The Concord Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire on Holshouser Road.
See story on page 6
Single-Wide Fire in Iredell County
Multiple fire departments were alerted for a structure fire on Cherry Crest Lane.
See story on page 10
Charlotte Two Alarm Apartment Fire
The Charlotte Fire Department handled two multiple-alarm fires.
See story on page 12
Big Indian Loop
Attic
Fire
Four fire departments were alerted for a chimney fire on Big Indian Loop.
See story on page 15
Medevac from Troutman MVA
AMedevac was called to transport an injured driver from an MVAwith a person trapped car.
See story on page 19
New Equipmant Goes into Service
Push-in ceremonies for both the Pineville Fire Department and the Durham Fire Department.
See story on page 24
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Training
Focus of the Month
. page 20
pages 22-23
page 29
Proud Member Of:
2-Alarm Garage Fire in South Charlotte
On March 2, 2025, at 1103 hours, Charlotte Fire Department (CFD) Communications received multiple 911 calls fora house on fire on Glen Forest Drive off Carmel Road. While en route, multiple C-Shift fire companies had a visible header. CFD Engine 24 arrived to Glen Forest Drive where they found a large three-story home with a fully involved attached garage. Firefighters quickly stretched multiple handlines as fire began to run the attic. Fire rapidly spread despite a quick initial attack and extended into the main living area of the home. Due to advancing fire conditions, a second alarm was transmitted. Undercommand of Battalion Chief Trina Davies, firefighters worked aggressively to battle the advancing fire as heavy smoke pushed from the eaves and a vehicle reignited in the garage. Firefighters worked aggressively to extinguish the fire while battling deteriorating structural integrity and fire continuously running the attic area. Crews had the fire undercontrol in 90 minutes. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire was under investigation. - Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com
Brush Fire in Boiling Spring
Crews from Boiling Spring Lakes, along with area mutual-aid, operated at a large-scale brush fire, recently. The fire began in the area of W. Boiling Spring Road and Sunset Road. Crews were met with heavy wind assisted fire. Assistance was immediately requested from nearby mutual aid companies, as well as NC Forestry Service. Fire behaviorkept crews busy while it kept jumping lines and threatening structures. Though there were outbuildings lost, no homes were lost. There were several firefighters treated on scene forsmoke/heat related illness.
- Photo courtesy Boiling Spring Lakes FR
Fire at the Stonewall Jackson Training School forBoys
On April 19, 2025, at 1456 hours, the Concord Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire on HolshouserRoad, aftera passerby called 911 and reported seeing smoke coming from one of the abandoned buildings located on the property of the Stonewall Jackson Youth Development Center. That facility has several old buildings from the original training school on the property that are no longer used, but were being evaluated forpossible preservation and restoration. Battalion Chief 1 found a working fire in the old training school’s Infirmary on Reynolds Circle. Engines 8 and 12 began the fire attack, and found the fire had gotten into the building’s attic. Crews were able to control the fire in 25 minutes. There were no reported injuries. Units on the initial alarm included Engines 8, 12, 3 and 4, Rescue3, Ladder1, Battalions 1 and 3, and Safety 1.
- Fire News photo by William GKennedy
Raleigh Car Fire Snuffed
The crew from Raleigh Engine 11 attacked a partially-extinguished carfire on April 29, 2025, at the intersection of Six Forks Road and Atlantic Avenue.
- Fire News photo by Mike Legeros
Cover Story
Black Cove Complex Wildfires
The recent Black Cove Complex fires consisted of three wildfires: Black Cove, Deep Woods and Fish Hook. The Black Cove and Deep Woods fires were burning in Polk and Henderson counties, while the Fish Hook fire was in Mill Spring in Polk County. The fires were being managed as a complex by the North Carolina Forest Service Red Team. Astate of emergency was declared by GovernorJosh Stein to expand the state’s capacity to respond to the wildfires. Evacuation orders were issued forresidents in specific areas based on fire activity and a temporary flight restriction was in place from the surface up to 5,500 feet due to firefighting aircraft operations. Firefighters from across North Carolina and around the country responded. Firefighters came from South Carolina, Michigan, Montana, Tennessee, Oregon, South Dakota and California.
- Photos courtesy of NC Forest Service
Single-Wide Fire in Iredell County
On February 26, 2025, at 0405 hours, the South Iredell, Mount Mourne, Mooresville, Atwell, and Davidson fire departments were alerted fora structure fire on Cherry Crest Lane. Arriving units found heavy smoke and fire coming from a single-wide trailerand a working fire was transmitted. The fire was quickly knocked down and the primary searches were negative. No injuries were reported and the cause was underinvestigation.
- Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Fairview Residential Structure Fire
At roughly 2150 hours on February 18, 2025, the Fairview Rural Fire Department was dispatched, along with Cary and Swift Creek, fora residential structure fire on Quail Landing Court. Swift Creek Car2 arrived to heavy smoke and fire showing from the garage of a large two-story house and upgraded the call to a working fire. Fairview Engine 1 was engine followed in by Swift Creek Engine 3. This fire took place in a nonhydrant area resulting in tankershuttle operations with participation from nearby departments. Throughout the fire command made multiple requests foradditional manpowerto the scene as well as Raleigh Fire fortheirair truck. The fire was placed undercontrol in roughly 90 minutes.
- Fire News photos by Jpope537
2 Dogs Rescued at Durham House Fire
On March 28, 2025, the Durham Fire Department encountered heavy fire at a house fire on Seawell Court. Engine 17 was firstarriving in the cul-de-sac and connected to a hydrant nearthe fire building. Lines were taken inside along with exteriorstreams forexposure protection. Due to the volume of fire, three more fire companies were special-called. Additional EMS units were also requested forrehab and medical monitoring. At least two dogs were rescued and treated at the scene.
- Fire News photos by Mike Legeros
Charlotte Two Alarm Apartment Fire
On March 2, 2025, the Charlotte Fire Department handle two multiple-alarm fires. The first occurred around 1100 hours when crews from the department’s 5th and 7th Battalions battled a dwelling fire on Glen Forest Drive in south Charlotte. Then, less than an hourlater, companies from the department’s 2nd Battalion were dispatched to a possible apartment fire on Michelle Linnea Drive in the University City area. Crews found that that fire had spread into the attic spaces and a second alarm was struck. The fire impacted fourapartments in the building.
- Fire News photos by William G. Kennedy, WGK Public Safety Images
Vacant Structure Goes Up in Flames AfterWarming Fire
On March 19, 2025, at 0024 hours, Matthews Fire and EMS and the Idlewild Fire Department responded to an unknown type fire nearSam Newell Road and East Independence Boulevard. MEDIC Central Medical Emergency Dispatch (CMED) was receiving multiple calls reporting conflicting information. Matthews Battalion 1 Chief PeterBlaich observed a large headerapproaching Sam Newell Road and upgraded the incident. BC Blaich arrived to heavy fire showing from a single-story vacant ranch on Sam Newell Road. Charlotte Fire was requested to respond with Tower3 and Engine 29. Undercommand of BC Blaich, firefighters stretched two lines as fire began to spread to the woodline with the entire structure fully involved. Six minutes into operations command pivoted to a defensive fire attack as the structure was vacant. Charlotte crews arrived and set up an aerial
operation. Multiple lines were stretched as a defensive fire attack continued. The fire was brought undercontrol in approximately one hourand 10 minutes. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation. - Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com
Arson at Charlotte Grocery Store Goes to 3 Alarms
On May 10, 2025, at 2112 hours, Charlotte Fire Department Engine 28 and Ladder28 were dispatched to a fire alarm activation (with waterflow) at the Harris TeeterGrocery Store on Davis Lake Parkway. Charlotte Fire Alarm upgraded the call to a working structure fire afterreceiving a call reporting a fire in the freezersection of the store. Engine 28 reported smoke showing with evacuation in progress; they called fora second alarm as Ladder28s crew advanced a 2-½ inch line forfire attack, supported by Engines 28 and 22 crews. Engine 27 then stretched a second 2-½ inch line into the building to assist in the attack. Interiorcrews were hampered by heavy smoke conditions and radio communication issues as they tried to stop the spread of the fire in multiple aisles of the store. With interiorcrews starting to rotate out and the decision to add a second RIT crew, command asked fora third alarm. The fire was marked as controlled at 2022. Investigators determined the fire was intentionally set and they ultimately identified a juvenile suspect. - Fire News photo by William G. Kennedy
Charlotte House Fire on Sloan Drive
On April 12, 2025, at 1506 hours, the Charlotte Fire Department dispatched Engine 43 and Ladder4 to an unknown type of fire on Sloan Drive. Engine 43 arrived to heavy fire showing in a single-story house. Crews were able to control the fire in 26 minutes. Investigators determined the fire had started in a bedroom, but did not identify the exact cause of the fire.
- Fire News photo by William G. Kennedy
Family Displaced in Clayton
On December3, 2024, companies from the Clayton, Cleveland and Garnerfire departments arrived to find a working fire in a two-story private dwelling on Finley Court. Cleveland Engine 3 arrived first and initiated the fire attack in the bonus room, which was the result of a fire that started in an exteriortrash can. FirefighterJordan Craverand Engineer Jordan Manning of Clayton Ladder1 provided relief to interiorcrews as they worked to vertically ventilate the roof. Twenty-six firefighters worked to quickly control the fire with two handlines in operation. Crews were able to locate the family pet and rendercare, making sure the dog was ok. Units on the run included Clayton Engines 1 and 2, Ladder1, Rescue 1, with Battalion 1, Cleveland Engine 3 and GarnerEngine 4. - Fire News photo by David Ranes
Dumpster/Conex Box Fire Behind Five Below
On February 7, 2025, at 1843 hours, Matthews Fire and EMS, Charlotte Fire Department and Idlewild Fire Department were initially dispatched to an outside fire on Northeast Parkway. Callers to 911 reported a dumpsteron fire behind Five Below. Due to no building involvement, the response from the Charlotte Fire Department was canceled. Matthews Fire and EMS Captain Chris Raynerarrived to an active dumpsterfire extending to a Conex box. Undercommand of Captain Rayner, Matthews Engine 12 arrived, hit a nearby hydrant, and stretched an attack line. Idlewild Engine 93 arrived behind Engine 12 and proceeded to make entry into the Conex box. Due to the heat and proximity of the dumpsterand Conex box, fire extended into the Conex box filled with cardboard boxes and possible merchandise. Idlewild quickly knocked the fire down in the Conex box with a pressurized watercan. The fire was quickly extinguished, and the scene was controlled in 12 minutes. Firefighters from Matthews and Idlewild overhauled the dumpsterto ensure no possibility of rekindling.
- Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com
2 Dogs Saved from House Fire
On March 3, 2025, at 1537 hours, the Cool Springs VolunteerFire Department was alerted fora structure fire along with the Statesville, Shepherds, Ebenezerfire departments and Iredell County EMS and Iredell Rescue Squad on Shady Stream Drive with a report of two dogs inside the burning structure. Arriving units found heavy fire from the rearof the structure. Firefighters made an aggressive interiorattack knocking down the flames while additional companies searched the structure forany possible victims. Crews found two unresponsive dogs and removed and began giving them airfrom theirown masks until EMS, equipped with specialized pet masks, took over. Both dogs started breathing on their own and were taken by a private vehicle to a local vet; one in serious condition. The fire was placed undercontrol at 1548 and crews continued to overhaul the hot spots. No other injuries were reported. Cool Springs Chief Andy Websterwas in command of the operation and the cause was being investigated. - Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Big Indian Loop Attic Fire
On February 10, 2025, at 0728 hours, the Mooresville, Shepherds, South Iredell and Mount Mourne fire departments were alerted fora possible chimney fire on Big Indian Loop. Mooresville Engine 2 was first on scene and transmitted a working fire fora fire in the attic of a single-story structure. Crews stretched one line to the front doorand Mooresville Ladder5 pulled the ceilings as the engine company extinguished the fire. No injuries were reported, and the cause was underinvestigation.
- Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Grass, Woods, Structure Fire in Iredell Co.
On March 26, 2025, at 1800 hours, the West Iredell VolunteerFire Department responded to multiple calls fora grass and woods fire on Beulah Road. Responding units could see a large headercoming from the area and additional callers said structures were involved. The Trinity, Monticello and Stony Point fire departments were dispatched along with the NC Forestry Service and Iredell County EMS. Arriving units found several acres burning, being fed by strong winds and a single-wide traileron the ground and still burning. Multiple brush trucks and tankers were used to battle the fire and to stop it from spreading. No injuries were reported, and the NC Forestry Service was investigating the cause.
-Fire News photos by ImmsterfirePhotos.com
2-CarMVA; 1
Person
Transported
On April 19, 2025, first responders from Morrisville, Cary and Wake EMS responded to a two-carMVAat Davis Drive and Parkside Valley Drive. EMS transported one patient to a local hospital.
- Fire News photo by Chris Creighton
MC Crash; Biker in Serious Condition
On April 14, 2025, at 1829 hours, a radio alarm was transmitted to ECOM by a Cool Springs firefighter fora motorcyclist down on Bell Farm Road. Cool Springs VFD was alerted as was Iredell County EMS. The motorcyclist lost control of his bike, left the roadway and struck a sign. He was transported to a trauma Centerin serious condition.
- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Troutman Handles MVAOverturn
On March 20, 2025, at 1501 hours, Troutman Fire Rescue responded to an MVAwith overturn at the intersection of West Avenue Wand Gibson Street. Upon theirarrival one vehicle was overturned with all occupants out. Crews secured the vehicle and the aided were evaluated.
- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Carvs Building in Mooresville
On April 14, 2025, at 1312 hours, Mooresville Fire Rescue responded to a report of a car-versus-building on Corporate Park Drive. One person was injured aftertheircarstruck the building causing minimal damage. Crews secured the scene, and it was turned overto the property manager.
- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Van into Structure on Gresham Lane
On April 21, 2025, at 1055 hours the Shepherds and Mooresville fire departments responded to a van into a structure MVAon Gresham Lane. Arriving units found the van had been involved in several accidents before losing control and crashing into the building causing structural damage. Two people were evaluated by Iredell County EMS, and Mooresville Rescue 1 shored up the structure so the van could be removed. Once removed, additional shoring was put in place to secure the building.
- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Medevac from Troutman MVA
On May 2, 2025, at 2140 hours, Troutman Police, Troutman Fire Rescue and Iredell County EMS responded to a report of an MVAon SkylarView Lane in Troutman. Responding units were advised of additional reports of a caron its roof with a person trapped. The accident was found on West Crosstie Lane down a ravine. Troutman firefighters stabilized the carwith struts and crews used hydraulic tools and airbags to assist in removing the driverfrom the car. AMedevac helicopterfrom Novant AirLink was called to transport the injured driver. Firefighters and EMS assisted loading the patient onto the copterthat was directed to a hospital in Charlotte.
- Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Up Close & Personal
Left to right: Matthews Fire & EMS C-Shift Battalion Chief PeterBlaich, Matthews Fire & EMS Deputy Chief Kent Davis and Matthews Fire and EMS Captain Chris Raynertook a moment fora photo aftera house fire on Tadlock Place in March. - Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com
Troutman Fire Rescue crew at a recent drill.
- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
-
Charlotte Fire Department, Charlotte Station 10-AShift along with Battalion Chief Doug DeJonge afterassisting Indian Land Fire District in South Carolina at a High Angle Rescue on Harrisburg Road.
- Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com
(Left to right): West Iredell Chief Jerry Houston and Cool Springs Chief Andy Webster.
- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirephotos.com
Charlotte Fire Department Battalion Chief Jonah Smith and Field Technician Jason Perkins aftera working fire on Wisteria Drive, on New Years’Day night.
-Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMedia Group.com
VolunteerFire Department at a recent training. - Fire News photo by ImmsterFirephotos.com
Charlotte firefighters from Station 27 (E27, L27 and BC2) aftera recent structure fire. - Fire News photo by William G. Kennedy
Charlotte Fire Department Engine 39-C Shift aftera recent house fire in unusually cold temperatures.
Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com
Monticello
Holly Ridge Elevated to Paramedic Non-Transport
The Holly Ridge VolunteerFire and Rescue Department, established in 1959, has consistently offered fire and emergency services to the residents and visitors of the Town of Holly Ridge and South Onslow County. Overtime, the department has responded to increasing service demands by implementing paid staffing programs and acquiring specialized equipment. On April 23, 2025, the department achieved a significant milestone through its commitment to community service. With financial backing from the Town of Holly Ridge and collaboration with Onslow County EMS, the Holly Ridge VolunteerFire and Rescue Department elevated its EMS providerdesignation to Paramedic Non-Transport. This increase allows Holly Ridge to offerhigher-level pre-hospital medical care. The department will be onboarding additional FirefighterParamedics to ensure the availability of this service around the clock. “We are honored to contribute to ourexpanding community and fortunate to have committed volunteers and staff whose efforts are commendable,” said Chief Brandon Longo.
- Submitted by Brandon Longo
Concord Live Fire Training in an Acquired Structure
On March 13, 2025, the Concord Fire Department held live fire training in an acquired structure on Cox Mill Road. The unique structure, a three-story A-frame formerresidence, was built on approximately 28 acres that the City of Concord acquired to build a park. The Parks Department considered using the building as part of the new park, howeverthe cost to upgrade it to current code was prohibitively expensive so they turned the building overto the fire department for training, which culminated in the live burn. Several on-duty Concord companies, along with a crew from the Odell VolunteerFire Department, went through multiple evolutions before allowing the structure to burn down.
- Submitted by William G. Kennedy, WGK Public Safety Images
Transylvania Hosts Multi-Op Training
Transylvania County Rescue hosted a MOT(MultiOperations Training) recently. Afew rescuers from otherteams were invited to practice togetherand work on inter-operability between teams. This helps with coordination and camaraderie on mutual aid responses. Teams worked on search skills, incident command, SKED carrying, rappelling, drone use, and patient lowering systems on the nose of Looking Glass. Training with 35 rescuers finished up around 0200 hours.
- Photos courtesy of Transylvania County Rescue Squad
West Iredell Hosts Live Burn Training
On May 3, 2025, the West Iredell VolunteerFire Department (VFD) hosted a live burn training at a donated property on Island Ford Road. Stony Point, Monticello, Catawba, Cool Springs and Central fire departments all participated in the drill. The property was the scene of several suspicious fires in the past and the property ownerdonated it to the department since it was set fordemolition. Firefighters used the large 2-1/2 story home formultiple training scenarios with each department’s crew taking turns extinguishing fires which were set in different rooms until the structure was no longersafe, and the fire was monitored as it engulfed the structure. The training was a success and fire fighters sharpened their skills to betterserve the community they protect. Chief of the West Iredell VFD Jerry Houston was in command of the operation. - Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Live Burn Training at Atwell Structre
On March 3, 2025, the Atwell Volunteer Fire Department held live burn training. The structure was slated fordemolition and donated to the fire department. The Atwell, Enochville and South Iredell fire departments participated in the training. - Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Cool Springs Trains on Donated Live Burn
On April 14, 2025, the Cool Springs VolunteerFire Department conducted a live burn training forsome of theirnewest firefighters. The barn was donated by a local family and the training was a good opportunity formembers new to the fire service to get a feel foran active fire.
- Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Troutman Trains
On March 11, 2025, Troutman Fire Rescue conducted a department training at the training facility. All crews took turns at the different scenarios and the training went on forseveral hours.
- Fire News photos by ImmsterFirephotos.com
New Pierce EnforcerGoes into Service in Pineville
On January 7, 2025, the Pineville Fire Department officially put a brand new engine in service, during a traditional push-in ceremony. Pineville Engine 1 is a 2024 Pierce Enforcerwith a 750 foam/watertank and a 2000gpm Waterous Midship pump. The push-in tradition dates back to the 17th century, when firefighters pushed horse-drawn fire engines back into the firehouse aftereach call. Pineville invited children of members to participate by washing the wheels, which symbolized washing the horses after each call. The ceremony symbolized the unity between the Pineville Fire Department and the community and serves as a way to honorPineville FD’s history.
- Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com
On March 22, 2025, the Durham Fire Department dedicated new Engine 2 and Ladder2 in a housing ceremony at Station 2. The new Sutphen pumperand tower had been recently placed in service.
- Fire News photos by Mike Legeros
Graham Fire Department Awards Program
The City of Graham Fire Department held its annual awards program on March 23, 2025. The award recipients are listed below:
2024 of the Year Awards: Rookie Member of the Year - Firefighter Bryan Smith; Volunteer Member of the Year - Firefighter Jakob Churchill; Employee Member of the Year - Engineer Joshua Wilson; and Officer of the Year - Chief Tommy Cole.
2024 Chief’s Award (also presented Certificate of Commendation: Western NC Hurricane Helene Response Team: Captain Michael Quigley; Captain Jason Moore; Engineer Joshua Wilson; Engineer John Perez; Engineer Daniel Holt; Engineer Matthew Bradsher; Engineer Clay Davis; Engineer Chase Drill; Engineer Blake Epps; Engineer Josh Branson; Engineer David Turney; and Engineer Joey Wilson.
2024 Years of Service Awards: Lieutenant John Harrington - 20 Years (gold watch presented); Captain Jason Moore - Five Years; Engineer Michael Townsend - Five Years; and Engineer Hasten Watson - Five Years.
- Submitted by Tommy Cole
Gaston Fire & Rescue Cadet Program
The Gaston Fire and Rescue (Northampton County) Cadet program was organized in 2014 to assist ourorganization with recruitment of young people into emergency services. Since 2014 we have had five cadets become careerfirefighters, seven cadets become career EMS personnel, three go into law enforcement and many serve as local volunteerfirefighters. This is an important program forour fire department as it keeps a steady stream of young volunteers coming through the door. Gaston Fire and Rescue 2025 Cadet Officers (left to right): Captain Harley Strickland, Lieutenant ConnorGodfrey and Secretary Gavin Ward.
- Submitted by Paul Nowell, FF/Paramedic, Capt. Gaston FR
NC Emergency Management Hosts 2025 State Emergency Response Team Open House
On April 17, 2025, North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) hosted the 2025 State Emergency Response Team (SERT) open house at the North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) Joint Forces Headquarters in Raleigh. The event served as a unique opportunity for legislative, state, and local government officials to tour the state Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and view a wide array of emergency and disaster response resources available across the state.
Numerous state-level response assets were showcased, offering a close-up look at the tools teams used during critical incidents and natural disasters. Ahighlight of the event was the display of helicopters used by the North Carolina Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team (NCHART), including the UH-60LBlackhawk and UH-72 Lakota, alongside the State Highway Patrol's Bell 429. The NC National Guard’s air assets equipped for hoist rescues demonstrated the capabilities of the Blackhawk for heavy-lift operations and the Lakota’s agility in landing within confined areas.
Additional featured resources included units
from: State Medical Assistance Team (SMAT); Regional Response Teams (RRT); Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Task Force; and Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) Mobile Medical Unit
OEMS had their mobile medical unit onsite, providing a look at the medical support available in field operations. Chatham County demonstrated their portable communications tower, while NCEM showcased their mobile command post. Swiftwater rescue resources were also present, with Task Force 8 offering insights into their operations and capabilities.
The Regional Response Team (RRT4) and the State Medical Assistance Team (SMAT800) both presented their equipment, demonstrating their capabilities to provide support to local governments when the need arises.
The Open House underscored the collaboration and readiness of North Carolina’s emergency response teams and served as a reminder of the vital work performed daily to keep communities safe.
- Fire News photos by Chris Creighton
NCSFAMeets with Legislators
On April 30, 2025, the North Carolina State Firefighters’Association (NCSFA) held their annual Legislative Day in downtown Raleigh, where fire service members from across the state visited with lawmakers. The event started with a brief meeting at the Association office, where staff, state officials, and state lawmakers spoke to the attendees about key legislative issues. After a group photo, the firefighters walked three blocks east to the Legislative Building, to begin networking with their senators and representatives.
Priority legislative issues included support for HB 37 and SB 86 (increasing monthly pension benefits), HB 97 and SB 97 (better definition of stomach cancers for LODD benefit coverage), and HB 276 and SB 226 (aligning cancer coverage in the Firefighter Cancer Benefit Program to also be covered by the LODD benefits). Attendees also voiced opposition for SB 257 (cuts to community risk reduction personnel in the OSFM budget), SB 492 (single-stair building code reform), and SB 700 (creating a separate office of engineering and codes and labor, which are presently part of OSFM).
- Fire News photos by Mike Legeros
Holly Springs Dedicates New Station
On March 7, 2025, the Holly Springs Fire Department in Wake County dedicated theirnew Station 3. Located at 114 CinderStation Road, the replacement station is strategically located in an area experiencing tremendous amounts of both residential and commercial growth. The single-story, three-bay building can house up to 16 firefighters and also includes a space forthe police department. The new station replaced a temporary fire station on Holly Springs-New Hill Road that used a modularbuilding forliving quarters. That facility was opened in
June 2023 and replaced an old house on Friendship Road that served as the original Station 3 from 2008 to 2023.
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Charlotte Stands Up a New Battalion
At the beginning of 2025, the Charlotte Fire Department created Battalion 9 to help meet the needs of the city and department that is continuing to grow. With plans to add four new stations, plus several new ladder companies at existing stations, in the future, the department needed to add a ninth battalion to decrease battalion chief response times, reduce workload and increase the ability to support the community. Battalion 9 is the first new battalion since Battalion 8 was added in 2009. This new battalion covers the northeastern part of the city between uptown and the University area and includes Fire Stations 7, 11, 15, 18 and 22 and ,when it opens, Fire Station 45.
The Ninth Battalion has been training to help build a strong battalion culture. As part of this process, on March 8, 2025, Battalion 9’s A-Shift, under Battalion Chief Tommy Clymer, met at the Harrisburg Fire Department’s Training Facility for multiple training evolutions; several Harrisburg companies joined for the training. - Submitted by William G. Kennedy, WGK Public Safety Images
Fire News photos by Mike Legeros
HELENE UPDATE: Riceville VFD in Buncombe
As the Riceville Volunteer Fire Department of Buncombe County, North Carolina, have been struggling to get back into their building, many have reflected how blessed they were and still are as Hurricane Helene took so much from their community … including lives.
The district is divided on one side by the Swannanoa River and the rest by Bull Creek, Jones Creek, and Shope Creek with all funneling into Shope. With several landslides as well as the thousands of trees coming down, they encountered two feet of water ran through their building.
With staff, volunteers and mutual aid from across NC and the United States they responded to rescues with people trapped by trees, power lines,
County
and flooded homes. It wasn’t until last week that they were able to release resources being provided that included bunkhouse trailers, portable showers, bathrooms, laundry, kitchen, and office trailers. Along with the day-to-day operational needs they have been navigating through FEMAand insurance documentation as well.
So here we are six months later, still serving those who depend on us. We are just one of many fire departments throughout western North Carolina and proud to serve. (Right): shows the water running through building and the top picture is our sister community who drove from Riceville, Iowa, with gifts for our community.
- Submitted by Chief Tom Kelly, Riceville FD
Idlewild Fire Department Closes Doors After50 Years
On March 30, 2025, at 2000 hours after 50 years of dedicated service to the community of southeast Mecklenburg County, Idlewild Volunteer Fire Department (IVFD) officially closed its doors. IVFD began in 1952 as the Oakhurst VFD and was tasked with protecting a large rural area of Mecklenburg County. Oakhurst served proudly until 1975 when it was dissolved after annexation by the City of Charlotte. At that time the organization of IVFD took shape and would respond to an area between Matthews and Mint Hill, and a new station was constructed at 10241 Idlewild Road. Over the next few years IVFD began around-the-clock staffing with a combination of part-time paid personnel and the volunteers. During the peak years, IVFD responded to 3,000 calls per year. Due to growth, the towns of Matthews and Mint Hill were forced to build new fire stations and hire additional full-time staff, forcing the closure of IVFD.
IVFD Chief Greg Hildreth left members with this message “Tonight, leaving this place, we are going to walk away with lasting memories. When you leave here, know that you've done right by this community.”
- Fire News photo by
Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony
On May 10, 2025, the annual Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony was held at the North Carolina Fallen Firefighters Memorial at Nash Square in downtown Raleigh. Thirteen fallen firefighters were honored, theirnames added to the memorial. They died in the line of duty between 2022 and 2024. The night before the service, a dinnerwas held forthe families followed by a candlelight service at the memorial. The Saturday service was preceded by an apparatus parade of visiting fire departments from across North Carolina, and the annual Red Helmet Ride from Holly Springs to downtown Raleigh, with motorcyclists honoring the fallen firefighters.
