Fire News North Carolina June/July 2023

Raleigh Active Shooter Call

One person is apprehended in a downtown shooting.

See story on page 4

Salvage Yard Fire in Dudley

Area firefighters take on a fire that eventually burned for two days.

See story on page 7

6 Displaced in Troutman

Six escape uninjured but their home is destroyed

See story on page 10

Greensboro

3 Alarmer

Firefighters use aerials, drones and more to stop a gas-fed 3-alarm structure fire.

See story on page 19

South Charlotte

Double-Fatal MVA

Charlotte Fire and Mecklenburg EMS have one dead at the scene and one dies in the hospital.

See story on page 20

Charlotte First Responders Hockey Game

Fire and EMS departments versus police and sheriffs. Fire/EMS win!

See story on page 24

AService for North Carolina Firefighters and EMS Providers

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Dennis Whittam, Editor

ADay of Remembrance From the Editor’s Desk

To many Star Wars buffs, May 4 has meaning. In 2019, California lawmakers voted to declare May 4 Star Wars Day to commemorate the opening of Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge — a Star Wars theme park. But, what does this day have to do with the May 4 I prefer to think about? The answer is nothing.

I prefer to remember May 4 as St. Florian’s Day and International Firefighter’s Day. International Firefighters’Day was linked to the feast day of St. Florian (the patron saint of all firefighters). Today, many firefighters wear a religious medal of St. Florian. St. Florian was the commander of a firefighting unit in the Roman Empire. He lost his life, with his unit while protecting life and property, just as firefighters all over the world do today. His feast day is May 4. St. Florian is remembered in many parts of central Europe. Many miracles of healing are attributed to his intercession, and he is remembered as a powerful protector to those in danger from fire or water. Take the time to read about St. Florian.

International Firefighters Day came about after a tragedy occurred in Australia. On December 2, 1998, firefighters in Australia were fighting a large wildfire and needed assistance. Their urgent call for help brought in firefighters from all over the area. Not knowing what was in

store for them, a crew formed a five-man strike team and responded. As the five headed out from the fire to refill their tanker with water, a sudden violent wind change hit the area, engulfing the truck in flames, and killing all five members.

J.J. Edmondson, a volunteer Lieutenant and firefighter in Victoria, Australia, was moved by this tragedy and wanted to start a movement to remember the firefighters killed in this tragedy and other tragedies throughout the world. Her New Years resolution in 1999 was to organize an internationally recognized symbol of support and respect for all firefighters and a date for which this could be coordinated worldwide. The date chosen for International Firefighters’Day was linked to the feast day of St. Florian. The International Firefighter Day ribbons are linked to the colors symbolic of the main element’s firefighters work with. The ribbon is similar to the pink breast cancer awareness pin, the firefighter’s ribbon is red for fire and blue for water.

On May 7, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation marked International Firefighters Day by encouraging everyone to Shine Your Light for Firefighters. Buildings and homes were lit in red as a remembrance of International Firefighters Day. In many areas, memorial services were held to remember our fallen brothers and sisters.

In conclusions, I leave you with Lt. J.J. Edmondson’s quote from 1999:

“The role of a firefighter in today’s society be it urban, rural, natural environment, volunteer, career, industrial, defense force, aviation, motor sport, or other is one of dedication, commitment and sacrifice, no matter what country we reside and work in. In the fire service we fight together against one common enemy fire no matter what country we come from, what uniform we wear or what language we speak.”

- Dennis

Possible Active ShooterCall in Raleigh

On April 16, 2023, at around 1830, Raleigh Fire and Wake County EMS units responded to reports of a possible active shooterat an apartment complex on North Street in downtown Raleigh. Arriving units staged fourblocks away at a county facility, while Raleigh Police secured the scene. One subject w as apprehended, afterfiring shots into two occupied apartments. One person was injured from broken glass. Both fire and EMS crews followed procedures recently refined, afterfive people were killed in a mass shooting in Raleigh in October2022.

- Fire News photos by Mike Legeros

Statesville Businesses Burn

On April 25, 2023, at 0215, the Statesville Fire Department was alerted fora structure fire on East Broad Street. Arriving units found heavy smoke coming from a two-story commercial structure. The fire engulfed the building that housed multiple businesses. Multiple departments were called to assist and a total of 100 firefighters battled the blaze that destroyed a block of businesses. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation.

- Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

Salvage Yard Fire in Dudley

Area firefighters operated at the National Salvage fire incident on Old Mt. Olive Highway in Dudley on February 11, 2023. The fire burned forovertwo days.

- Submitted by Jhante Reyes

Commercial Fire on SumnerRoad

On March 8, 2023, Potters Hill VolunteerFire Department, Beulaville VolunteerFire Department, Sarecta VolunteerFire Department, Pink Hill VolunteerFire Rescue and Duplin County EMS responded to SumnerRoad fora commercial structure fire. Units arrived to a large shop fully involved, and a large grass/woods fire. Units started the fire attack on the shop from Potters Hill Engine 1 while Potters

Hill Brush handled the grass/woods fire. Hargetts Crossroad VolunteerFire Department was requested fortankerand manpower, Beulaville, Sarecta, Pink Hill, and Hargetts Crossroad supplied water via tankershuttle from a waterpoint about three-quarters of a mile away. All units cleared the call about fourhours afterdispatch, no injuries reported.

- Submitted by David Miller

Up Close & Personal

AFamily Affair

Tim Jones, chief of Fork Mountain Fire and Rescue in Bakersville in Mitchell County, at a recent live-burn training with his two daughters, who are juniormembers .

Greensboro FirefighterMathai.

- Fire News photo by Kenneth Clouser

- Submitted by Tim Jones

Charlotte Fire Alarm Superintendent Bill Suthard at a recent MCI drill.

- Fire News photo by Andrew Tetreault Carolina Fire Department Chief Glenn Golding at a recent live burn training.

- Fire News photo by Andrew Tetreault

6 Displaced in Troutman

On March 19, 2023, at 1348 Troutman Fire Rescue and Shepherds Fire Rescue were alerted fora report of a structure fire on Levo Drive in Troutman. Arriving units were met with heavy fire coming from the single-story home. Five adults and an infant were able to get out of theirburning home without injury. South Iredell, Mooresville and Wayside were called to assist with tankers. The South Iredell AirVan and Iredell County EMS also responded. The home was destroyed, and the Red Cross was assisting the family. The cause was under investigation.

- Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

Firefighters Extinguish GeneratorFire

We Got This!

On April 4, 2023, Charlotte Fire Department Engine 39-C Shift responded to a generatorfire inside the Crest on Providence Apartments on Providence Square Drive. CFD Captain Eric Depto requested Duke Energy on a rush aftera large outside generator became fully involved. Firefighters attempted to cool the generator with water, but abandoned using too much waterdue to the unit still being powered. The cause of the fire was unknown.

- Fire News photo by Fully Involved Media Group

Around midnight on March 14, 2023, Potters Hill VolunteerFire Department, Beulaville VolunteerFire Department, Lyman VolunteerFire Department, Richlands VolunteerFire Department, and Duplin County EMS responded to Cotton Top Lane in Whippoorwill Campground fora camperfire. This campground covers Duplin and Onslow Counties, so Onslow County had dispatched Richlands VolunteerFire Department, Back Swamp VolunteerFire Department, Hargetts Crossroad VolunteerFire Department, Rhodestown VolunteerFire Department and Onslow County EMS. Potters Hill units arrived and found an engine from Back Swamp already on scene and had the fire controlled. Potters Hill cancelled all Duplin and Onslow units not on scene.

- Submitted by David Miller

Structure Fire on Old Stage Coach Trail

The Greensboro Fire Department was dispatched just after1400 on April 28, 2023, fora structure fire on Old Stage Coach Trail. Engine 19 arrived in five minutes and reported light smoke coming from C side of the structure. Battalion 4 arrived shortly afterand took command. The fire was declared undercontrol at 1425, but crews remained on scene until roughly 1600.

Carand House Fire in Beulaville

Around 1500 on March 14, 2023, Beulaville VolunteerFire Department, Sarecta VolunteerFire Department and Duplin County EMS responded to Hallsville Road fora vehicle fire endangering a residential structure. Beulaville units arrived and found two vehicles and the structure on fire. Potters Hill VolunteerFire Department was requested fortankers and manpower. Two attack lines were deployed and simultaneously extinguished the vehicles and the structure fire.

- Submitted by David Miller

- Fire News photo by Kenneth Clouser

Greensboro Structure Fire

Just after2016 on April 24, 2023, Greensboro Fire Department Engine 56 arrived at the former Hampton Elementary School on Trade Street, and reported fire showing. Battalion 1 arrived and requested a second alarm at 2025. Units were on scene until roughly 2200.

- Fire News photos by Kenneth Clouser

Carlyle Road Structure Fire

On April 11, 2023, Troutman and Shepherds Fire Rescue were alerted fora structure fire on Carlyle Road. Arriving units found several sheds and a propane tank on fire in the rearyard. The first-due crew stretched a line and began extinguishing the fire, as additional crews stretched an additional line. No injuries were reported and the cause was underinvestigation.

- Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

Bipartisan Legislation Passes to Extend Federal Support for Local Fire Departments

U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) joined U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Lisa Murkowski (RAlaska) in passing bipartisan legislation to extend federal pro grams that help support local fire departments across the country. The bill would reauthorize the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, and the United States Fire Administration (USFA). The programs are set to expire and are used by local fire departments to address staffing needs, purchase equipment, develop fire training and education programs, and improve emergency medical services. The bill now moves to the H ouse of Representatives.

“The brave firefighters who put their lives on the line every day to serve the First State deserve the tools and training they need to protect our communities,” said Senator Carper, co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. “Firefighters do so much more than fire safety, responding to over 36 million emergency calls every year. Just last month in Delaware, our first responders led people to safety when a tornado struck the south of our state. I’m proud to be an original cosponsor of this bipartisan legislation and I will always work to ensure our firefighters have what they need to keep our communities safe.”

“Fire departments rely on critical federal resources to keep fi refighters and emergency responders safe, and these heroes need our support as they continue protecting our communities in Michigan and acr oss the country,” said Senator Peters. “Now that the Senate has passed my bipartisan bill, the House must quickly send it to the President’s desk so

brave firefighters can continue to count on these programs for up-todate equipment and trainings that save lives."

“Firefighters across Maine and the country courageously and selflessly put their lives on the line to serve their towns and cit ies,” said Senator Collins. “I helped create FEMA’s firefighter grant programs in 2003 as part of a bipartisan effort to ensure that firefighters have adequate staffing, equipment, and training to do their important jobs as effectively and safely as possible. By reauthorizing these programs, we can continue to deliver this critical assistance to fire depart ments.”

“Last year, three million acres of land burned in Alaska, accou nting for nearly half of the acres burned in the entire United States. Wildfires are becoming more prevalent throughout the country, and resources are stretched. Alaska’s vast geography makes response difficult, whether it’s our first responders heading to a wildfire hundreds of miles away or helping with a house fire in the next village during a snow storm with no plowed roads,” said Senator Lisa Murkowski. “As Fire Caucus CoChair, I’m working hard to ensure our first responders have what they need to keep our communities safe. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this bill which helps provide funding opportunities to help our fire departments with the resources they need to do their critical work in protecting Alaskans and their communities.”

Fire departments use these federal programs to recruit and reta in additional personnel, as well as buy up-to-date vehicles and equipment such as breathing air compressors, hoses, nozzles, and more. Fire stations also use the programs to fund safety training and technical rescue training, as well as health screenings for firefighters.

The Fire Grants and Safety Act reauthorizes SAFER, AFG, and the USFAuntil 2030. It authorizes $95 million for USFA— a nearly $20 million increase from current levels — and maintains currently authorized levels of funding for the SAFER and AFG programs.

Earlier this week, the Senator spoke on the floor to urge passage of the bill and today, thanked his Senate colleagues and the organizations advocating for the legislation.

Hertford County Brush Fire

On January 20, 2023, Murfreesboro responded to a brush fire. Upon arrival, the fire had spread to a nearby structure. Station 3 of the Como Fire Department responded on automatic aid. Station 9 of the Winton Fire Department and Station 8 of the Union Rural Fire Department were paged forwaterand manpower.

- Submitted by Chris Smith

Scrap Pile Fire in Greensboro

The Greensboro Fire Department was dispatched to the D.F. Griffin Wrecking Company on Hilltop Road fora structure fire on May 5, 2023. Engine 10 arrived at 2322 and reported heavy fire showing from a large scrap pile. Engine 23 secured a water supply via hydrant. Battalion 3 arrived and took command and requested a second alarm. Greensboro’s Drone Team (Truck 63) was requested around 0045. Units stayed on-scene forextensive overhaul throughout the night. Command was terminated and units cleared approximately 0800 on May 6. - Fire News photo by Kenneth Clouser

Hydrogen Liquid Reignites on Charlotte Hwy.

On April 28, 2023, at 2145, Troutman, Mooresville and Shepherds were alerted fora tankeron Charlotte Highway in Troutman. Arriving units found a tankercarrying hydrogen refrigerated liquid on fire. An evacuation of a half-mile was established. Crews stretched multiple lines and began cooling the tank. The product was burned off and the scene was brought undercontrol at 2356. Several hours later, while attempting to offload the product, it reignited. Crews were on scene until mid-morning when it was finally offloaded safely.

- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

The Greensboro Fire Department was dispatched at 1835 on March 24, 2023 fora structure fire on Lawndale Drive. Engine 41 reported heavy fire and smoke showing and asked fora second alarm. Athird alarm was dispatched about 20 minutes later. Ladder43, Ladder21, and Ladder5 set theiraerials up and started flowing wateronto the structure. Truck 63 flew theirdrone giving command a bird’s eye view of the fire. Firefighters faced some hazards while fighting this fire with freeflowing natural gas. Assisted by Piedmont Natural Gas (PNG) firefighters and PNGcrews were able to bring the fire undercontrol afterthe gas was turned off.

- Fire News photos by Kenneth Clouser

3-Alarm Structure Fire

Cool Springs Holds Hot Training Burn

On April 14, 2023, Cool Springs Fire Rescue underthe direction of Chief Andy Websterheld live burn training at a Brookview Road structure in Statesville, which was donated to the department. Scotch Irish and West Iredell also attended. Firefighters trained on many different scenarios until the structure became unstable and then was totally burned.

- Fire News photos by ImmsterfirePhotos.com

Woman & Baby in Ballantyne

On March 23, 2023, at 1301, Charlotte Fire Department’s 7th Battalion companies responded to a two-vehicle MVAwith reported entrapment. Afemale driverand baby were reported pinned inside an overturned vehicle at the intersection of Brixham Hill Avenue and Johnston Road. AFedEx Truck collided with the vehicle causing the overturn. Underthe command of Battalion Chief Charles Horne, firefighters from Engine 32 and Ladder32 worked with E-Draulic Hurst Tools to free the entrapped female driver. Mecklenburg County EMS transported the female driverand baby to Atrium CMC with non-life-threatening injuries. - Fire News photos by Fully Involved Media Group

South Charlotte Double Fatal Pin

On April 4, 2023 at approximately 2130, Charlotte Fire and Mecklenburg EMS responded to a two-SUVMVAwith entrapment on Park Road. Firefighters found multiple victims trapped. A36-year-old female driverin one, and a 49-year-old female front seat passengerand juvenile back seat passengerin the otherwere heavily pinned. Firefighters from Station 16, Rescue 10 and Ladder24 worked simultaneously to extricate victims from both vehicles. EMS pronounced the 36-yearold deceased. The driverand juvenile passengerof the othervehicle w ere taken to the trauma centerat Atrium CMC with serious injuries. The front seat passengerof that vehicle was taken to the trauma centerwith life threatening injuries but died a short time later.

- Fire News photo by Fully Involved Media Group

LODD Mecklenburg’s Mark Hayes

Mecklenburg County EMS [MEDIC] (NC) is mourning the loss of Paramedic Mark Hayes. Paramedic Hayes join Mecklenburg EMS in 1997 and touched the lives of many patients as well as fellow EMS co-workers. On Saturday, May 13, 2023, Hayes suffered a medical emergency while on duty, and passed away a short time later.

On Tuesday, May 16, 2023, first responders from around the Mecklenburg County area paid tribute to Hayes as his body was transported from Atrium Pineville Hospital in Charlotte, to RaymerKepner Funeral Home in Huntersville, North Carolina. Charlotte firefighters and Mecklenburg EMS employees stood at attention at various overpasses along the processional route. Paramedic Hayes was laid to rest in a private ceremony on Thursday, May 18, 2023.

- Photos Courtesy of Mecklenburg County EMS

Training

Farmington Hosts Live Burn Training

The Farmington Fire Department in Davie County hosted a live burn training on March 18, 2023. The training was facilitated by Davidson-Davie Community College and this was Farmington’s first experience with live fire training utilizing a mobile home. The training went extremely well with multiple evolutions throughout the morning. Cornatzer-Dulin Fire Department and Davie County EMS assisted with the exercise.

- Submitted by Chief Todd Naylor

Tech Rescue Rope Class

On April 1, 2023, a technical rescue rope class was held at Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) in Greensboro.

- Fire News photos by Kenneth Clouser

Training Charlotte Area Departments Live Burn Training

- Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMedia

On April 15, 2023, multiple Charlotte area fire departments participated in a live burn training. Ahome on Providence Road West in Ballantyne was donated to Carolina Fire Department. Firefighters from Carolina, Charlotte, Pineville, Steele Creek and West Mecklenburg took part in the training. Firefighters ran various scenarios including f ire attack, hose handling and RIT operations.

MCI Drill in Charlotte

An MCI drill was held on April 23, 2023, in Charlotte to put the skills of Charlotte first responders to the test. In conjunction with Central Piedmont Community College, Charlotte Fire Department, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and Mecklenburg EMS, a massive and realistic MCI drill was held at the Central Campus.

- Fire News photos by Fully Involved Media Group

4 Homes Donated forLive Burn

On April 22, 2023, EbenezerFire Rescue along with a tankerfrom Cool Springs Fire Rescue conducted live burn trainings on fourhomes that were donated to them fortraining by a new landowner. The homes were abandoned foryears and were part of a revitalization zone.

- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

Charlotte First Responders Hit Ice forHeroes Hockey Game

On April 15, 2023, Charlotte First Responders hit the ice in the 15th Annual Charlotte Salute to Heroes Hockey Game. The game took place at Bojangles Coliseum in front of a crowd of approximately 5000 fans. Charlotte Fire Department teamed up with Mecklenburg EMS to face off against the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department who teamed up with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office. The Fire/Medic Team beat Police/Sheriff by a score of 6-3. All proceeds from the game went towards supporting Salute to Heroes Charlotte Foundation, which assists first responders in times of need. When a first responderortheirfamily is in need, The Salute to Heroes Charlotte Foundation responds to help, no questions asked.

- Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMedia

Nightingale Visits CC Class

On March 30, 2023, Nightingale from Sentara Hospital in VAvisited forEMS Critical Care Class. Station 8 - Union Rural Fire Department secured the landing zone. EMS students pictured are from Roanoke Chowan area.

Charlotte Engine 39-C Shift

Charlotte Fire Department Engine 39-C Shift aftera fire on March 30, 2023, on James Madison Court in South Charlotte.

- Submitted by Chris Smith

- Fire News photo by Fully Involved Media Group

RDU Goes Completely Safety Yellow

Honoring the Fallen: Lt. Brent A. Upton - LODD 2019

Raleigh-Durham International (RDU) Airport placed new CFR 2 in service on May 2, 2023. The 2022 Oshkosh Global Striker3000 was delivered in March. It’s equipped with a 2000-gpm pump and carries 3000 gallons of water, 420 gallons of foam, and 550 pounds of dry chemical. It replaces a 2000 Oshkosh TI-1500, which will be placed in reserve as CFR 5. With the new delivery, the airport’s ARFFunits are all “safety yellow” forthe first time in 23 years. It joins a 2016 Oshkosh Striker3000 (CFR 4), a 2017 Oshkosh Striker 3000 (CFR 3), and a 2019 Freightliner/Pierce Responder(CFR 1). The airport fire station, built in 1986, was also modified to better accommodate the new truck. Two 12-foot bay doors were removed and the space was combined to create a larger25-foot bay door, where CFR 1 and CFR 2 are parked.

- Fire News photo by Mike Legeros

On May 6, 2023, at 2000, a minute of silence was observed at all Raleigh fire stations in honorof fallen firefighterLieutenant Brent A. Upton. Shown is Fire Station 22 on Durant Road. Lieutenant Upton died in the line of duty in 2019 and was honored that weekend at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, MD. His name was added to the memorial, along with 144 otherfallen firefighters. The tribute was repeated the following night, with each station darkened and all apparatus emergency lights activated.

NATIONALFALLEN FIREFIGHTERS FOUNDATION AND FIRSTRESPONDER CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE SELECTNEW CHIEFEXECUTIVE OFFICER

Following the recent retirement announcement of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and First Responder Center for Excellence (FRCE) Executive Director Chief Ron Siarnicki, the NFFF and FRCE Board of Directors began a nationwide search for a replacement. Utilizing the services of Vetted Solutions, a Washington DC-based executive search firm specializing in non-profit work, the Board-established search committee has selected NFFF Managing Director Victor Stagnaro to lead the organization after Chief Siarnicki finishes his term in December of 2023.

Victor Stagnaro joined the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation staff in 2010 and serves as the Managing Director, overseeing NFFF’s Family and Fire Service Programs, Marketing, and Business Management. Prior to that, he served for 25 years with the Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services Department and retired as the Deputy Fire Chief of Emergency Operations in early 2010. His involvement with the Foundation dates back to 1998, when he served as the Incident Commander for the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend for several years; he also served as a member of the initial Ne w York Response Team on 9/11 for the Foundation.

“We are delighted to have Victor take the reins of our organization as he has demonstrated excellent leadership skills and commitment to the mission of both the NFFF and FRCE since joining our team. It was an exhaustive process, and he clearly exhibited the capabilities to take over this leadership role. We look forward to what he will do to move both organizations forward,” said Troy Markel, Chairman of the NFFF Board of Directors.

“I have known Victor back to the days when he served with the Prince George’s County Fire and EMS Department and his level of professionalism and commitment to excellence has been his mainstay in all that he has been involved with. I know he will take the FRCE to new levels as it continues to service our Public Safety Partners,” said Chief Ernie Mitchell, Chairman of the FRCE Board of Directors.

- Fire News photos by Mike Legeros