Mooresville FR Live Burn Training
On May 9, 2024, Mooresville Fire and Rescue conducted a live burn training in an acquired structure on Rocky RiverRoad in Mooresville. It was the final training forthe department’s Recruit Class 018 and the simulation allowed them to gain realistic experience and knowledge of fighting fires outside of a training facility. The class included six new Mooresville FireRescue firefighters, along with two recruits from the Statesville Fire Department and students from Mitchell Community College's Basic Fire Fighting Training Program.
- Fire News photos by William G. Kennedy
Smoke Alarm Saturday
Whiteville Fire Department took part in Smoke Alarm Saturday on June 1, 2024. - Submitted by David Yergeau
NC Transportation Museum Fire Truck Festival
On June 22, 2024, the North Carolina Transportation Museum held its Annual Fire Truck Festival. Fire Departments and collectors from across North Carolina come and showcase fire trucks new and old. This event has been held at the museum forat least the last 20 years. Many otherevents are held during the day of fun with many vendors. The Salisbury Fire Department had a piece of steel from the 9/11 attacks at the World Trade Centeron display along with their1941 fire truck. The iconic blue fire engine used by the Blue Point Brewing Company in Blue Point, Long Island (NY), was also on display. Kids of all ages had a blast being able to see these massive fire trucks up close and even sit inside the driver’s seat. - Fire News photos by FullIyIvolvedMediaGroup.com
Surf City Launches Expanded WaterSafety Station Program
The Surf City Fire Department is excited to announce the expansion of the Water Safety Stations program to improve beach safety. Water Safety Stations will be placed at each public beach access providing beachgoers with essential tools and information for a safe beach experience.
There are 39 public beach accesses within the six miles of beach in Surf City. In collaboration with the Jack Helbig Memorial Foundation, Eagle Scout Charlie Medlin and his fellow scouts in Surf City Troop 777, the Surf City Fire Department is installing water safety stations which will feature signs that will educate beachgoers on ocean condition flags, water conditions, emergency procedures, location of station and a rescue floatation can.
The ocean condition flag will update beachgoers on the current water condition while the rescue flotation device will be available to bystanders to use in the case of an emergency before emergency personnel arrive. Each station will also include a QR code that will link to real time beach condition updates from NOAA, NWS and Surf City Ocean Rescue staff.
To support this important initiative, the Jack Helbig Memorial Foundation is inviting community members and business to sponsor a water safety station for $250. By contributing to this cause, sponsors will play a vital role in ensuring beach safety in Surf City.
To sponsor a water safety station, go to: www.jackhelbig.org/getinvolved/#oak. - Submitted by Allen Wilson
Rolesville FD Signs Unification Resolution with Town
On June 4, 2024, the leaders of the Town of Rolesville in Wake County and the non-profit corporation Rolesville Rural Fire Department signed a unification resolution, to begin the formal process of merging the fire department with the town. During the past three years, both had been collaborating to discuss the benefits, concerns, challenges and opportunities of a merger, which has a proposed target date of July 1, 2025. Rolesville Rural Fire Department Inc. was organized in June 1958. The first fire chief was H. E. Perry and the first fire station at the Rolesville Amoco Station on South Main Street. The first fire truck was a 1958 Chevrolet/American pumperthat's still on the department’s roster. Last year, the fire department celebrated their65th anniversary.
- Fire News photo by Mike Legeros
Wilmington’s Fire Boat Up Close
along the Cape FearRiverwaterfront in Wilmington is the Atlantic VI, a 2007 MetalCraft Marine Firestorm 50. The 50-foot craft is powered by two 885-hp Cat C-18 engines and equipped with two Hale 3000 pumps. With a capacity of nearly 7000-gpm, the fireboat is equipped with 16 discharges that include six manual and remote-controlled monitors. It also has fourfive-inch connections forland lines. Designated Fireboat 1, it's staffed by a crew from nearby Station 1. - Fire News photo by Mike Legeros
Docked
New Apparatus forTroutman FR
On May 21, 2024, Troutman Fire-Rescue put into service a new Pierce EnforcerRescue Pumperat Station 3 on Pineville Road. This state-of-the-art rescue pumperwas ordered in January of 2022 and designed to mirrorEngine 1 and carries 1000 gallons of water. It adds anothertool of fire protection forTroutman Fire Rescue members to
betterserve theircommunity. Group photo (left to right) Deputy Chief Jimmy Kestler, crew of Engine 2, crew of Engine 1, crew of Engine 3, Board of DirectorJeff Coggins and Chief of the Department Wesley Morris. Department members did the traditional push back ceremony. - Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Concord Fire Places New Tractor-Drawn Aerial into Service
On June 10, 2024, the Concord Fire Department placed a new Pierce Enforcer107-foot Ascendant TractorDrawn Aerial (TDA) into service. The new aerial will be Truck Company 11 and is replacing the old Ladder11. Truck Company 11 is the Concord Fire Department’s first TDAand only the second TDAin the Charlotte area (with the Cornelius Lemley Fire Department operating the other). Priorto purchasing this new aerial, all of Concord laddercompanies had
NFPA’S R. DAVID PAULISON NAMED NEWBOARD
CHAIRPERSON
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) completed the election of its Board of Directors at its Annual Meeting on June 17, 2024, which included the naming of a new chair, the election of two new members, and the reelection of a third member of the board.
R. David Paulison has been elected by the Board of Directors as the new chairperson. Paulison, who has been serving on the NFPA Board since 2015 and was the First Vice Chair, brings extensive experience in emergency management and fire safety to his new role.
He has had a distinguished career, previously serving as the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and as the U.S. Fire Administrator. He also spent 30 years with the Miami-Dade Fire and Rescue Department, from 1971 to 2001, rising through the ranks from firefighter to becoming Fire Chief in 1992.
Paulison takes over from Russell Leavitt, executive chairman of Telgian Holdings, Inc., who is completing his second two-year term as Board Chair.
The Board also elected a slate of officers that includes John Bonney as First Vice Chair, Roger Montembeault as Second Vice Chair, Lou Paulson as Secretary, Stacy Welch as Treasurer, Reggie Freeman as Assistant Treasurer, and Russell Leavitt as Immediate Past Chair. Kwame Cooper will continue in his current role as Assistant Secretary.In addition, NFPAmembers elected two new Board members, and a third was reelected to three-year terms on the Board. They are Christina Francis, P.E., FSFPE; David Hittinger; and Raj Arora, P.E.\
operated quint apparatus. The new TDAhas no pump oronboard waterand the department is designating these as truck companies to distinguish them from theirladdercompanies. Truck Company 11 is the first of three TDAs the department ordered, with the second scheduled fordelivery in the beginning of 2025 and the third a year later. Congratulations to the crews of Truck 11 and the Concord Fire Department. - Fire News photos by William G. Kennedy
AFGAND SAFER REAUTHORIZATION BILL PASSES SENATE
On June18, 2024, the US Senate passed the Fire Grants and Safety Act (S.870), a bill to reauthorize the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programs, as well as the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) through 2028. The legislation also extended the sunset date for AFG and SAFER to September 30, 2030. The bill has been sent to the President to be signed into law. Once signed, these programs will be protected for the next several years, ensuring that the fire and emergency services can continue to access vital federal support. On July 9, 2024, President Biden signed S.870 into law.
USFA50TH ANNIVERSARY
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) kicked-off its 50th anniversary celebration with a staff gathering at the National Fire Academy on July 11, 2024. During the campus event the 50th anniversary cake was cut by U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell and Branch Chief Smiley White. Chief White is the longest serving USFAemployee and is still an active member of the Guardian Hose Company in Thurmont, Maryland, and an instructor with the Maryland Fire and Rescue Training Institute (MFRI). Additional anniversary events will occur throughout the year.
On June 10, 2024, the Concord Fire Department placed a new laddercompany into service. Ladder10 will be the department’s fourth ladder company and will improve laddercoverage in the western part of the city. The company will operate from Station 10 on PoplarTent Road and will join Concord Engine 10 and Cabarrus County EMS 101 at that station. Ladder10’s crew, the chief and the MayorWilliam Dusch pushed the truck into the station, with MayorDusch placing the radio call to communications to officially put Ladder10 in service. Ladder10 is a 2017 Pierce Arrow XT(2000/300) with a 105-foot HSLrearmount aerial and formerly served as Ladder11. Congratulations to Ladder10’s new crews, the department and the City of Concord.
- Fire News photos by William G. Kennedy
Concord Fire Department Places New Ladderin Service
Extrication Demonstration at Fire Truck Fest
On June 22, 2024, during the NC Fire Truck Festival, two extrication demonstrations were held. Firefighters from SpencerFire Department, Salisbury Fire Department and Ellis Fire Department showed the public how victims involved in serious caraccidents are freed from vehicles. Firefighters used Hurst spreaders, cutters and rams to demonstrate how victim are cut free from the entangled metal afteran MVA.
-Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com
39th Annual Firefighter’s Games Held in Southport
On June 30, 2024, the 39th annual Firefighter’s Freedom Competition was held in downtown Southport. The annual event, hosted by the Southport Fire Department, featured five competitive events: bucket brigade, firefighterrelay, tankertug, command post, and barrel push. Fourfire departments competed with two teams each, consisting of both volunteerand careermembers: Boiling Springs Lake, Bolivia, Southport, and Winnabow. The teams were cheered on by local residents and visitors. Nearby, children and parents enjoyed a running sprinklersystem fed from a fire hydrant. Otheractivities during the day included a fire extinguisherdemonstration, a pie-eating contest, a static apparatus display, and a silent auction fundraiser. Also on display were two helicopters from the Brunswick County Sherriff’s Department and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. The Tunnels to Tower Foundation also brought their9/11 NeverForget Mobile Exhibit. The events were part of a week-long series of events in Southport to celebrate the Fourth of July. - Fire News photos by Mike Legeros
