1980-1989

1980

Fifteen stations protecting 55.2 square miles and 150,255 residents.

Engine companies automatically dispatched to helicopter landings at Wake Medical Center are discontinued. [ See also January 1989 ] (January 1980)^E3log05jan80

Emergency Communications Center activates 911 as county-wide emergency telephone number. (January 26, 1980)^rt10mar80

West Raleigh Presbyterian Church educational wing at 27 Horne Street burned. Two alarms? Alarm time 11:35 a.m. Fire started during 11:00 a.m. worship services, destroying one floor of the wing. About 300 congregation members were evacuated in the middle of Rev. A. M. McGeachy's morning sermon. Blaze started in paper-filled closet in a third- floor classroom. Six units responded to the call from four fire stations, with the first unit arriving within four minutes of the first alarm. Damage $150,000 building and $14,000 contents. E5, E6, E13, C5, T5, T1. [MF] (February 3, 1980)^{nofeb4, rfd}

Metal pipeline being laid along Lake Boone Trail under the Beltline exploded and burned. One worker was burned to death. Smoke poured from mouth of 24-inch wide metal pipeline for more than two hours after 5:30 p.m. explosion, until water extinguished fire and ejector fans cleared the smoke. Explosion occured when worker was cutting pipe with acetylene torch, possibly triggered by a leak in the oxygen-acetylene hose feeding the torch or by methane gas built up in the pipeline from clay in the surrounding earth. [UF] (February 15, 1980)^nofeb16

News & Observer building at 215 S. McDowell street burned. Alarm time 1:02 p.m. Fire started when spark from welder's torch ignites highly flammable printing ink and a stream of newspaper paper. Approximately 45 firefighters battled blaze for about three hours before bringing under control. Fire units included:

• E1, E13, E3, T1, E5 - 1:02 p.m.
• E5 to Station 1 to fill in - 1:10 p.m.
• E5, E4 - 1:21 p.m.
• E12 to Station 1 to fill in - 1:43 p.m.
• E2 - 2:51 p.m.
• E6 to Station 5 fill in - 5:06 p.m.
• E6 - 5:44 p.m.
• E9 - 5:52 p.m.
• E11 - Relieve E9 - 7:50 p.m.
• E14 - Relive E11 - 2:25 a.m. on March 17.

Flames confined to press room, but smoke damage was extensive throughout rest of building. One employee was trapped in building for 45 minutes, but ultimately rescued. He was hospitalized at Rex Hospital. One firefighter was also hospitalized for smoke inhalation. Damage $120,000 building and $465,000 contents. [MF] (March 16, 1980)^yb84

First Responder program expanded city-wide. The program started as a trial program at Station 3 earlier in the year. About 270 firefighters completed training sessions to be licensed as Emergency Medical Technicians. (April 1, 1980)^{rt01apr80, no22dec79}

Weyhauser recycling plant at 4130 New Bern Avenue burned. Eighteen acres of woodland also destroyed. Fire started at 9:35 a.m. at the facility located at the city landfill and burned into the night. Nearly every fire department in Wake County responded as mutual aid. Fire was fueled by 2,000 tons of baled cardboard and paper stored inside and around the main building. Fire was brought under control by 1:00 p.m., but flames continued leaping into air at 8:00 p.m. Fire was so intense that it ignited trash in several dumpsters 30 yards from the flames and melted a Southern Railway freight car and four truck trailers near the building. Due to lack of fire hydrants, water shuttling was performed from the Tower Shopping Center about a mile-and-a-half away. Pieces of flaming cardboard were blown up to a half mile from the site, igniting six separate fires in surrounding woods. A propane tank near the main building was threatened and kept cool by firefighters. By 2:45 p.m., city crews had laid out an irrigating system of hoses and sprinklers around the plant to continually wet down the smoldering bales. Most/all county fire departments provided mutual aid units. Raleigh units included:

April 21

• E13, E7, E3, Tanker 4, Tanker 8 - 9:35 a.m.
• E12 to Beltline under bridge at railroad track - 12:40 p.m. due to embers
• E5 to Station 7 - 1:13 p.m.
• E11, E6 to relieve E3, E7 - 2:17 p.m.
• E2, E1, E8 for relief - 5:35 p.m.
  
  April 22
   
• E1, E14 for relief - 7:44 a.m.
• E7, T16 for smoldering cardboard - 8:05 a.m.
• E15, E8 to assist - 1:06 p.m.
• E3, T11 - 1:21 p.m.
• T7, E9 - 5:31 p.m.
  
  April 23
   
• E6 to relieve E9 - 2:51 a.m.
• E1 for stand-by - 7:59 a.m.

A total of 47 hours of firefighting was performed with continuous flow of 800 GPM and no accidents. Over 890 gallons of fuel used and between $900 and $1000 in food and drinks. Total water flowed was 1, 238,000 gallons. Most serious fire damage done in first 30 minutes. Damage $220,500 building, and $465,000 contents. [MF] (April 21, 1980)^{wcfar, rfd, no23apr90}  

Apparatus note: 1979 Mack MC / 1958 American LaFrance aerial ladder placed in service as Truck 5. Photos and more information. (by May 6, 1980)

Education building at 1600 Fayetteville Street burned. Three? alarms. Dispatched about 12:00 a.m. Controlled about 3:00 a.m. About 36 firefighters on scene. Two firefighters transported for burns and bruises. Old Eliza Poole School building, built 1924 and closed 1971. Was used for offices and storage. Fire may have been started by lightning, during a thunderstorm that passed through the area.  E2, E13, E3, T1, T7, E6, E7, T5, E1, E3 (clears 11:52 a.m. next day) [MF] (July 8, 1980)^no10jul80

Hunt General Tire Company warehouse at 424 S. McDowell Street burned. Three? alarms. Dispatched 7:10 p.m., with first engine arriving 7:12 p.m. at a one-story building. Flames shot five stories high through roof at height of blaze. Roof of Poole's Luncheonette next door caught fire by 8 p.m. Fire also spread to adjoining building of attorney George R. Barrett. More than 50 firefighters responded with four engines, three truck companies, and two rescue units. Ten firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion, smoke inhalation, and other minor injuries; six were transported to the hospital and later released. Building was valued at $80,000. Fire was brought under control at 9:45 p.m. Fire losses were estimated at $700,000 and more than 10,000 tires were destroyed. E1, E13, C5, T1, E3, E5, T7, T11, E4, T16, E6. [MF] (August 9, 1980)^{yb84, rfd, no11aug80}

Recruit academy #5 graduated 19 firefighters. The academy started May 5 and lasted 14 weeks. The graduation ceremony was conducted at the City Council Chambers. (August 15, 1980)^rfd

Rex Hospital on Saint Mary's Street relocated to Lake Boone Trail. Fire department rescue squads assisted with transporting 168 patients to the new facility. [UI] (September 28, 1980)^nosep28

Apartments at 5603 Wake Forest Road burned. Two? alarms. Dispatched 12:54 a.m. Fire on first, second, and third floors, and roof. Crews found roof collapsing on arrival. Personnel on scene for five hours. Damage $190,000 building and $10,000 contents. E15, E4, C4, T11, T16, E9 for relief. [MF] (November 12, 1980)^{rfd, no13nov80}

Apartments at 4357 Avent Ferry Road burned. Two? alarms. Dispatched 12:59 a.m. Fire in top apartments and roof. Damage $200,000 building and $5,000 contents. E8, E5, C6, T5, T11, and county units? Then E8, C6 for rekindle at 7:09 p.m. (December 27, 1980)^{rfd, no28dec80}

Lawsuit filed in 1974 by thirteen black firefighters received tentative endorsement for settlement by city, including pledge to improve hiring of blacks over the next three years, with goal that 16 percent of city firefighters being black by January 1983. ^rt02jan80

1981

Shopping center at 3026 North Boulevard burned. Two alarms. Dispatched 10:19 a.m. Fire and heavy smoke coming through windows and door on arrival. Controlled in about an hour, and extinguished in another hour. Damage $129,000 building and $50-60,000 contents. E11, E4, C4, T11, E7. [MF] (March 2, 1981)^{rfd, no03mar81}

Caudle Sand and Rock Company at 508 1/2 W. Johnson Street destroyed. Two? alarms. Dispatched about 5:00 a.m. Crews battled blaze for about two hours. [MF] (March 3, 1981)

Apartments at 1123 Crab Orchard Drive burned. Two alarms? Alarm time 3:46 a.m. Thirteen apartments completely involved. Damage $165,000 building. E8, E5, T5, C6, E13, plus county units? (March 3, 1981)^rfd

North Ridge Townhouses at 6383 New Market Way burned. Two? alarms. Dispatched 4:04 p.m. Fire found in roof and walls. Four apartments heavily damaged. Damage $250,000 building and $12,400 contents. E15, E9, C4, T1, E4, T11. Fire started in pile of old tires and plastic stored in the basement of an empty unit, and some children had been playing in the basement just before the fire started. [MF] (March 20, 1981)^{rfd, no21mar81}

Mangel Building at 120 Fayetteville Street Mall burned. Four? alarms. Raleigh's "worst fire in a decade" started just before 9:00 a.m. Fire rages out of control for three hours. The two-story building, "divided into two main businesses and 10 smaller businesses," collapsed at about 11 a.m., sending debris into adjacent parking lot and damaging three cars. Eleven firefighters were treated at area hospitals for smoke inhalation, none with serious injuries. Damage is $245,000 building and $506,000 contents. More than 100 firefighters battled blaze, including 21 recruits. Read more about the incident. [MF] (July 7, 1981)^{no08jul81, rfd}

Recruit academy #6 graduated 20 firefighters. The academy started April 6 and lasted 14 weeks. The graduation ceremony is conducted at the City Council Chambers. (July 17, 1981)^rfd

Apparatus delivery: 1981 Mack CF pumper, placed in service as Engine 13 at 1700 hours. Photos and more information. (July 8, 1981)^rfd

Apparatus notes:

• Third aerial truck company placed in service as Truck 16 received 1961 American LaFrance aerial ladder. (September 16, 1981)^rfd
• Truck 8 placed in service with 1964 GMC service truck. (by September 25, 1981)
  Photos and more information.

Fire inspections expanded to include places of public assembly including entertainment establishments. The program was designed to assure continued compliance with Fire Prevention Codes in buildings where large numbers of people congregated. ^yb84

1982

Sign plant at Central Prison burned. Fire forced evacuation of 100 inmates. Fire started about 11:40 a.m. in corner of the sign plant at the Correction Enterprises building. Damaged was estimated at $80,000 to $10,000. One hundred inmates, four guards, and 18 Correctional Enterprises supervisors were evacuated into the prison yard before fire crews entered. Blaze was extinguished about 12:15 p.m. [UF] (January 4, 1982)^nojan6

Engine company collides with school bus at Lenoir and East streets. Pumper was en route to emergency call. Bus driver was charged with failure to yield the right of way to an emergency vehicle. One student was treated for bruises at Wake Medical Center. Damage to the pumper was estimated at $5,000 and repairs were estimated to take two to three months. [AI] (January 7, 1982)^nojan8

911 phone number replaces 829-1911 as County-wide emergency number. (January 26, 1982)^yb84

Apparatus notes:

• Rescue 14 moved to Station 6.
• Rescue12 moved to Station17.
• Truck 7 moved to Station 12. (February 1, 1982)^rfd
  Photos and more information.

Tupper Memorial Church at 218 E. Cabarrus Street burned. Two alarms? Alarm time 1:44 p.m. Fire found in entrance and steeple area. Controlled in about 30 minutes. Church is one of oldest in Raleigh, built in 1906 and renovated in 1957, with a wing added in 1975. Damage $69,000 building, $2,000 (contents). E3, E1, C2, T5, E13, T1, C3, R7. [MF] (February 3, 1982)^{rfd, rt04feb84}

Two nightclubs cited on charges on overcrowding. Edwards Grocery at 1912 Hillsborough Street and Tut's Inc at 3911-B Western Boulevard are both charged with violating the city fire code and state building code in an undercover program started in December. Overcrowding is a misdemeanor punishable by $50 fine and court costs. Trials are set for March. This is the first time a business or gathering place has been cited for violation of either code. [UI] (February 16, 1982)^nofeb17

Office building at 1100 Logger Court burned. Two alarms? Alarm time 12:49 a.m. Fire in two units, and smoke and water damage in two others. $120,450 damage to building and $5,550 to contents. E15, E9, T11, T1, and county units? The two-story, four-unit buiding was not occupied and part of the building was still under construction. [MF?] (February 22, 1982)^{rfd, no23feb82}

Apparatus note: Brush Truck 1 placed in service with a 1965 International brush truck. Photos and more information. (By March 23, 1982)^rfd

Pine State Creamery at 500 Glenwood Avenue heavily damaged by fire. Two alarms. Dispatched 7:04 a.m. Heavy smoke from roof on arrival. Crews fought fire for about three hours. Nearly 40 firefighters on scene. Units cleared about 11:02 a.m. E5, E13, T5, C5, E1, T1, C3, R6; second alarm E3, C3, E6, C5. [MF] (April 24, 1982)^rt01may82

Fatal apartment fire at 537 E. Jones Street. Four people killed. Firefighters arrived about 4:15 a.m. and found the front of the building fully involved, and heavy smoke coming from all openings. Crews contained the fire within 45 minutes. [UF] (April 29, 1982)^rt01may82

Feather Processing Inc. plant at 1436 Rock Quarry Road burned. Two alarms. Dispatched 5:26 p.m., the blaze sent thick black smoke into the skies seen as far as 30 miles away. The one-story brick building was fully involved on arrival and burned for about an hour. The adjacent Watson's Poultry plant was not damaged. Building damage is $100,000, with $40,000 contents. E10, E3, C5, R7, E1, T12, C2, C7, E1, and E11 as relief. [MF] (April 30, 1982)^rt01may82

Keeter Training Center completed at 105 W. Hoke Street. The 7,000 square-foot facility was constructed adjacent to the drill tower and smokehouse. The $446,068.69 building was dedicated for retired Fire Chief and former Mayor Pro Tem Jack B. Keeter. Photos and more information. (May 1982)^{yb84, city of raleigh news}

Recruit academy #7 graduated 17 firefighters. The academy started on March 15 and lasted 18 weeks. The graduation ceremony was conducted at the City Council Chambers. (July 15, 1982)^rfd

Vacant house destroyed just outside city limits. Fire department was criticized and policies were subsequently reviewed after inaction of arriving units. Report subsequently issued by City Manager supported department and cited reasons for inaction including lack of nearby fire hydrants and knowledge that volunteer firefighters were en route.

The fire was reported early Sunday morning, July 18, at 3112 Edgeton Drive. The dwelling was vacant and located just thirty yards outside of the city limits. City firemen arrived, but took no action, and waited for firefighters from Wake-New Hope Volunteer Fire Department to arrive. The home sustained $50,000 of damage. Noted the July 19, 1982, issue of the Raleigh Times, the fire was reported at 2:46 a.m., and a city fire truck arrived at 2:50 p.m. They were dispatched to the 3000 block of North Boulevard to investigate smoke. The engine company searched for several minutes before finding the blaze. The house was 1,000 feet outside the city by road, but its back yard was separated from the city by a small creek. At 3:03 a.m., they requested that the county fire department be dispatched. Wake-New Hope FD arrived at 3:12 a.m., and the city fire unit(s) left the scene. Said a New Hope captain, the fire burned for eight minutes before his men could lay lines and begin fighting the fire. Wake County Sheriff's Department subsequently investigated the fire for arson, as there was evidence of a break-in.

Fire Chief Rufus Keith later said that city crews usually limited their firefighting to structures within the city. Unlike the city police, the fire department did not have a one-mile extension of responsibility outside the city limits. He also noted that most firefighters exercised discretion about those rules in the case of an emergency. The Chief told the News & Observer that the city did "not have a policy not to respond outside the city." Rather, they had "a mutual understanding with the Wake County volunteers that if we go outside the city, we'll respond and then when they respond, we'll assist." He was planning to meet with his three assistant chiefs and ten district chiefs to review the city's policies on fighting fires outside the corporate limits. District Chief W. H. Clifton, who was at the fire, told the newspaper that he did not start suppression activities because the building was vacant. If there had been people inside, they would've have started a rescue. He also would not have let the building burn down, but he "couldn't tell you how many rafters would have [had] to burn before I would have [started]." He also noted that his understanding of the policy was that permission from an assistant chief was required for fighting fire outside the city limits. Chief Keith later told the Raleigh Times that no new policy was needed, as a misunderstanding of the present procedure kept firemen from fighting the fire on Edgeton Drive. He said the policy would be clarified and "no one [was] going to get chewed out for doing something for another human being." He told the City Manager that "All my staff now understand our agreement with the county and the communications center that when we are dispatched on or near the city limits line, [we will] do whatever is possible to help control the fire."

City Manager Dempsey Benton issued a report to City Council on July 21 that said: "Fire supervisors on the scene made a responsible effort to locate the fire even though it was outside the city and prompt called for the correct volunteer unit to be sent. In a responsible manner, the fire personnel checked the premise for occupancy and were satisfied that it was vacant. Fire supervisors made the best decisions that they could after taking into consideration all the variables that existed. It appears one factor considered was that it was outside the city. That was not an unreasonable factor to consider in the context of the situation, which includes limited water supply, knowledge of fire dynamics, and knowledge that the correct service unit was en route." He also noted "It goes without question that the Raleigh Fire Department's paramount responsibility is to areas within the corporate limits of the city. There are situations when the communications center does not get a specific location for a fire. In that case, a judgment is made and units are assigned. If a city unit is so assigned and it finds the site to be outside the site, it should promptly notify the communications center of the exact location so that the proper unit can be dispatched." Benton's report cited the decisions by Chief Clinton, and why he did not break down the door and fight the fire. "Opening the door would have accelerated spread of the fire," "the city fire engine carried only 500 gallons of water, which would have depleted in three minutes," "there was not a fire hydrant nearby," and "it was known that volunteer firemen were en route." He said he expects no action from council or the Mayor, and said there was no need to change or amend city codes. "We live in an adversarial society. Questions of liability constantly confront our personnel. In emergency situations, our supervisory personnel have to make the best judgments and consider the facts, their capabilities for rendering aid, and their legal constraints." [UF] (July 1982)^{rt19jul82, rt20jul82, no20jul82, no22jul82,}

Fire Marshal started compiling list of hazardous chemical storage areas in city after a September 13 chemical fire in Charlotte forced 1,000 people from home. The News & Observer reported that Raleigh, unlike Charlotte, did not require permits before chemicals could be stored. The city's system was less formal, with no master list of stored hazardous materials. The fire department relied on pre-plan information maintained by each station, and stored on each fire engine. ^rt28sep82

Gunman holds woman and two children hostage on Amtrak train at railroad station on Seaboard Road. Fire department personnel stood by along with emergency medical crews. Standoff started about 7:30 a.m. on a Friday, after gunshots were heard in passenger car. Male subject surrendered at 5:45 a.m. on following Monday. Bodies of a woman and a nine-month old infant were discovered in cabin. Four year-old infant survived. [UI] (October 8-11, 1982)^rt

Hazardous-materials response training started. ^yb84

Apparatus notes:

• 1982 Mack CF pumper, placed in service as Engine 1
• 1982 Mack CF pumper, placed in service as Engine 14
  Photos and more information.

1983

Extra police patrolled Cameron Village after month-long string of suspicious vehicle fires. Fires had occurred inside five unlocked cars between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. A total of $4,000 damage had been reported to cars parked on Oberlin Road, Cameron Court, and Smallwood Drive. [UF] (January 6, 1983)^no07jan83

Southern Pump and Tank Company building at 1415 S. Bloodworth Street burned. Two alarms? Alarm time 10:53 a.m. with approximately 50 percent of building on fire. Fire started when a worker accidentally bumped a lever on a tanker truck, dumping about 150 gallons of gasoline on him and a drop light he was using to under the truck. With his head, chest, and right arm ablaze, he ran outside and a coworker beat the flames out. The fire was extinguished by 2:00 p.m. Crews feared that the fuel truck and another nearby might exploded, along with flammable chemicals stored in a nearby Ashland Chemical Company yard. Water streams kept the tanker trucks cooled. Damage to building $86,000, to contents $125,000. The heaviest damage was the garage, moderate damage to the warehouse, and smoke and water damage to another warehouse and office. E3, E1, C5, R7, T1, E13, E2. [MF] (January 25, 1983)^{rfd, no26jan83}

Thomas T. Kuster appointed twelfth Fire Chief, serves 1983-1985. Kuster was hired from outside the department, after the position was opened for the first time to outside applicants. (February 1, 1983)^yb84

Recruit academy #8 graduated 14 firefighters. The academy started on November 22, 1982 and lasted 14 weeks. The graduation ceremony was conducted at the City Council Chambers. (March 4, 1983)^rfd

District Chiefs renumbered. Car 4 > Car 51, Car 5 > Car 52, and Car 6 > Car 53. They were located at Station 9, Station 1, and Station 6.  (April 15, 1983)^rfd

Apartments at 5011 Sedgewick Drive burned. Two alarms? Damages estimated at $75,000. Started by worker soldering an exterior pipe. [MF] (April 22, 1983)^no23apr83

Apartments at 5315 Dana Drive destroyed by fire. Two alarms? Alarm time 2:00 p.m. with arriving units finding fire spreading from a kitchen to five other apartments. One apartment destroyed, and two others damaged. Damage to building $150,000 and contents $13,924. E8, E5, R6, T8, T1, E13. [MF] (April 27, 1983)^rfd

Home Inspection program initiated with a goal of inspecting or offering to inspect every city residence. Each home would be visited by firefighters, with inspections conducted only after permission is granted by the occupant. After the inspection, suggestions would be made for making the home safer from fire. Compliance with the suggestions, as with the inspections, was strictly voluntary. If the home was unoccupied at the time of the firefighters visit, they would leave a card explaining the inspection program and other services offered by the fire department. The card also asked the resident to return the postcard or call the Fire Prevention Division to set up a time when an inspection could be conducted. (June 1, 1983)^{yb84, city of raleigh news}

Apparatus note: Light Truck 1 placed in service with 1966 Chevrolet panel van. Photos and more information. (by June 23, 1983)^rfd

Manufacturing plant at 425 Glenwood Avenue burned. Two alarms? Alarm time 8:27 with arriving units finding fire in refrigeration room, and ammonia leak. E6, E13, T5, C3, C53, FU1, FU5, T1, E5, C52, E6. [MF] (November 10, 1983)^rfd

Lincoln Park Pentecostal Holiness Church at 13 Heath Street burned. Two alarms? Blaze started at 2:34 a.m. in balcony over church organ. Firefighters arrived at 2:37 a.m., with flames coming through roof. Fire took about an hour to control, but church was destroyed. Church had been built piecemeal over past decade with $160,000 collected by 300-member congregation. Building was third church on site since the True Vine Pentecostal Holiness Church was founded in 1940 by Eli Ratcliff. Units cleared at 6:24 a.m. E3, E12, T12, C52, E7, R6, T1. [MF] (December 12, 1983)^{no13dec83, rfd}

Woman suffered burns to head and face after hair caught  fire while lighting cigarette. The 32 year-old female was treated and released from Raleigh Community Hospital after suffering burns at US Fidelity and Guaranty on Old Wake Forest Road. After setting fire to self, she began to run around and was tackled by fellow employees, one of whom extinguished the fire by throwing a coat over it. Some of the employees also suffered minor burns on their hands. [UF] (December 27, 1983)^no27dec83

1984

Former Watson Seafood and Poultry building at 1436 Rock Quarry road burned. Two alarms. Dispatched 4:53 a.m. Flames through the roof on arrival of the vacant manufacturing plant, which was empty except for Keene Tire Service, which was connected to the rear. The old plant was described as a maze of storage rooms, narrow hallways, and false ceilings. Controlled in two hours, by 7:00 a.m. Crews remained on scene through the afternoon, wetting down the debris to prevent rekindling. (March 3, 1984)^rt03mar84

Fiberglass fire helmets replaced traditional plastic headgear. New helmets were color-coded by rank, Chiefs with white, Captains with yellow, truck company firefighters with black, and engine company firefighters with red. Old helmets would be stored in fire department storage room until distribution to firefighters could be resolved. Both city character provision and state law prevented municipal employees from buying surplus city property. (March 1984)^rt08sep84

Station 17 opened at 4601 Pleasant Valley Road. Engine 17 placed in service with 1981 Mack pumper. Photos and more information. (April 9, 1984)^yb84

Recruit academy #9 graduated 27 firefighters. The academy started on December 14, 1983 and lasted 16 weeks. The graduation ceremony was conducted at Station 17. (May 10, 1984)^rfd

Heilig-Levine Furniture Company storage building at 117 E. Hargett Street burned. Two alarms. The first floor of the three-story building was gutted by the 11:45 p.m. blaze. The two-alarm blaze took a half-hour to control. More than $20,000 of furniture was destroyed. The building, valued at over $50,000, was built about 1912. [MF] (June 22, 1984)^rt23jun84

Honor guard organized to honor the passing of Lt. Harold Faison. The fourteen-year veteran of the fire department and brother of Capt. James Faison died of illness at age 46 on July 20, 1984. His memorial was held two days later at L. Harold Poole Funeral Services in Knightdale, with burial at Central Baptist Church in Wendell. Charter members of the Honor Guard were Tommy Gattis as the first Honor Guard Commander, Keith Frederick, K. D. Harris, Shelton Price, Robert Rogers, Carmelo Sanchez, and Buddy Scarboro. Later members included Famious Allen, Clarence Briley, Bill Dillard, Reggie Hocutt, Gershon Lee, Zeb Overton, and Ricky Tharrington. (July 1984)^{yb02+, chb}

Apparatus note: Haz-Mat 1 placed in service at Station 2 with a 1977 Chevy panel van. Photos and more information. (Around June 29, 1984)^rfd

First haz-mat call. Firefighters responded to Schwab Food Science Center at North Carolina State University for a fire in a second-floor laboratory. The fire was reported about 7:29 p.m., when mineral oil overheated in a vat. The fire was contained to the vat, and was extinguished by 8:45 p.m. Fearing that chemicals close to the vat could explode, the area surrounding the building was closed. Twelve people were treated for heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation at the incident, five college public safety officers, two professors, and five firefighters. The twelve were transported to Rex Hospital with headaches and chest pains, but none were admitted. Two engines, one ladder, and the haz-mat unit responded. Crews wore breathing masks to enter the building and extinguished the fire within about five minutes. [HM] (July 11, 1984)

Hurricane Diana struck southern North Carolina, eye of Category 2 storm made landfall near Wilmington, NC, with 110 mph winds about 6:00 a.m., Thursday, September 13. Eye passed through Raleigh with 45 mph winds at 6:00 a.m. next day. [WE] (September 14, 1984)^wral

Old Stone's Southern School Supply building at 329 W. Martin Street burned. Building housed Hart's New Stand, an adult bookstore. Cause was determined as a faulty electrical relay switch used to controlled projectors and lights in one of the viewing booths. One person was in the building several hours earlier and had smelled smoke, but found no fire. They went back to sleep and were later awakened by thick smoke. (August 27, 1984)^no28aug84

Howard Building at 112 W. Lane Street burned. Three? alarms. Fire was reported at 4:22 p.m. by the assistant chief of operations, who saw the fire. Nearly 100 firefighters, working in shifts of 40, battled the stubborn six-hour fire in the turn-of-the-century building. Volunteers from Six Forks assisted with refilling air tanks as more than 100 were depleted by the end of the evening. Three EMS units were on scene. Red Cross brought drinks and hamburgers. Three firefighters had  injuries to foot, knee, and eyes. Fire was later blamed on a burning match in a cardboard box.

Units:
E1, E3, T1, R7, C52 - 16:22
E7 manpower - 16:25
E4, T5 - manpower - 16:27
E4? - 16:39
Haz-mat - 16:45
E6 to relieve E3 - 23:43
E8 manpower - 23:54
E14, E16, T8, C52 for relief - 02:48.

[MF] (October 3, 1984)^{no, rt}

Vehicle note: Sand truck placed in service at Station 8. (November 21, 1984)^rfd

Railroad tank car donated to Keeter Training Center by local industry. ^yb02+

1985

Engine 13 collided with building at intersection of S. McDowell and Lenoir Streets. While responding to a call, the pumper skidded on an icy road and jumped the curb at the intersection of S. McDowell and Lenoir streets and crashed into Sir Walter Chevrolet. Driver sustained minor injuries. Two others riding in cab of 1960 American LaFrance pumper were not injured. Accident occurred about 4:20 p.m. while en route to vehicle overturned in creek off 1100 block of Western Boulevard. Pumper struck the front end of 1985 Chevette parked on the sidewalk, smashed through two tinted plate glass panels, and rammed a 1985 Celebrity Eurosport parked in the showroom. The collision shattered a third panel in the window, sending glass shards down onto the pumper and forcing the Eurosport into a 1985 Camero parked alongside it. Total damage to the three cars and the building was estimated at $10,000. Damage to the fire truck was estimated at $10,000. [AI] (January 20, 1985)^no21jan85

Sparkles Nightclub at 900 W. Hodges Street burned. Two alarms. Dispatched about 1:15 a.m. with Engine 4 first-arriving. The single-story building was gutted by the fire, that started in the rear and spread rapidly through the ceiling. The club was closed at the time of the fire. One firefighter was injured but not seriously, struck with the blunt end of an ax, while crews chopped their way through a wall. Units were on scene until after dawn. [MF] (February 20, 1985)^no21feb85

Rescue units took over assist invalid calls. Planned to implement on March 6. (March 6, 1985)^rfd

Two houses in the 1100 block of Harp Street burned. The afternoon blaze burned for about three and half hours. The structures, at 1102 and 1104 Harp Street, were a total loss. They were also the last two houses in the community called Mill Hill. One was being demolished, and the other was due. Until the prior summer, Mill Hill comprised 84 buildings on 13 acres behind Peace College. Most of the structures dated to the 1890s, and were homes for workers at Pilot Mills on Haynes Street. The mill closed in 1982, and the buildings were demolished within a couple years. (March 16, 1985)^rt18mar85

Saul's Barbecue at 2401 S. Saunders Street burned. Two alarms? The early morning blaze was reported before 1:50 a.m., when the fire department arrived. Crews saved half of the building, though the rest of the structure suffered heavy damage, including fire breaking through the roof. (March 28, 1985)^rt28mar85

Hunting Ridge Apartments at 1001 Fox Hunt Lane burned. Two alarms. Fire started in flower-bed straw and climbed up one side of the two-story building. It was contained to four units. The fire started shortly before noon, and burned mostly the attic and roof of the building. Damage was estimated at $75,000. Police questioned a 14 year-old-boy who accidentally set the straw on fire, after smoking. No charges were filed. [MF] (April 20, 1985)^{rfd, no21apr85}

Deli King at North Hills Plaza burned. Two alarms. Employees reported the fire about 4:30 p.m. At least 50 firefighters from ten stations responded, and extinguished the fire in about an hour. The fire started in the deli's storage room, where cleaning rags in a bucket of solvents self-ignited. Damage was estimated at $100,000. Fire was contained to the deli, but smoke spread to adjoining businesses. (July 28, 1985)^no29jul85

Starting salary for firefighters was $15,388, based on 56 hours per week. (July 1985)^yb02+

Raleigh Fire Explorer Post 108 organized. Created to help local youth learn about the fire service through lectures, hands-on training, field trips, and emergency scene participation. It was created as a vocational program with the Occoneechee Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The program was started by Lt. Paul Johnson at Station 15, who served as its advisor until his retirement as a Battalion Chief in 2005. The four charter members included future fire department members Jerry Ward and Lonnie Glover. Explorers are permitted to respond to working fires. They wear jumpsuits and hardhats, and assist with such safe duties as changing air bottles and rolling hose. In the early 1990s, they are issued older turnout gear and helmets so they can assist with overhaul and other tasks. Post members are also allowed to visit fire stations and can assist with such regular duties as cleaning, maintenance, and checking off the apparatus. They can also assist with fire department activities, such as public education events. (October 1985)^{yb02+, chb}

Apartments at 2302 Bernard Street. Two alarms. One occupant, 51, died, her body found near the front door of the apartment. Firefighters arrived about 3:45 a.m., including the victim's son, Donnie Wall, among the first firefighters to arrive. The fire was controlled within a short time. (December 10, 1985)^{rfd, no11dec85}

Fire Chief Thomas Kuster announced resignation. He was leaving to become director of Public Health and Safety in Louisville, where he worked for more than 20 years before coming to Raleigh in 1983. The resignation was effective January 2, 1986. (December 2, 1985)^{Harlan Daily Enterprise, 03dec85}

Physical fitness program made mandatory for on-duty firefighters. ^rt

Apparatus delivery: 1985 Pirsch pumper, placed in service as Engine 13. Photos and more information.^rfdar

1986

Raleigh North Apartments at 1021 Raleigh Boulevard burned. Three alarms. First: E7, E11, T11, C51; Second: E3, E12, T1; Third: E6, T10, T12 (all relief). Fire started about 3:15 p.m. Extensive damage to six apartments. Fire started near the center of the brick building and spread quickly to five adjoining units. The roof and much of the building's interior was destroyed. The fire was spotted by a firefighter riding a fire truck returning to Station 7, at the same intersection, opposite the fire station. Crews also encountered sub-freezing temperatures. (January 28, 1986)^{no29jan86, rfd}

Recruit academy #10 graduated 16 firefighters. The academy started on July 29, 1985 and lasted 16 weeks. It concluded in mid-November 1985. The graduation ceremony was conducted months later at the City Council Chambers. (February 7, 1986)^rfd

Sherman Pickard appointed thirteenth Fire Chief. Serves 1986-1995. Pickard was the second fire chief hired from outside the department. (March 3, 1986)^rfd

Sandy Creek Condominiums at 115-125 Newton Road burned. Two alarms. Alarm time about 6:30 p.m. Arriving units found fire showing roof. Three engines, two ladders, and about 20 firefighters were on scene. Six condos damaged or destroyed. [MF] (March 7, 1986)^no08mar86

International Association of Fire Firefighters local chapter 548 re-chartered, named Raleigh Professional Firefighter's Association. The local had ceased operation in 1983. At the time of the March 23 application, the Temporary President was James Driver and the Temporary Secretary and Treasurer was Donnie Perry. The charter fee was $50.00. The initiation fee was $5.00 per member. Per capita taxes were $3.48 for active and $1.74 for retired members. There were 219 charter members. During the late eighties and the nineties, their activities included operating a children’s fire safety trailer, lobbying for pay raises for public safety employees including the commission of a pay study, and helping finance the start-up of the Wake County Chapter of the Firefighters' Burned Children Fund. (after April 23, 1986)^{rpffa records, chb}

Kensington Park Apartments at 2201 Gorman Street burned. Two alarms? Alarm time about 4:15 a.m. One apartment destroyed, and five others damaged. [MF] (May 8, 1986)^no09may86

Apparatus note: Mini 17 placed in service with a 1986 Chevrolet Silverado mini-pumper. Photos and more information. (May 13, 1986)^rfd

Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge at 2723 North Boulevard burned. Two alarms. Fire in a room, during daylight hours. [MF] (July 7, 1986)^{rfd, no08jul86}

Murray Barbecue at 4600 North Boulevard burned. Two alarms. [MF] (August 8, 1986)^rfd

Apparatus note: Mini 3 placed in service with a 1986 Chevrolet Silverado mini-pumper. Photos and more information. (August 18, 1986)^rfd

Oakwood Villa Apartments at 704 Navaho Drive burned. Two alarms. Dispatched about 2:00 p.m. Fire controlled after an hour. Two units destroyed, two others damaged. [MF] (August 30, 1986)^rt30aug86

Program started to perform blood pressure checks for citizens at all fire stations. (September 1, 1986)^rfd

Apparatus note: Tanker 14 and Tanker 4 removed from service. Both tankers subsequently transferred to Public Works. Photos and more information. (September 4, 1986)^rfd

Cable channel 59 activated, for use as bulletin board and training channel. (December 1, 1986)^rfd

Apparatus notes:

• 1986 EEI / PemFab pumper, placed in service as Engine 5. (November 26, 1986)^rfd
• Fourth aerial truck company placed in service as Truck 11, with 1986 Seagrave aerial ladder. (By December 30, 1986)^rfd
• 1971 Chevrolet service truck moved from Station 11 to Station 15. (Around December 30, 1986)^rfd
  Photos and more information.

Patches adopted for uniforms, the first patches in the fire department history. The design was based on the Burlington Fire Department patch.^{yb02+, oh}

1987

Apparatus replacement policy created by City Manager Dempsey E. Benton. Engines and aerials to be maintained as front-line rigs for 20 years, then as reserve rigs for 5 years. (January 1, 1987)^rfd

The Furniture Square at 1014 E. Chatham destroyed by fire. Raleigh responds as mutual aid with Yrac, Fairgrounds, Morrisville, Durham Highway, Swift Creek, Six Forks, and Cary. [MF] (January 13, 1987)^rt13jan87

Apparatus note: 1986 EEI / PemFab pumper, placed in service as Engine 3. Photos and more information. (January 13, 1987)^rfd

Recruit academy #11 graduated 25 firefighters. The academy started on October 1, 1986 and lasted 17 (?)weeks. The graduation ceremony is conducted at the City Council Chambers. (February 6, 1987)^rfd

Apparatus notes:

• Truck 5 removed from service. Truck company beds moved from Station 5 to Station 15.
• Reserve engine moved to Station 5.
• 1979 Mack / 1958 American LaFrance aerial ladder moved from Station 5 to Station 1
• 1977 Mack aerial platform moved from Station 1 to Station 8 at 0200 hours
• 1964 GMC service truck moved from Station 8 to Station 15 at 0700 hours. (March 16, 1987)^rfd

Pre-alerts implemented, with dispatchers announcing calls on radio before activating station alarms and reading dispatch assignments (March 16, 1987)^rfd

Station 18 opens at 8200 Morgans Way. Engine 18 placed in service with 1973 Mack pumper. Photos and more information. (by March 16, 1987)^{yb02+, rfd}

Watson's Market Place at 1436 Rock Quarry Road burned. Two alarms or greater. Dispatched 11:39 a.m. Flames through the roof on arrival. The warehouse building contained five businesses. The fast-moving fire was fueled by chemicals stored in a furniture business. Thick smoke was produced by 600 burning tires. Controlled after three hours. Crews stayed on scene through the night. (March 28, 1987)^rt29mar87

Apparatus note: Mini 9 placed in service with a 1986 Chevrolet Cheyenne mini-pumper. Photos and more information. (April 24, 1987)^rfd

Chlorine gas leaked at unused sewage treatment plant on Sunnybrook Road. Plant was located just north of Beltline overpass. Three city workers were injured and subsequently treated for chlorine inhalation. Between 50 and 100 people were evacuated in area. Passing citizen reported the smell to Station 12 between 4:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Responders included Raleigh police and fire departments, NC Division of Environmental Management, Wake County EMS, Wake County Sheriff's Department, and State Troopers. The three injured workers were driving home from Neuse River Waste Treatment Plant east of Raleigh, when they smelled chlorine on Sunnybrook Road. Turning around and driving to the facility, they discovered the fire department's haz-mat team. One worker unlocked the unmanned plant. Two others, along with two firefighters, donned air masks and entered plant, but were driven back out by the concentration of gas. About 5:35 p.m., firefighters entered again wearing full-body, protective suits and discovered a pipe broken in half. The leak was contained shortly after 6 p.m. Fire, police, EMS, and Emergency Management personnel remained on scene until nearly 11:00 p.m. [HM] (June 18, 1987)^{no19jun87, rt19jun87}

Raleigh Racquet Club at 5516 Falls of the Neuse Road burned. Two alarms. Fire is reported at 12:30 a.m. Arriving firefighters find flames shooting into sky. No injuries are reported and fire is under control by 1 a.m. The second-story is gutted and smoke damages the rest of the clubhouse. Started by faulty battery charger in golf cart. [MF] (June 23, 1987)^{no23jun87, no24jun87}

Services Divisions relocated to basement of Station 8. (June 1987)^yb02+

Unfinished apartments on Edwards Mill Road burned. Alarm time about 9:00 p.m. Raleigh responds as mutual aid with Fairgrounds, Durham Highway, and Six Forks fire departments. Three multi-unit apartment buildings involved. Arriving units found on already burned to the ground, and another fully involved. Two trucks from Raleigh responded. [MF] (August 8, 1987)^no09aug87

Unfinished apartments on Edwards Mill Road again burned. Alarm time about 8:34 p.m. Multi-unit apartment building destroyed. Unknown if Raleigh responds as mutual aid. (August 23, 1987)^no24aug87

McCallum Wholesale Floral Service at 600 N. West Street burned. Two alarms. Started after LP tanks on the roof caught fire, being used by roofers. Fire reported at 12:57 p.m. Caused about $5,000 damage. The second alarm was struck, after crews realized that propone gas was involved. [MF] (August 29, 1987)^no30aug87

Law office at 115 S. St. Mary's Street burned. Two alarms? Alarm time about 11:00 a.m. Arriving crews found the floor collapsing in the two-story structure. Fire contained about 2:30 p.m. [MF] (September 13, 1987)^no14sep87

Car collision injures Asst. Chief E. B. King and District Chief A. G. Stell. The chief's car collided with a van on Highway 70 in Garner. They were headed to Agri-Supply, to pick up materials for the department. The van, which was towing a small trailer, struck the chief's car as it was crossing the roadway. It struck the car broadside at the back door, and spun the car around. The chief's car stopped in the median. All occupants in both vehicles were wearing seat belts. Both chiefs were treated and released from Wake Medical Center. The chief's car was totaled, and the van had $1,500 to $2,000 of damage. (October 8, 1987)^rt08oct87

Westgrove Towers on Westgrove Street burned. Two alarms. [MF] (November 26, 1987)^rfd

Gateway Shopping Center at corner of Crabtree and North Boulevards burned. Fire alarm was received about 12:10 a.m., with flames coming through the roof as firefighters arrived. Six stores and businesses were gutted: Personnel Pool Temporary Services; J. R. Lee Electric Co., a shoe shop, a dentist office, an Avon cosmetics office, and an accountant's office. Other businesses suffered smoke damage. Structural damage to shopping center was estimated at $250,000. About 35 firefighters worked through the night at the scene. Captain Wade M. Boyette suffered minor injuries when hot tar, from melted roofing material, fell onto his hands. Shopping center was built in mid-1960s and donated several years ago to Meredith College. [MF] (December 3, 1987)^rt03dec87

Courtney Square Apartments at 4604 Dansey Drive burned. Two alarms. Fire started about 5:30 p.m. and guted four apartments in eight-unit building. One fatality, child later found in closet. Neighbors attempted rescue but were driven back by flames. About 30 firefighters from Raleigh and New Hope battled the blaze. Fire believed started by artificial logs left on a couch. Firefighters arrived six minutes after dispatch and found building engulfed in flames. [MF] (December 5, 1987)^no06dec87

1988

New fireground procedures implemented, including standardized fireground command personnel practices, and new arrival dispositions of Code 1, Code 2, and Code 3. The first draft of the procedures was published April 1986, and the first version of the practices were issued October 1987. (January 1, 1988)^rfd

Station/vehicle notes:

• Car 53 moved to Station 14.

• Station 5 and Station 7 are assigned to District 2. (January 1, 1988)^rfd

Apartments at 3101 Summertime Cove burned. Two alarms. (February 7, 1988)

Townhome at 110 Renwick Court burned. Two alarms. (March 6, 1988)

Hart's Our Place Newstand at 327 W. Hargett Street burned. Two alarms. Fire started shortly before 1:25 a.m. The business was open and several people evacuated the adult bookstore. Damage was estimated about $130,000. (April 10, 1988)^{rfd, no11apr88}

Apartments at 6017 Shanda Drive burned. Two alarms. Dispatched about 11:00 p.m. Controlled in about 30 minutes. (April 17, 1988)^no19apr88

Apparatus note: Truck 12 removed from service until further notice. (May 11, 1988)^rfd

Station 19 opened at 4209 Spring Forest Road. Engine 19 placed in service with 1968 American LaFrance pumper. Photos and more information. (May 11, 1988)^rfd

Recruit academy #12 graduated 19 firefighters. The academy started on February 3. The graduation ceremony is conducted at the City Council Chambers. (June __,1988)^rfd

The Lakes Apartments at 6409 The Lakes Drive burned. Two alarms. Alarm time 2:17 a.m. About 35 firefighters on scene, plus volunteers from Six Forks Fire Department. Fire destroys 24 units and left about two dozen people homeless. [MF] (June 9, 1988)^rt09jun88

Piggly Wiggly grocery story at 2014 Fairview Road burned. Three alarms. Alarm time about 7:00 a.m. [MF] (June 14, 1988)^{noi, rfd}

Chemical fire struck Post Office on New Bern Avenue. Two alarms. Cleaning vat caught fire about 8 p.m. in the carpentry room of the first floor. Between 200 and 250 people were evacuated from the building for almost two hours. No one was injured and damage to the room was minimal. [HM] (August 1, 1988)^rt02aug88

Chlorine leaked into Pullen Park swimming pool, injuring thirty-seven people. Reported at 11:34 a.m. With 31 victims transported by ambulances and police vans to Wake Medical Center and Rex Hospitals. Others were transported by friends or relatives. No injuries appeared serious. The 50 year-old pool was closed for several days, while equipment was investigated. [HM] (August 17, 1988)^{rt17aug88, rt18aug88, ano19aug88}

Apparatus note: 1988 GMC extended panel van placed in service as Special Risk and Incident Command Unit 1 or SR 1. The 23 foot long vehicle was equipped with cascade air system that could refill as many as six bottles at once in four- to five-minutes. For past five years, fire department had called Six Forks VFD for air bottle assistance at major fires. Vehicle also had command center area. Responded to all Code 2 and Code 3 fires, but without lights and siren. Photos and more information. (August 9, 1988)^{rt31aug88, rfd}

Apparatus note: Foam Unit 1 moved to Station 12, to make more room at Station 1. (September 1, 1988)^rfd

Lawyers Building at 320 S. Salisbury Street burned. Two alarms. Dispatched 5:18 p.m., after smoke began "pouring throug the ventilation system." Most of the building's occupants had already left. Fire found in wall between third and floor floors. (September 29, 1988)^{rfd, no30sep88}

Apparatus notes:

• Truck 12 permanently removed from service. 1980 Ford C service truck moved to Station 15.
• 1988 Pierce Arrow articulating platform placed in service as Truck 1. First Pierce for fire department.
• 1979 Mack / 1958 American LaFrance aerial ladder moved from Station 1 to Station 16. Temporarily housed at Station 18, while rear of Station 16 renovated to accommodate apparatus. Rear door and wall removed, and metal extension added.
• 1961 American LaFrance aerial ladder removed from service at Station 16 and placed in reserve. (September 21, 1988)^rfd
  Photos and more information.

Townhomes at 5058 Avenida Del Sol burned. Two alarms. One unit gutted and two others with minor damage. Fire discovered shortly before 10:00 a.m. Occupant found flames coming from a utility room. Controlled within 40 minutes. Damage estimated $105,000. (October 30, 1988)^{rfd, no31oct88}

Hardees restaurant at 222 Fayetteville Street Mall burned. Two alarms. (November 19, 1988)^rfd

Wakefield Apartments on Calumet Drive burned. Two alarms. (November 19, 1988)^rfd

Tornado struck northwest Raleigh. Storm struck at 1:00 a.m. with virtually no warning, destroying K-Mart on Glenwood Avenue among many other buildings. Site subsequently utilized as command post and staging apparatus for incoming emergency units from surrounding counties. Four people killed, 154 injured. Dozens of businesses and hundreds of homes also damaged or destroyed. Trees were felled in front of front and rear bay doors at Station 17, delaying response to the nearby building collapse. Tornado eventually tracked 83 miles through NC nearly to VA border. [WE] (November 28, 1988)

Hayes Barton Cleaners on Fairview Road burned. Three alarms. Dispatched 7:06 p.m. Engine 6 arrived and found fire already coming through the roof. They marked "code three" and requested two lines be laid in the front of the building by Engine 5. When Car 53 arrived, flames were coming from the plate-glass windows of the front of the structure. Command was established in the front of the building. Staging was established in the nearby Winn-Dixie parking lot. Crews were initially worried about adjoining gas station, and flames spreading to that building, but a fire wall prevented any spread. Flames quickly gut the structure, as one witness says "it gutted the whole place in less than ten minutes." The cleaners was closed at the time of the fire. Third alarm requested upon arrival of Car 3, who subsequently took command. Aerial operations were directed by Car 1. Hand lines were supplied by Engine 6, Engine 5, Engine 4. Two aerial streams were also used: Truck 8, supplied by Engine 6, and Truck 11, supplied by Engine 3. Crews battled the blaze for more than hour, before extinguishing the flames about 8:15 p.m. The building was a total loss. Several nearby businesses and homes also lost power because of the fire, with electrical service expected to be restored by the morning. Personnel were relieved on scene twice. Mini pumpers were among units standing by, for at least two days. [MF] (December 2, 1988)^{noi, rfd, no03dec88}

1989

Apparatus note: Fifth aerial truck company placed in service as Truck 15 with 1977 Mack Aerialscope. Photos and more information. (1989)

Abbreviations

Sources