2000-2009

2000

Twenty-one stations protecting 118 square miles and 286,834 residents.

Two alarms at 6605 The Lakes Drive. The Lakes Apartments. Dispatched 3:39 a.m. Code 3 fire. Twelve units affected by fire, smoke, and water. Two minor injuries treated and released on scene. Two displaced adults. E15, E19, E9, E4, E6, E11, E21, R19, R6, T11, T16, C51, C52, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5. (January 1, 2000)^rfd

Two alarms at 5701 Forest Lawn Drive. Townhouses. Dispatched about 8:00 p.m. Code 3 fire. Quickly controlled, one unit damaged, with two adjoining units with slight smoke damage. E16, E17, E9, others. [MF] (January 23, 2000)^{rfd, no24jan00}

Fire department became the first in state to operate permanent fitting station for child safety seats. (February 14, 2000)^yb02+

Station 23 opened at 8312 Pinecrest Road, utilizing building leased from and continuing to share apparatus bay space with Durham Highway Volunteer Fire Department. Engine 23 placed in service with 1981 Mack pumper. Photos and more information. (February 15, 2000)^yb02+

Two alarms at Meredith College. Holleman residence hall. Dispatched about 3:15 a.m. Code 3 fire. Started in trash can in laundry room, extinguished with 1.5 inch line. No injuries. Building and its 134 residents was evacuated. E5, E14, E8, T8, R6, C51, E2, E6, T1, C52, C5. [MF] (April 10, 2000)^{rfd, no11apr00}

Apparatus delivered: Pair of 2000 Freightliner / American LaFrance rescues, placed in service as Rescue 6 and Rescue 19. Photos and more information. (May 3, 2000)^lw

Two alarms at 6208 Shanda Drive. Apartments. Dispatched 4:45 p.m. Started in downstairs storage room and quickly spreads to second floor and attic. Contained to attic space above four of the eight-unit building. First alarm: T15, E19, E4, E16, R19, C53, SR5. Second: E11, E6, T16, R6, C51, C3, C5. [MF] (May 16, 2000)^{lw, rfd}

Three alarms at 2423 Wycliff Road burned. Meredith Village Apartments. Dispatched 8:20 a.m. Controlled by 9:20 a.m. First alarm: E14, E6, E17, T16, R6, C53, SR5. Second: E16, E8, T8, R19, C52. Third: E3, E21, T1, C1, C3, C4. Special called: E5, E13, E7, E1, E23. [MF] (May 21, 2000)^{lw, no22may00}

Recruit academy #24 graduated 10 firefighters. The academy started on March 27 and lasted 10 weeks. The graduation ceremony was conducted at the City Council Chambers. (June 2, 2000)^rfd

Unit note: Car 198 moved to Station 9 from Station 1. (by June 3, 2000)^oh

Two alarms at 7300 Stonecliff Drive. Stonehenge Apartments. Dispatched 12:30 a.m. One apartment fully-involved with fire through roof. Controlled by 1:37 a.m. Two units with total loss, third unit with 50 percent loss. Started by teenagers playing with fireworks. First alarm: E18, E4, E23, T16, R6, C51. Second: E17, E16, T15, R19, C53, C5, C2, C3, C4, C10, C198, SR5. [MF] (July 7, 2000)^{lw, rfd}

Simulated chemical weapon attack conducted on North Carolina State University Centennial Campus. Involved Raleigh police, fire, Wake EMS, campus police, and area hospitals. Raleigh was 49th city to conduct such test, chosen for the training as one of the 120 largest cities in the United States by the U.S. Army Chemical and Biological Defense Command. The drill started at 8:30 a.m. (July 9, 2000)

Two alarms at 99 N. Salisbury Street. First Baptist Church. Dispatched shortly after 5:00 a.m. Controlled by daybreak. Fire found in two different areas--room housing the church's clothing ministry and the office of the child care center director--and contained to those locations. Policed believed that a homeless man started the fires, and a suspect was in custody that evening, suspected of stealing checks from the church and attempting to cash them. Damage estimated at $150,000, mostly from the sprinkler system. [MF] (August 12, 2000)^{rfd, no13aug00}

Two alarms at 113 S. Wilmington Street. New York Deli. Dispatched 5:25 a.m. Two-story, masonry building housed pizzeria and sandwich shop downstairs, and vacant apartment upstairs. Three ladders operated aerial streams. One firefighter injured. First alarm: E5, E7, E20, R19, T8, C51. Second: E13, E8, T11, R6, SR5, C53, C52, C1, C2, C3, C4, C10, C12, C198. Special called: T1. Relief that afternoon: E14, E18, T16. [MF] (September 6, 2000)^{yb02+, lw}

Two alarms at 8321 Hempshire. Heavy fire found in attic over units 104 and 204. Multiple hand lines used to contain, control, and extinguish. E23, E17, E4, E15, E18, E16, T16, T15, R6, R19, C1, C3, C4, C5, C51, C53, SR5. [MF] (December 18, 2000)^rfd

Two alarms at 3021 Farrior Road. Code 2 duplex fire. Heavy fire found on first floor leading to attic. Engine 14 reported possible fire in the basement/crawlspace. As crews moved hoses to the basement, Rescue 6 and Engine 5 personnel partially fall through the first floor. Several firefighters were trapped for above five minutes. Second alarm was struck. Crews were sent into the basement and into the first floor to assist the trapped firefighters. They were rescued, with no injuries, and suppression efforts resumed. E14, E6, E5, T8, R6, C5, C53, SR5, E16, E8, T16, C51, C1, C2, C3, C10. [MF] (December 23, 2000)^rfd

Standard Uniform Regulations revised to allow the wearing of "golf shifts." Regular "blue" or "white" shirts were relegated to dress uniform use only.

Apparatus delivered:  

• 2000 Quality/ Spartan MetroStar pumper, placed in service as Engine 11
• 2000 Quality/ Spartan MetroStar pumper, placed in service as Engine 20 (by October 10, 2000)
• 2000 Ford Excursions, placed in service as Car 52, 53, and 195
  Photos and more information.

2001

Recruit academy #25 graduates 15 firefighters. The academy started on November 6, 2000 and lasted 10 weeks. The graduation ceremony is conducted at the City Council Chambers. (January 5, 2001)^rfd

Apparatus delivered: 2001 Quality / Spartan Gladiator quint, placed in service as Engine 23. Photos and more information. (by January 31, 2001)^lw

Two alarms at 834 Gastonwood Court. Townhouse building. Dispatched 2:50 a.m. First: E5, E13, E1, T1, R6, C52, SR5, C5. Second: E2, E6, T8, R19, C51, C2, C198. [MF] (February 8, 2001)^{lw, rfd}

Two alarms at 2901 Trawick Road burned. Capital Roller Skating Center. Dispatched 4:45 p.m. Fire found in rear storage room, forcing evacuation of facility. Difficult to control due to building design and caution with steel-beam roof. Controlled 5:52 p.m. First alarm: E11, E21, E7, T11, R19, C51, C5, SR5. Second: E15, E19, T1, R6, C52, E4, C1, C3, C10, C198, Special called: T15. [MF] (April 13, 2001)^{no, lw, rfd}

Recruit academy #26 graduates 28 firefighters. The academy started on November 6, 2000 and lasted 27 weeks. The graduation ceremony is conducted in Hall #1 at the Raleigh Conference and Convention Center. (May 7, 2001)^rfd

Tropical Storm Allison strikes Raleigh. Remnants of hurricane brought heavy rain. Fire department assisted residents of apartment complexes when water surrounds properties. [WE] (June 16, 2001)^no

Apparatus note: Third rescue unit placed in service as Rescue 7 with 1991 Chevrolet/Frontline. Photos and more information. (July 7, 2001)^rfd

Electric-power substation exploded at East Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway. Dispatched 5:35 p.m. Thick smoke was visible for miles during afternoon rush hour. The explosion and fire brought hundreds of spectators, as well as a crash truck from Raleigh-Durham International Airport, to spray foam on the burning transformers. About 75 residents were evacuated from the area and nearly 20,000 customers were left without electricity on one of the hottest nights of the year. Durham Highway, Wendell, and Six Forks delivered foam concentrate as Raleigh's supply dwindled. Controlled 7:31 p.m. Foam pumped again next day, after rekindling. E3, E1, E13, T1, R7, C52, C53, C1, C3, C5, C10, C72, C73, E5, E7, E12, F12, Durham Highway Squad 6, RDU CFR2, E11, E16, R14, R19, E7, HM20, SR20, E8, E10, R7, E15. [UF] [HM] (August 7, 2001)^lw

Station 25 opened at 2740 Wakefield Crossing Drive. Engine 25 placed in service with 1982 Mack pumper. Photos and more information. (August 2, 2001)

Apparatus note: Truck 15 moved to Station 22. (August 14, 2001)

Station 24 opened at 10440 Fossil Creek Court. Engine 24 placed in service with 1981 Mack pumper. Photos and more information. (August 24, 2001)^rfd

Two alarms at 5509 Creek Ridge Lane Drive. Apartments. Dispatched 4:32 a.m. Fire in third floor apartment, contained to unit of origin. Truck 8 flowing. Extensive water damage shut down power in six units. First alarm: E8, E14, E5, T8, R14, C53. Second: E9, E6, T1, C51, C5, C2, C3, C4, C10, SR5. [MF] (August 26, 2001)^{lw, rfd}

Two alarms at 1515 Tivoli Court burned. Tivoli Gardens. Two alarms. Fire discovered shortly after 1:00 p.m. in second-floor apartment. Extended into third-floor apartment and attic. Forty residents displaced. [MF] (August 31, 2001)^lw

Apparatus delivered: 2001 Quality / Spartan MetroStar pumper, placed in service as Engine 3. Photos and more information. (September 20, 2001)^lw

Two alarms at 3461 Sumner Boulevard burned. Triangle Towne Center. Dispatched 8:31 p.m. Shopping center under construction. Fire on roof of of new Hecht's, burning insulation on roof ignited by welding torch. Multiple county units also responded for manpower and water supply. Defensive operation used aerial stream to extinguish the fire. Some hydrants at site were not functioning. Controlled by 10:10 a.m. E15, E19, E22, T22, R19, C51, E11, E9, E21, T11, R7, C53, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C10, C71, SR5, T16, SR20, special call E18 relief, Six Forks 126, Wake Forest E63, Falls E211, Rolesville Tanker 157, 158, New Hope E1, Tanker 10, Tanker 11, Tanker 12, Hopkins Tanker 227. [MF] (September 21, 2001)^{lw, no22sep01, rfd}

Two alarms at 1716 St. Albans Drive. One firefighter briefly trapped, resulting in second alarm and shift to defense operations. Three firefighters transported to hospital, one held for observation. E9, E11, E19, E15, E17, E6, T11, T8, R19, R14. [MF] (September 21, 2001)^rfd

Century Station Post Office and other federal offices at 300 Fayetteville Street Mall closed and evacuated after "powdery substance" was found among arrived mail. Field tests for anthrax were negative; substance was collected by haz-mat team and sent to lab. Substance was confirmed as innocuous. [HM] (October 23, 2001)^no

Recruit academy #27 graduated 15 firefighters. The academy started on September 10 and lasted 10 weeks. The graduation ceremony is conducted at the City Council Chambers. (November 14, 2001)^rfd

Light plane crashes into house at 7609 Stone Horse Court. See Raleigh-Durham Airport Emergency Services history [AA] (December 12, 2001)^lw

Apparatus notes:

• Car 53 moved from Station 14 to Station 17
• Car 51 moved from Station 9 to Station 15
• Car 5 moved from Station 1 to Station 9

2002

Three alarms at 115 Salem Circle. North Hills Terrace Apartments. Dispatched 3:20 a.m. Fire through roof on arrival. Multiple occupants trapped on balconies and requiring rescue. One elderly occupant reported missing in a second floor bedroom, and three or four rescue attempts are made. Roof and third floor collapsed onto second floor. At least one aerial deployed. Third alarm called for relief personnel. One fatality, body later found. Crews remained on scene after shift change. First alarm: E9, E11, E15, R9, 11, C51. Second: E16, E19, T22, R14, C52. Third: E10, E18, T1. Also: SR5, C1, C3, C4, C5, C10, C12, C71. [MF] (February 28, 2002)^{lw, rfd}

Two alarms at 7913-15 Condor Court. Townhome building. Dispatched 2:31 p.m. Code 2 fire. Second alarm for manpower. E18, E4, E17, E23, E16, E14, E9, T16, T22, R14, R19, SR5, C53, C51, C5, C2, C10. [MF] (March 8, 2002)^{lw, rfd}

Two alarms at 4603 Nesbit Court. Apartments. Dispatched at 3:00 a.m. Code 2 fire. Fire contained to one apartment. One family displaced. First: E11, E9, E21, T11, R19, C51, C5. Second: E9, E15, E4, T22, R7, C52. [MF] (May 3, 2002)^{lw, no03may02, rfd}

Apparatus delivered:  

• 2002 Quality/ Spartan MetroStar Pumper, placed in service as Engine 5 on April 1
• 2002 Quality/ Spartan MetroStar Pumper, placed in service as Engine 7 on April 1
• 2002 International / SVI medium rescue, placed in service as Rescue 7 on April 15
• 2002 Quality/ Spartan MetroStar Pumper, placed in service as Engine 9 on April 25
• 2002 Quality/ Spartan MetroStar Pumper, placed in service as Engine 12 on April 25
• 2002 International / SVI mobile air, placed in service as SR 5 on April 25. Photos and more information.

Two alarms at 4749-A Courtney Lane. Courtney Square Apartments. Dispatched 1:36 a.m. Fire on second floor and through roof. Started in attic of vacant apartment. Fire contained to two units with water damaged in two other units. Five families displaced. E19, E11, E22, T11, R19, C51, E15, E21, T22, R7, SR5, C2, C3, C4, C5, C10, C52. [MF] (July 21, 2002)^lw

Two alarms at 3308 Ocean Key Place. Apartments. Dispatched 1:30 a.m. Code 3 fire. Units dispatched again at 7:00 a.m. for rekindle. First: E20, E2, E13, T8, R14, C52, plus Swift Creek FD. Second: TBD. [MF] (July 31, 2002)^{lw, rfd}

FireWatch premiered on Raleigh Television Network. The monthly series was hosted by Fire Educator Jan Parker, and produced by RTN staff. Each episode was 30 minutes long. The concept for the series is was by the Public Affairs Director, who often featured Ms. Parker as a guest on the The City Show. (September 2002)^oh

Flash floods struck city. Five inches of rain fell, with three inches falling in a two-hour period. The ten-year storm event occured in the Crabtree and Walnut Creek Basins and a 25-year storm event occured in the Marsh Creek Basin. Damage occured particularly in Pigeon House Basin. Apartments and living areas were flooded in Marsh Creek area. Numerous roads were closed temporarily due to flooding. City received 2,618 emergency calls in a 24-hour period. Fire Department responded to 121 incidents including four rescues of people in distress either in houses or vehicles. Fifty six people were evacuated from different areas of the City. [WE] (October 2002)^ccm

Two alarms at 5720-L Capital Boulevard. Two alarms. Yolanda Nails Salon. Business contents completely destroyed with smoke damage to businesses on both sides. Damage approximately $150,000. No injuries. First alarm: E19, E15, E22, T22, R19, C51. Second: E11, E4, E9, T11, R7, C52, C5, SR 5. [MF] (October 22, 2002)^{lw, rfd}

Confined space rescue at Thomas Concrete, 1100 West Street. One fatality. [MF] (October 23, 2002)^lw

Two alarms at 1305 E. Millbrook Road. Quail Corners Shopping Center. Two alarms. Fire contained to attic space over shoe store. No injuries. Caused by electrical fault in store front sign. First alarm: E15, E9, E4, T22, R19, C51, C5. Second: E19, E6, T11, R14, C52, C1, C2, C3, C10, C71. [MF] (October 23, 2002)^{lw, rfd}

Two alarms at 1400 S. Blount Street. Cargill plant. Dispatched as fire alarm at 9:52 p.m. Top portion of grain dryer fully involved. Difficult to extinguish. Two ladders deployed for containment and exposure protection. Hose stretched across railroad lines and two trains are stopped, but third passenger train allowed to pass after crews momentarily clear their equipment. E2, E13, E1, T1, E3, E7, T8, R7, R14. [MF] (October 24, 2002)^{lw, no24oct02, rfd}

Two alarms at 3260 Lynn Ridge Drive. Sailboat Bay Apartments. Dispatched 5:15 p.m. Engine 18 first arrived. Three apartments with heavy fire damage. Contained about 6:30 p.m. Six apartments destroyed. First alarm: E18, E23, E17, T16, R14, C53. Second: E4, E16, T22, R19, C51. [MF] (October 30, 2002)^{lw, no31oct02, rfd}

Three alarms at 111 Friendly Drive. University Towers. Dispatched 1:00 p.m. Fire contained to single room. Extensive search and smoke removal operation. Limited damage. No injuries. First: E5, E8, E14, T8, R14, C52, C5, SR1. Second: E13, E6, T1, R7, C53, C3, C4, C10, C71. Third: E2, T11. [MF] (November 18, 2002)^rfd

Recruit academy #28 graduated 10 firefighters. The academy started on October 7 and lasted 11 weeks. The graduation ceremony is conducted at the City Council Chambers. (December 30, 2002)^rfd

2003

Apparatus note: 1988 GMC step van placed in service as Haz-Mat 15. Photos and more information. (January 10, 2003)^rfd

Three alarms at 2815 Capital Boulevard burned. Old Holiday Inn. Heavy fire on first and second floors of two-story hotel building. Units remained on scene through the night. E11, T11, T1, E21, E19, others. [MF] (March 1, 2003)^{lw, rfd}

Two alarms at 1222 Carlton Avenue. [MF] (March 5, 2003)^rfd

Two alarms at 300-A Greenlief Street. House fire, early morning. One occupant escaped through a window, with burns to hand and arm. First: E8, E20, E5, T8, R14, C53. Second: E13, E6, E14; T1, R7, C52. [MF] (March 5, 2003)^{rfd, no06mar03}

Two alarms at 2 Broughton Drive. D. H. Hill Library at North Carolina State University. Dispatched 3:30 a.m. Fire contained to ground floor kitchen on west wing. First: E5, E13, E1, T1, R14, C52. Second: E14, E6, E8, T8, R7, C53, C5. [MF] (April 22, 2003)^{lw, rfd}

Recruit academy #29 graduated 28 firefighters. The academy started on October 7, 2002 and lasted 26 weeks. The graduation ceremony was conducted in Fletcher Hall in the BTI Center. (April 7, 2003)^rfd

Apparatus note: 2002 Volvo tractor and 2002 Great Dane trailer placed in service as Decon 1. Photos and more information. (April, 2003)

Station 26 opens at 3929 Barwell Road. Engine 26 placed in service with 1986 Pemfab / EEI pumper. Photos and more information. (June 9, 2003)

Station 27 opens at 5916 Buffalo Road. Engine 27 placed in service with 1985 Pirsch pumper. Photos and more information. (June 9, 2003)

Two alarms at 1 E. Edenton Street. State Capitol. Dispatched 1:50 p.m. Fire on roof under construction, quickly contained. Second alarm for heat stress. First alarm: E1, E13, E3, T1, R7, C52. Second: E2, E11, T11, R19. [MF] (July 9, 2003)^{lw, rfd}

Three alarms on Penmarc Drive. Warehouse building. Dispatched 9:00 a.m. First alarm: E2, E1, E13, T1, C51, R7. Second: E5, E7, T8, R14, C5. Third: E8, E9, T16, C51. [MF] (August 22, 2003)^{lw, rfd}

Two alarms (?) on Salem Court. [MF] (August 25, 2003)^rfd

Hurricane Isabel struck eastern North Carolina, eye of Category 1 storm striking southeastern coast with 92 mph winds at 3:00 p.m. "B" shift, on four day break, was recalled to work 24-hour shift from noon Thursday (September 18)to noon Friday (September 19), to staff the following:

• four personnel minimum for all engines and trucks
• aides assigned to all chief officers
• two firefighters staffing both mini-pumpers
• spare engines placed in service, one per district: Station 2 (E101), Station 6 (E102), Station 10 (E103), Engine 15 (E105)
• spare ladder company placed in service at Station 21 (T111)
• spare rescue company placed in service at Station 7 (R113)
• fourth district chief placed in service at training center (C12).

Twelve member "B" shift Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team staffed USAR 1 and USAR 2 at training center for deployment as needed to eastern North Carolina. Second team from Thomasville also deployed at training center, primarily for swift- water rescue capabilities. Third team from Charlotte proceeded directly to Kinston. Call volume for "A" shift, from 8:00 a.m. Thursday to 8:00 a.m. Friday, was 235 runs. Normal call volume was 75 rums per 24 hours. Specific calls of "tree down" were not answered during this period. Engine 5 was busiest engine company, with 32 runs. [WE] (September 18, 2003.)^pb

New computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system placed in service at Emergency Communications Center. (September 24, 2003).

North Carolina Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Task Force 8 placed in service. Team was comprised of members and equipment from Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Cary fire departments. Two tractor-drawn USAR units were placed in service at the Keeter Training Center: USAR 1, a 1979 International tractor pulling a 1974 Hackney converted beverage trailer, and USAR 2, a 2002 Volvo/Great Dane transfer truck. Earlier in the decade, the Raleigh Fire Department had identified the need for a Type I USAR team capable of continuous technical rescue operations at man-made and natural disasters for extended periods and without the need for outside resources. They conceived of a task force with the four fire departments.

After the events of September 11, 2001, federal money was made available through North Carolina Emergency Management to develop a statewide USAR program to respond and assist impacted communities when local resources were taxed beyond their capabilities. The Raleigh Fire Department received $100,000, which set into motion the development of Task Force 8. In May 2002, Raleigh firefighters attended a structural collapse exercise in Asheville. In August of that year, thirty-six firefighters from the four departments attended a Structural Collapse Technician (SCT) school in Charlotte.

In April 2003, Task Force 8 completed construction of a USAR training facility at the Keeter Training Center. Also that year, Atlas Engineering joined Task Force 8, to provide engineers, heavy equipment, and operators as needed for training and deployments. In September 2003, almost immediately after becoming operational, Task Force 8 was pre-deployed to the Keeter Training Center for Hurricane Isabel. Twelve task force members staffed USAR 1 and USAR 2 for deployment to eastern North Carolina if needed.

Subsequent missions included September 2004, to Macon County to assist with Hurricane Ivan damage; December 2005, to Harrison County, MI, to assist with Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts; September 2007 to Clayton, for an aircraft into a building; June 2009 to Garner, for a building explosion and fire; and April 2011 to Raleigh, for tornado damage. On January 1, 2007, Wake County EMS joined Task Force 8. They began providing medical specialists for training and deployment. On August 1, 2007, thirty haz-mat technicians were added from the Raleigh Fire Department, which completed the NIMS criteria for a Type I USAR team. In November 2009, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol joined Task Force 8 to provide helicopter rescue support, and began training with task force members as a helicopter rescue team. (September 2003)^chb

Two alarms at 6516 Lake Hill Drive. The Lakes Apartments. Dispatched 7:41 p.m. Fire contained to two apartments. First alarm: E15, E9, E4, T22, R19, C51. Second: E6, E16, E19, T16, R7, C52. [MF] (October 11, 2003)^{lw, rfd}

Radio procedures changed. Plain talk replaced ten codes. Specific words replaced Code I / II / III arrival codes. (November, 2003).

2004

District chiefs reorganized from three divisions to four divisions. The battalions were organized as:

Battalion Chief positions renamed Division Chief, or Shift Commander. District Chief positions renamed Battalion Chief. (January 10, 2004)

Apparatus note: Foam 12 moved to Station 26. (January 10, 2004)

Apparatus note: Mini 4 moved to Station 24, for improved response to airport parking decks and Umstead State Park. (February 20, 2004)^rfd

Two alarms on Quarter Cove Court. Engine 18 arrived. Two-story, triplex townhome. First: E18, E4, E23, T16, R14, B3. Second: E16, E13, others? Plus E17, E10, E2, E18 for fire watch. [MF] (February 28, 2004)^rfd

Recruit academy #30 graduated 13 firefighters. The academy started on February 5 and lasted 9 weeks. The graduation ceremony was conducted at the City Council Chambers. (March 5, 2004)^rfd

Two alarms on S. Wilmington Street. Adult bookstore. Two alarms. E2, E1, E13, E3, E20, T1, R7, B2, B3, C5, C3, C198, and SR 5 responded to early morning fire. [MF] (April 3, 2004)^lw

Apparatus note: Sixth truck company placed in service as Truck 24 with 2001 Quality / Spartan Gladiator. Photos and more information. (April 6, 2004)

Two alarms at 9530 Lumley Road burned. Abandoned warehouse. Dispatched shortly after 4:00 p.m., controlled in about 30 minutes. First: E24, E23, E18, T24, R14, B4. Second: E17, E16, E4, T16, B1, R7, C5, C198. Also E26, E25, E8 for fire watch. RDU CFR also responded. [MF] (April 17, 2004)^{no18apr04, lw, rfd}

Two alarms at 1002 Lake Boone Trail. Two alarms. Home under construction, 90 percent finished. $2.2 million, 11,179 square-feet. Reported at 10:35 p.m. Fire through roof on arrival. Interior operations changed to defensive attack, then resumed after roof extinguished. Two companies stood by, relieved every two hours. First: E14, E16, T16, R14, B3, C5, SR 5. Second: E5, E8, T8, R7. [MF] (April 21, 2004)^{lw, rfd}

Apparatus note: Mini 24 moved to Station 23. (April 27, 2004)^rfd

Two alarms at 4660 Tournament Drive. Apartments. Dispatched 10:15 p.m. Reported as small fire on porch, also inside the wall, and moving up the apartment building. Reported as fire covering the second floor. Controlled at 10:53 p.m. E17, E14, E18, E16, E23, E9, T16, T24, R14, R19, B4, B3, C5, SR 5. Overnight with E10 and E4 in shifts at the scene. [MF] (April 29, 2004)^{lw, no30apr04, rfd}

Two alarms at 313 Roselle Court burn. Pines of Ashton Apartments. Dispatched 8:29 p.m. Flames through roof of three-story building on arrival. Controlled by 9:45 p.m. Top floor of apartment building destroyed. B1, B2, B3, C198, FC3, C5, C72, E1, E10, E11, E12, E21, E3, E7, R19, R7, SR5, SO1, T1, T11. [MF] (June 11, 2004)^{lw, no12jun04}

Two alarms at 6300 Oak Brook Circle. Townhouse building. Dispatched 4:12 a.m., controlled by 5:30 a.m. First alarm: E9, E15, E4, T16, R9, B1. Second: E16, E19, E18, T11, R14, B4, SR5, C5. (June 14, 2004)^{lw, no15jun04, rfd}

Two alarms at 1746 Quail Ridge Road. Apartments. Dispatched 8:05 a.m. Engine 15 arrives with heavy fire in the middle of the building. Upgraded to major working fire. First alarm: E15, E19, E11, T11, R19, B1. Second: E16, E4, T16, C5, SR5. [MF] (June 27, 2004)^{lw, rfd}

Three alarms at 3101 Kings Court burned. Apartments. Dispatched 3:03 p.m. Heavy fire on arrival. Heat index of 100 degrees. Fire contained to two apartments. First alarm: E8, E20, E5, T8, R14, B3. Second: E2, E1, E14, T1, R7, B2. Third: E6, E13, E17, T11, SCFD R1. [MF] (July 7, 2004)^{lw, rfd}

Two alarms at 6600 Glenwood Avenue. Wal-Mart Garden Center. Two alarms. Fire contained to garden center. Dispatched 1:13 a.m. First alarm: E18, E23, E17, T16, R14, B4. Second: E14, E6, E9, T24, R19, B1. [MF] (July 8, 2004)^lw

Two alarms at 3817 Brentwood Road burned. Brentwood West Apartments. Two alarms. E10, E11, E13, E15, E19, E21, E27, E4, E6, E7, E9, R14, R19, R7, SR5, SO1, T1, T11, T16, B1, B2, B3, C10, C198, C5, C71. [MF] (July 14, 2004)^lw

Apparatus note: North Carolina Hazardous Materials Regional Response Team (RRT) 4 placed in service, after relocated from Parkwood Fire Department in Durham County. Assets include:

• 1995 International / Hackney tractor-drawn haz-mat unit
•  six-wheel decontamination fifth-wheel trailer
•  four-wheel support trailer.

The primary unit was placed in service at Station 15. The decontamination trailer was housed at Station 22, and towed by a 1979 International tractor. The support trailer was housed at Station 8 and later Station 15, before being moved to its final location at Station 22. Photos and more information. (July 16, 2004)^rfd

Apparatus note: Rescue 14 moved to Station 6. (July 17, 2004)^rfd

Two alarms at 4900 Lancashire. Started by lightning strike in attic. First: E23, E18, E17, T16, R14, B4. Second: E16, E4, T24, R19. [MF] (July 18, 2004)^rfd

Two alarms at 1001 Brighthurst Drive. Two alarms. [MF] (August 10, 2004)^rfd

Three alarms at at 214 E. Martin Street burned. Greenshields Brewery and Pub. Dispatched 4:00 a.m. Fire started in the kitchen hood and vent system on first floor and spread through ceiling and into roof. Controlled in about an hour. First alarm: E1, E3, E13, T1, R7, B2, SR5, C5. Second: E2, E5, E7, T8, R14. Third: E6, E12, T16, C1, C2, C3, C10. Built in 1914 as the City Market, the structure was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. [MF] (August 17, 2004)^{lw, no18aug04}

Recruit academy #31 graduated 18 firefighters. The academy started on April 5 and lasted 24 weeks. The graduation ceremony was held in Memorial Auditorium. (September 27, 2004)^rfd

Apparatus delivered:  

• 2004 American LaFrance Eagle pumper placed in service as Engine 6 on August 26
• 2004 American LaFrance Eagle pumper placed in service as Engine 14 on August 28
• 2004 Pierce Arrow XT tractor-drawn aerial ladder placed in service as Truck 1 on September 11.^rfd
  Photos and more information.

Services and Shop begin moving into new facility at 4120 New Bern Avenue, a 13,018 square-foot expansion of the City Heavy Equipment Depot. The $1,117,123 building includes a six-bay garage, storage rooms, and office space. Photos and more information. (October 8, 2004)

Two alarms at 1900 Pepsi Way. Pepsi Bottling Company plant. E1, E10, E12, E2, E26, E3, E7, R19, R7, SR5, SO1, T1, T11, B2, B3, C5, C71. [MF] (October 18, 2004)^rfd

Two alarms at 1625 Capital Boulevard. Capital Inn. Dispatched about 4:50 p.m., controlled in about five minutes. Three rooms gutted, more damaged. [MF] (October 20, 2004)^{no21oct04, rfd}

Apparatus notes:

• Truck 8 moved to Station 20
• Haz-Mat 20 moved to Station 2
• SR20 moved to Station 2 (November 5, 2004)

Two alarms at 6913 Springcreek Cove. Apartments. Engine 18 arrived. Large amount of fire found in two apartments. Heavy fire damage in two apartments, smoke and water damage in two more apartments. E11, E16, E17, E18, E20, E23, E24, E6, E9, Mini 23, R14, SR5, SO1, T16, T24, B3, B4, C198, FC2, C5, C71. [MF] (November 9, 2004)^rfd

Commercial building at 1400 Diggs Drive burned. Three alarms. Four units fully involved on arrival. Eventually eight to ten units involved. No injuries. First: E2, E1, E13, T1, R7, B3. Second: E20, E10, E3, T20, R14, B2. Third: E5, E6, E12, T11. Plus: C2, C5, C72, SR5. [MF] (November 12, 2004)^rfd

Battalion Chief 3 moved from Station 1 to basement of Station 8. The former Services site was renovated to add a kitchen, sleeping quarters, and meeting area. The construction took several weeks and was performed by firefighters. (November 19, 2004)

Two alarms at 1405 Hardimont Road. Monticeito West Apartments. Fire started in bathroom of unit and rapidly spread to attic. Major damage contained to unit or origin. Four adults displaced. First: E11, E9, E15, T11, R19, B1. Second: E19, E6, E16, R14, B4. [MF] (November 22, 2004)^rfd

Two alarms at 220 W. Davie Street. Morts Trophies and/or current/former tire company. Dispatched as fire alarm. Major working fire, then downgraded. Truck on fire inside structure. E1, E13, E2, E3, E5, E6, E7, R14, R19, SR5, SO1, T11, T20, B1, B3, FC4, C5, C71. [MF] (December 20, 2004)^{rfd, lw}

Trench rescue in Wakefield subdivision. One fatality. [TR] (December 23, 2004)^lw

Two alarms at 7304 Bryn Athyn Way. Apartments. Dispatched just before 5:00 a.m. Flames venting through windows on arrival at two-story apartment building. Controlled by 5:30 a.m. One apartment gutted. E15, E16, E18, E19, E4, E9, R14, R19, SR5, SO1, T11, T16, B1, B4, C198, C5. [MF] (December 30, 2004)^rfd

Apparatus note: Mass-casualty incident (MCI) unit placed in service, using a tractor-drawn box truck. Photos and more information.

2005

Surprise snowfall sent fire units scrambling to multiple medical calls, vehicle accidents, and single-engine response fire alarms. Though only about an inch accumulated in the Capital City, melting snow on the roadways soon refroze due to the low temperatures. Early-closing schools and businesses soon clogged the slick streets with a record number of cars and buses. The resulting congestion stalled traffic and slowed emergency responses on both major thoroughfares and popular cross streets. Gridlock also hampered the efforts of crews clearing snow and applying sand. Tire chains were ordered onto fire apparatus about 2:30 p.m. Gridlock persisted on major roads into the early evening and increasingly poor road conditions affected response times to some incidents. Dozens of abandoned cars littered roadways and firefighters assisted some stranded motorists with finding shelter. Routine commutes took as long as ten hours for some drivers. Multiple-vehicle accidents occurred throughout the afternoon, though no serious injuries are reported.

The Raleigh Police Department responded to 422 vehicle accidents between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m., with another 60 reported accidents pending. By midnight, officers were taking information over the phone for minor wrecks. Units also responded to a working apartment fire at 1209 Holman Street around 8 p.m. Car 72 and Truck 1 were first on scene and report fire showing from a second floor window. Engine 1, Engine 13, Engine 2, Rescue 7, Battalion 3, and SR 5 also responded. Both the room and its contents were destroyed.

By 10 p.m., approximately 350 school buses were still on the road. Another 3,000 children around the county were being sheltered at 56 schools for the night. Major arteries including both the Beltline and New Bern Avenue remain stalled into the late evening. By 11 p.m., Governor Mike Easley had declared a state of emergency for Wake County, allowing state government buildings to be opened as shelters. Other motorists slept overnight in their cars. The fire department answered 152 calls between 0800 hours Wednesday and 0800 hours Thursday, nearly a 50% increase over the average volume of 82 calls per day. [WE] (January 19, 2005)

Apparatus delivered:  

• 2004 American LaFrance Eagle pumper placed in service as Engine 1 on January 19
• 2004 American LaFrance Eagle pumper placed in service as Engine 13 on January 26.^rfd
  Photos and more information.

Two alarms at 4711 Walden Pond Drive. Condominiums. Engine 15 arrived with working fire. Upgraded by Battalion 1 moments later as major working fire. E11, E15, E16, E19, E27, E9, R19, R7, SR5, SO1, T11, T16, B1, B4, C10, C5, C71. [MF] (February 7, 2005)^rfd

Two alarms at 1205 Angelus Drive. Apartments. Battalion 3 first arrived. Major working fire with two units involved. E1, E10, E12, E2, E3, E7, Mini 3, R14, R19, R7, SR5, SO1, T1, T11, B1, B2, B3, C10, C198, C5, C72. [MF] (March 19, 2005)^rfd

Major natural gas leak on Fayetteville Street Mall. [HM] (April 5, 2005)^lw

Training tower demolished. The 51 year-old structure was reduced to rubble within two hours using heavy machinery. The demolition was performed on a Saturday morning. The debris was removed over the following week and transported to a storage area for later USAR training. (April 16, 2005)

Classroom trailer added at Keeter Training Center. The double-wide structure subsequently housed a tabletop simulator constructed later that year by firefighters. (April 2005)

Two alarms at 2411 Dunn Avenue. Reynolds Coliseum. Dispatched about 10:20 a.m., controlled by 11:40 a.m. Fire sparked by a malfunctioning electrical transformer spreads into two rooms and spreads smoke damage through entire structure. [MF] (May 23, 2005)^{lw, no24may05}

Apparatus delivered:  

• 2005 Pierce Enforcer pumper placed in service as Engine 2 on May 28
• 2005 Pierce Enforcer pumper placed in service as Engine 11 on May 28
• 2005 Pierce Dash aerial ladder 75' placed in service as Truck 11 on June 4
• 2005 Pierce Arrow XT aerial ladder 105' placed in service as Truck 22 on June 4
  Photos and more information.

Apparatus note: Foam 26 removed from service. Foam canisters were moved to Station 2, with SR 2 designed as the transport vehicle. (June 8, 2005)

Two alarms at 8405 Leesville Road. Leesville Middle School. Roof under construction. E16, E17, E18, E23, E24, E4, FOPS1, R19, R7, SR5, SO1, T16, T22, T24, DHE3, B1, B4, C5. [MF] (June 17, 2005)

Two alarms at 620 Weathergreene Drive. Townhouse building. [MF] (July 20, 2005)^lw

Apparatus note: Seventh truck company placed in service as Truck 26 with 1988 Pierce Arrow snorkel. Photos and more information. (August 6, 2005)

Recruit academy #32 graduated 24 firefighters. The academy started on February 7 and lasted 27 weeks. The graduation ceremony was held in Fletcher Hall in the BTI Center. (August 8, 2005)^rfd

Two alarms at 3712 Overlook Road. Amana Auto Care Center. New Hope and other county departments also responded to the evening fire. E11, E15, E19, E21, E22, E4, FL210, FLE212, FLTA217, R19, R7, SR5, SO1, T11, T22, B1, B4, C198, FC3, C5, C72, NHE1, NHE2, NHE8, NHT14, NHT6, NHTA11. [MF] (August 9, 2005)^{lw, no10aug05}

Three alarms at Colonial Carton Company in Clayton. Raleigh Fire Department haz-mat team responded. [HM] (August 15, 2005)^lw

Two alarms at 220 Mountain Mist Court. Apartments. E1, E10, E13, E2, E20, E5, E9, R14, R7, SR5, SO1, T1, T20, B2, B3, C198, C5, C74, C75. [MF] (September 9, 2005)^rfd

Two alarms at 4113 and 4417 Cobble Court. Two houses. Dispatched about 8:15 a.m. Second alarm called as two houses found on fire. Caused by discarded cigarette in rear. First alarm: E27 E19 E21 T11 R19 B1. Second: E11 E15 E7 T22 R7 B2. Also on scene: C5 SR5 C72 C73 C75 C198 EMS16 EMS5 AND EMS2. [MF] (September 11, 2005)^rfd

Major natural gas leak in 100 block of Fayetteville Street Mall. [HM] (October 18, 2005)^lw

Fire department halted single-engine response to fire alarms after several weeks of fuel conservation that started after August 29 when Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Louisiana and impacted Gulf Coast fuel suppliers. (October 20, 2005)

Two alarms at 456 Dorothea Drive. Apartments. Firefighters encountered heavy fire at 456 Dorothea Drive on Monday morning. Located in the Hertiage Park housing project, the two-story wood-frame apartment building had fire on both floors. A second alarm was soon requested. The 7:28 a.m. incident was marked under control at 7:56 a.m. Three units were damaged or destroyed. Units on scene: E1 E13 E2 R7 T1 B3 E3 E5 E8 T20 R14 B2 C2 C3 C5 C10 C73 SR5 EMS11 EMS 13 EMS203. [MF] (October 31, 2005)^rfd

Two alarms at 5509 Homewood Banks Drive. Dispatched just after 3:00 a.m, to another restaurant location above Crabtree Valley Mall. Correct location quickly confirmed as first-due Engine 16 spots flames from Lead Mine Road. After arrived firefighters discovered a dead hydrant in front of the 8,826 square-foot hilltop structure, Engine 17 emptied its hose bed along the 1,000-foot driveway to a hydrant at the street. Truck 16, operating reserve Truck 112, prepared an elevated master stream and Engine 16 stretched two hand lines. Battalion 4 requested a second alarm several minutes after the approximate 3:13 a.m. dispatch. Firefighters operated in defensive mode from the beginning with Engine 17 supplying Truck 16 and Truck 16 supplying the hand lines off Engine 16.

Two additional engines and a mini-pumper were special called as a precaution against the fire extending into the excessively dry wooded areas. The blaze did not spread beyond the building. Apparatus were staged at the intersection of Homewood Banks Drive and Blue Ridge Road. Most of the fire was knocked down by 4:30 a.m., though the remains of the structure continued to burn for another hour or so. The split-level wooden structure was built in 1956 as the residence of Kidd Brewer, developer of Crabtree Valley Mall. In the mid-1980s, the structure was converted into the Crossroads Restaurant. Most recently operated as It's Prime Only, the building had been abandoned for a number of years. First Alarm: E16, E17, E9, T16, R14, B4, Second: E14, E6, E18, T11, R7, B3 Special Called: E13, E11, Mini 3, Other Units: C5, C3, C4, SR5, C72, EMS 4, EMS 203, Six Forks EMS. [MF] (November 6, 2005)^{lw, rfd}

Nine firefighters departed for Harrison County, Mississippi, to assist with Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts. Debris removal from demolished buildings was the primary focus of the USAR team members. The crew returned to Raleigh two weeks later, and were greeted at the Keeter Training Center by family members, fire officials, and other fire department members. [UD] (December 9, 2005)

Division Chief moved from Station 9 to basement of Station 8. The former Services site and present Battalion 3 quarters were renovated to accommodate an additional office and living area. The construction took several weeks and was performed by firefighters. (December 10, 2005)

Two alarms at 12241 Oakwood View Drive. Dispatched 4:53 a.m. Engine 25 first on scene and reported major working fire. Three hydrants used with five-inch lines to Engine 25, Truck 22, and Truck 16. Master streams utilized from Truck 22 and Truck 16. Six hand lines also deployed. Ten apartments destroyed and another ten apartments damaged. The 23,000 square-foot, three-story wood frame building fire was brought under control at 6:25 a.m. First alarm: E25, E22, E15, T22, R19, B1, along with Falls E211 E212 and chief units. Second: E4, E18, E19, T16, R7, B4. Also: C3, C4, C5, C10, C72, C198, EMS10, EMS12, EMS16, EMS205. Two sand trucks also special called for iced surfaces from 20 degree temperature. [MF] (December 22, 2005)^{lw, rfd}

Two alarms at 1508 Gorman Street. Dispatched about 12:00 a.m. Engine 8 first on scene. Battalion 3 reported working fire, then upgraded to major working fire. Two-story wood-frame apartments well-involved in rear units. Companies: E8, E20, E5, T20, R14, B3, E1, E13, E14, T1, R7, B4, SR5, C5, C3, C10. [MF] (December 23, 2005)^{lw, rfd}

Fire Chief Earl Fowler retires. City Manager Russell Allen announced his replacement one week prior as John T. McGrath, a Deputy Chief from Philadelphia. (December 31, 2005)

Apparatus delivered: 2005 Ford F-550 mini-pumper with Reading utility body and Slagle firefighting equipment, later placed in service as Mini 9. Photos and more information. (December 2005)

Community Emergency Response Team created. Sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Association, the program educated citizens on disaster preparedness and provided training in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. About 18 volunteers comprised the initial team.

Vehicle delivery: Two 2005 Ford Excursions placed in service as Battalion 1 and Car 5. Photos and more information.

2006

Two alarms on Sandy Creek Drive. Apartments. The two-story, wood-frame condominium building was reported ablaze about 1:30 p.m. First-due Engine 4 declared a major working fire on E15, E16, E18, E19, E27, E4, E9, R14, R19, SR5, SO1, T16, T22, B1, B4, C5, C72. [MF] (January 7, 2006)^{lw, rfd}

John T. McGrath appointed sixteenth Fire Chief. He was the third Raleigh Fire Chief from outside the department, a 32-year veteran of the Philadelphia Fire Department. (February 1, 2006)

Fire department changed radio system to a 800mhz digital trunked system. (February 1?, 2006)

Two alarms at 3201 Clark Avenue. House. The large two-story residence in West Raleigh challenged firefighters Friday evening. The 3,251 square-foot brick structure at 3201 Clark Avenue was declared a working fire upon arrival by Engine 5 around 6:45 p.m. Crews worked to control flames in roof and attic areas, with both interior operations and exterior attacks from at least three sides. A second-alarm was dispatched about 20 minutes into the incident, and a full assignment of relief personnel responded to the scene a couple hours later. Staging for the second alarm was Clark Avenue. Staging for the relief assignment was Dixie Trial. The call was reported by motorists who spotted smoke trailing from the building. The fire reportedly started in an unoccupied front room on the second floor. Built in 1931, the house was the home of an elderly couple. All occupants escaped unharmed, including one person in a wheelchair. Fire units remained on the scene through the evening. Raleigh Fire Department investigators returned to the scene Saturday morning. Units on Scene: First alarm: E3, E6, E8, T20, R14, B3, C5, SR5. Second: E14, E13, E20, T1, R7, B4, C3. Move-ups: E7 to Station 8, T11 to Station 1. Relief: E7, E9, E17, T11, R19. [MF] (February 17, 2006)^rfd

Apparatus note: Truck 24 moved to Station 23 after facility renovations and expansion completed. (March 4, 2006)

Two alarms at 610 E. Martin Street. Dispatched about 10:40 a.m. Engine 3 arrived 1.5 story rooming house well-involved. Upgraded to major working fire. Special call for Engine 7 at 11:03 a.m. E1, E13, E16, E26, E27, E3, E5, E7, Mini 2, R19, R7, SR5, SO1, T1, T11, T23, B1, B2, B3, C198, C5, C75. [MF] (March 16, 2006)^rfd

Fire department started partnership with Community Services Department for new smoke alarm installation program targeting seniors and homeowners with disabilities. (March 2006)

Diversity plan implemented to increase the number of women and minorities hired by the fire department. (March 2006)

Two alarms at 3903 Green Road. Apartments. Severe weather taxed fire department resources late Monday morning as a series of severe thunderstorms passed through the Capital City. The largest incident was a two-alarm apartment fire on Green Road. Reported about 10:30 a.m. at 3903 Green Road, Engine 19 declared a working fire on arrival. They also requested the second-due engine bring in a second hand line. As interior crews reported difficulty accessing the seat of the fire, a second alarm was requested about 15 minutes later. Crews fought heavy fire in three ends units and an aerial platform was raised for a possible defensive attack. Engine 27 stretched a five-inch supply line across Green Road to Truck 11, operating the reserve Mack tower. Green Road was also used for staging and rehab units and Raleigh police officers closed the roadway north of the New Hope Church Road intersection. With the staging area depleted about 11:20 p.m., another engine and truck company was called. At least two relief engine companies were sent to the scene. Three apartments were destroyed, and a fourth was damaged. The fire is believed to have been caused by lightning. First-alarm: E19, E27, T1, R19, B2, SR5, Car 5, EMS 7, and EMS 205. Second: E11, T11, E7, R7, E9, B4, and Car 74. Other units on scene included E13, T16, E16, E17, E21, BC 3, Car 10, Car 2, Car 1, EMS 16, and MD 1. Barry's Cafe's Feed the Firefighter unit also brought lunch to the scene. . [MF] (April 3, 2006)^rfd

Two alarms at 10811 Hamilton Club Drive. Twenty-four units were destroyed at the Carrington Apartments at 10600 Lanier Club Drive near the Brier Creek Country Club early Saturday afternoon. Located off Alexander Drive just south of Highway 70, the fire was one of several suspected arson fires. Units: E14, E18, E19, E23, E24, E9, SR5, T23, Parkwood FD. Bethesda FD, Bay Leaf E121, Tanker 125, T25, Durham Highway E1, E2, E3, E4, Durham City FD, B3, C198, C5. [MF] (April 22, 2006)^rfd

Apparatus delivered: 2006 Freightliner / Hackney tractor-drawn haz-mat unit, to replace Haz-Mat #2. (April 28, 2006)

Eight fire inspectors from Inspections Department moved to Fire Department. (Spring)

Apparatus delivered:  

• 2006 Pierce Arrow XT aerial ladder 105' placed in service as Truck 26 on May 1
• 2006 Pierce Enforcer pumper placed in service as Engine 8 on June 7
• 2006 Pierce Enforcer pumper placed in service as Engine 15 on June 7
• 2006 Pierce Enforcer pumper placed in service as Engine 12 on June 8
• 2006 Pierce Enforcer pumper placed in service as Engine 3 on June 9
  Photos and more information.

Drill tower dedication at Keeter Training Center. The five-story structure replaced a 1954 tower demolished last year. (May 2, 2006)

Two alarms at 1800 Summerdale Drive. Two alarms. E11, E12, E21, E27, E3, E7, R19, R7, SR5, SO1, T11, T26, B1, B2, C198, FC2, C5. [MF] (May 25, 2006)^rfd

North Carolina Fallen Firefighters Foundation memorial dedicated. Personnel assisted with event and provide use of Station 1 for participating firefighters and family members. (May 6, 2006)

Two alarms at 10700 World Trade Boulevard. Warehouse. E14, E16, E17, E18, E19, E22, E23, E24, E4, E9, R14, R19, T16, T23, Bethesda FD, Durham Highway E4, B1, B4, C198. [MF] (June 7, 2006)^rfd

Tropical storm remnants caused worst flooding in ten years. Firefighters performed numerous water rescues and evacuations. [WE] (June 14, 2006)

Two alarms at 8311 Hempshire Place. Apartments. Occurred during severe thunderstorm activity. Two-story, six-unit, wood-frame townhouse with fire through roof on arrival of Engine 18. Master streams operated by both Engine 18 and Truck 23. E14, E15, E16, E18, E4, E6, E9, R14, R19, R7, SR5, SO1, T22, T23, T26, Bay Leaf Tanker 125, B1, B4, C5, C75. [MF] (June 23, 2006)^rfd

Bicycle team created for special events. Two-person team was equipped for rapid response to medical emergencies. (June, 2006)

Last Mack pumpers retired from service. (July 2006)

Water treatment plant building at 10301 Falls of Neuse Road burned. Hazardous-materials incident. [HM] (July 1, 2006)

New administrative positions added: Facility Manager, Planner I, and Systems Analyst Programmer. (July 1, 2006)

Two alarms at 2008 Poole Road. Commercial building. Flowers Et Cetera. E7 E3 E12 E10 E1 E13 T1 T11 R7 R14 B2 B3 C5 C3 C198 SR5 EMS7 EMS13 EMS203. Special called T26 for evening fire watch. [MF] (July 27, 2006)^rfd

Two alarms at 410 Cutler Street. House fire. E1, E13, E2, E20, E5, E7, E8, R14, R7, SR5, SO1, T1, T20, B2, B3, C5. [MF] (August 1, 2006)^rfd

Two alarms at 4300 Hickory Ridge Drive. House fire. E11, E15, E16, E19, E4, E9, R14, R19, T11, T16, B1, B2. [MF] (August 2, 2006)^rfd

Three alarms at 2200 Banks Hill Row burned. Second alarm dispatched prior to arrival. Engine 22 arrived with heavy fire conditions in rear of two-story, four-unit apartment building. Truck 22 with aerial operations. Two hydrants. First: E22 E25 E4 T22 R19 B1. Second: E18 E19 E9 T11 R7 B4. Third, for relief: E10 E27 T20 R14 B3. SR5 C5 C1 C3 C71; Six Forks 1272 EMS3 EMS5 EMS10 EMS15 EMS205. Additional relief companies and fire watch: E17 T23 E21 E16. Also Emergency Management and Red Cross on scene. Temperatures around 98 degrees. [MF] (August 4, 2006)^rfd

Three alarms at 536 Rose Lane burned. One fatality. Dispatched about 6:00 a.m. Engine 12 arrived with second alarm on arrival. One-story dwelling well-involved. Multiple reports of subjects trapped. Crews extended hand lines from Engine 12, and Engine 7 laid 800 feet of five-inch supply line. Defensive operations, with fire extended into yard and a van in driveway. One male found inside, one female found outside, transported to UNC burn center. Third alarm requested about 6:40 a.m. E12 E7 E3 T1 R7 B2, E10 E1 E13 T11 R14 B3, E2 E11 E5 T26 R19 B1, C5 C1 C3 C4 C198 SR5, EMS7 EMS11 EMS1 EMS13 EMS203. Also several ATF, CCBI, RPD investigators. Special called E7 T26 R14 back for relief. Command terminated about 2:40 p.m. [MF] (August 6, 2006)^{rfd. lw}

Two alarms at 1700 Calypso Court. House fire. E1, E10, E12, E2, E20, E26, E3, E7, E9, R14, R7, SR5, SO1, T1, T26, B2, B3, C5. [MF] (August 14, 2006)^rfd

Apparatus note: Truck Company nomenclature changed to Ladder Company. (August 21, 2006)

Two alarms at 12220 Jasmine Cove. House under construction. Dispatched about 6:30 a.m. Engine 25 arrived. Major working fire. Two-story house with 3,300 square-feet, well-involved. Interior, then defensive operations. E15, E18, E19, E22, E25, E4, L22, L23, R19, R7, SR5, SO1, Falls E211, Falls E212, B1, B4, C198, C5. [MF] (September 3, 2006)^rfd

Two alarms at 4617 Mill Village Road. Apartments. Two alarms. First alarm: E16, E14, E17, L16, R14, B4, C5, SR5, B3. Second: E9, E6, E18, L11, R7, B4. [MF] (September 26, 2006)^rfd

Chemical fire and extended haz-mat incident in Apex. Raleigh haz-mat units were requested by the Apex Fire Department after an explosion and fire at a hazardous waste storage facility near US 1 and Highway 55. Regional response teams from Raleigh and Fayetteville were subsequently summoned. Nearly 17,000 residents were requested to evacuate, and the command post was relocated three times. Some 300 firefighters were on scene at the height of the incident, including personnel from Wake, Harnett, Orange, and Durham counties. Command was terminated 43 hours and 32 minutes later. See Apex Fire Department site for more information. [HM] (October 5, 2006)

Apparatus note: Field Comm 1 placed in service. Built by firefighters, its first working fire was a multi-day haz-mat incident in Apex. (October 2006)

Two alarms at 3621 Cum Laude Court. Apartments. Two alarms. Heavy fire conditions in three-story apartment building. E1, E13, E2, E20, E5, E6, E8, L1, L20, R14, R7, SR5, SO1, B3, B4, C198, C3, C5, FC1. [MF] (November 10, 2006)^rfd

Extreme Makeover Home Edition filmed in Raleigh for eight days. Personnel and equipment provided for 24/7 protection and assistance. (November 30, 2006)

Two alarms at 1600 Poole Road. Apartments. Dispatched about 1:30 a.m. Engine 3 arrived. Working fire at two-story apartment building, with fire in first floor unit. Flames extended to second floor and through roof. Upgraded to major working fire about 1:40 a.m. E1, E10, E12, E13, E3, E7, L1, L11, Mini 3, R14, R7, SR5, SO, B2, B3, C198, C2, C5. [MF] (December 2, 2006)^rfd

Two alarms at 4732 Courtney Lane. Apartments. Dispatched about 11:10 p.m. Originally reported as a kitchen fire. E19 arrived, reporting Major Working Fire. E11, E15, E19, E21, E22, E27, L11, L16, L26, R19, R7, SR5, SO1, B1, B2, C198, C5, FC1. [MF] (December 11, 2006)^rfd

Two alarms at 2433 Wesvill Court. Meredith Village Apartments. Dispatched at 2:02 p.m. First-due Engine 14 spotted heavy smoke en route and found fire through the roof on arrival. Crews commenced an aggressive interior attack, with Engine 14 supplied by Engine 8. A second alarm was struck within minutes by Battalion 3. Command was assumed by Car 5 upon arrival. Ladder 16, operating reserve Ladder 110, was positioned on the northeast corner of the three-story building. The articulating platform was raised, but was not placed into use. The fire was contained within 20 minutes and extinguished 45 minutes into the incident. Additional companies were special called for manpower, with crews remaining on scene until late that evening. Barry's Cafe provided emergency food service for personnel. Eighteen units were damaged and at least ten families were displaced. No injuries were reported, despite initial reports of subjects still inside. The cause of the fire was believed to be a clogged flue from a first-floor water heater. Units on scene included: E14, E8, E16, L16, R14, B3, EMS 8 (first alarm), E9, E6, E17, L11, R7, B4, Car 5, Air 5, Car 72, Car 3, Car 2, EMS 4, EMS 203, EMS 204 (second alarm), E1, E10, E27, L20, R19 (special called). [MF] (December 20, 2006)^rfd

Raleigh Fire Department Photo Unit expanded with second photographer. Longtime lenser Lee Wilson was joined by former firefighter Mike Legeros. That year, both were also organized into an official Wake County EMS photo unit. (2006)^chb

2007

Two alarms at 7311 Brookmont Drive burned. Cumberland Cove Apartments. Fire showing from second floor on arrival of Engine 18. Two-story wood-frame residential structure. Second alarm for manpower. First alarm: E18, E23, E17, L16, R19, B4, B1, Air 8, Car 5, EMS 1272. Second: E9, E15, E16, L27, R7. [MF] (January 5, 2007)^rfd

Two alarms at 2800 Cates Avenue. E1, E13, E20, E3, E5, E6, E8, L1, L20, R14, R7, A8, B2, B3, C5. [MF] (January 19, 2007)^rfd

Two alarms at 305 Roselle Court. Apartments. Three fatalities. Two homicides and one suicide. Dispatched shortly before Pine Knoll Townes fire, on same side of city, and that escalated to six alarms. First: E12, E11, E3, L11, R7, B3. Second: E1, E10, E26, R14, L1, B3, C5, A8. [MF] (February 22, 2007)^rfd

Six alarm fire destroys Pine Knoll Townes townhomes. [ Alarm levels revised May 2012, upon examination of additional documentation. ] Located off 3500 block of Capital Boulevard, Pine Knoll Townes was a new townhouse community. Streets included Oneonta Avenue, Londonville Street, Pine Knoll Drive, Landsman Drive, Binghampton Lane, and Manhasset Lane. The newly constructed structures included 20 occupied and five completed but unsold. Originally dispatched as brush fire at 3:03 p.m. to 3525 Oneonta Avenue. Engine 27 first on scene. Second alarm requested upon arrival of BC due to extension to other buildings. Third alarm requested within two minutes of second alarm. Command at corner of Oneonta and Manhasset. Staging at corner of Manhasset and Pine Knoll. Apparatus staging on Pine Knoll and on Old Buffaloe. Rehab and medical monitoring at corner of Pine Knoll and Old Buffaloe.

Wind-fed flames quickly spread between buildings and across Oneonta. Weather conditions: 73 degrees, 8% humidity, winds around 30 MPH with gusts to 37 MPH. Engines pump on Manhasset (E9), northern end of Oneonta (E27, E19), and Pine Knoll at Landsman (E22). Four aerial streams using Ladder 16 on Pine Knoll, Ladder 22 (operating reserve platform) and later Ladder 23 on Pine Knoll at Landsman, and Ladder 26 on Londonville. Two additional aerials are positioned on Pine Knoll, Ladder 1 and Ladder 20 (operating reserve ladder). Brush units and tankers, requested via mutual aid, are positioned at end of Pine Knoll. Twenty-seven homes destroyed, and 11 damaged. Twelve separate four-unit structures involved. Average square footage of home: 1,428.75. Average square footage of four-unit building: 5,715. Total square footage of buildings burned, partially burned, or had to be protected: 68,580.

Twenty-nine families with 72 people displaced. Embers spread as far as a quarter-mile from the scene and sparked at least one brush fire. New Hope and Falls special called for brush fires. Thick smoke spread across Capital Boulevard and caused delays. No injuries reported. City, state, and federal investigators on scene. Cause identified as discarded smoking materials.

Two alarms at 335 Sherwee Drive. Commercial structure. Dispatched just after 8:00 p.m. Virginia Hardwood Flooring. Engine 2 arrived. Vehicle fire inside rear of building, extended to structure. E2, E1, E13, L1, R7, B2, E10, E3, E20, L20, R14. [MF] (February 23, 2007)^rfd

NC Task Force 8 purchased Base of Operations (BOO) equipment, adding the ability to self-shelter during deployments. (March 2007)

Recruit academy #33 graduates. The academy starts in September 2006 and lasts 27 weeks. The graduation ceremonies were held in Fletcher Hall at the BTI Center. (March 12, 2007)^rfd

Progress Energy substation on Glen Eden Drive burned. Haz-mat and airport apparatus special called. Dispatched 7:25 p.m. as transformer fire. Had reports of large area power outage. Engine 14 arrived with power substation on fire. Requested first-alarm response, then haz-mat response. Airport crash truck and additional resources also requested. Glen Eden shut down between Blue Ridge and Edwards Mill roads. Controlled in about two hours. E14 E16 E18 E8 L16 L20 R14 R19 HM2 SR22 FC1 A8 B3 B4 C5 C72 C1 C3, CFR2, EMS31 EMS32 EMS3 EMS4 EMS203, WC3. Coverage with E21 and E10 to 17, E13 to 16, E7 to 2, Western Wake E191 to 14. [UF] [HM] (March 16, 2007)^{rfd, lw}

Two alarms at 9109 Meadow Mist Court. House. Dispatched shortly after 2:30 p.m., controlled within about an hour. Two-story, wood-frame single-family residence threatens other structures. Heavy fire on arrival. Ladder stream utilized in addition to hand lines. Units on scene included: E24, E23, E17, E18, E16, E14, L23, L16, R14, R19, B4, B1, Car 5, Air 8, Bethesda engine, Six Forks EMS 1272, 1271, 1268, Wake EMS 203, 205. [MF] (April 9, 2007)^{no10apr07, rfd}

Station 28 opens at 3500 Forestville Road. Engine 28 placed in service with 1995 Pierce Dash pumper. (April 25, 2007)

First Retiree and Media Day held at the Keeter Training Center. Over 100 retirees, retiree widows, and family members attended. (May 19)

NC Task Force 8 is deployed to Holly Springs for trench rescue. [UD] (May 20, 2007)

Wake County EMS honored Raleigh firefighters involved in cardiac arrest resuscitations in 2006 [with the first annual awards ceremony?]. (May 21, 2007)

Fire department sponsored the first annual Fallen Firefighters Foundation Golf Tournament. The event raises $17,000. (June 14, 2007)

Haz-mat crews spent 11 hours at an industrial plant on Capital Boulevard after the accidental release of 15,000 gallons of sulfuric acid. [HM] (June 28, 2007)

Two alarms at 4806 Hargrove Road. Commercial structure. Two alarms. Capital Office Supply and Atlantic Countertop. Dispatched about 12:45 a.m. as fire alarm. Engine 19 arrived with smoke visible, upgrading to working fire. Upgraded to second alarm about 12:57 p.m. First: E19, E15, L11, B1. Working fire: E11, E27, R19, C5, A8. Second: E22, E21, E9, L22, R14, B4. Also C2, C3, C198, EMS5 EMS203. [MF] (July 11, 2007)^{rfd, lw}

Passenger bus overturned on I-440 at New Bern Avenue. Mass causality incident. [UI] (August 1, 2007)

Two alarms at 1419 Nottingham Road. House. Two alarms. Early morning fire. Rescue 14 arrived with working fire at a two-story, 4,300 square-foot house under construction. Well-involved. Immediately upgraded to Major working fire. Defensive operations with two hydrants, deluge gun, and several hand lines. Controlled about 5:00 a.m. Exposure damage to adjacent house. Crews remain on scene all day, hitting hot spots and investigating. E6, E14, E5, L16, R14, B3, E8, E1, E13, E16, L1, R7, B4, C5, FC1, A8, C198/E9, EMS4, EMS8, EMS203. RPD, CCBI, SBI also on scene. [MF] (August 1, 2007)^{rfd, lw}

Apparatus note: Mini 9 moved to station 4. (August 17, 2007)

Apparatus note: Fleet Services converted a former rescue unit into a mobile service vehicle. (August)

Full-time fire investigators placed in service at Station 9, one per shift. (August 18, 2007)

Three alarms at 3833 Bonneville Court burned. Apartments. Reported at 3:56 a.m. Dispatchers advised that multiple calls were being received, and occupants were reportedly trapped. Police were first on scene, and also reported that people were trapped. Officers were later credited with going door-to-door to awaken residents. Three occupants were transported, at least one of which jumped from a balcony. Two firefighters also sustained minor injuries, and were transported and soon released. Some of the companies responded from the scene of an earlier working fire with Engine 21. Battalion 1 reported smoke showing from Atlantic Avenue. Engine 11 arrived at 4:01 a.m, reporting a major working fire and resulting in an automatic second-alarm dispatch at that time. Crews had heavy fire showing from a three-story, 11,898 square-foot, apartment building. Flames were showing through the roof, with at least two of the three floors involved. The third alarm was requested after several minutes.

Battalion 1 assumed command, then Car 5. At least two supply lines of several hundred feet were laid along narrow, congested roads and parking lots. Two aerial streams were started, first Ladder 16 and then Ladder 22. Apparatus staged in parking lots, and on both Bonneville Court and New Hope Church Road. Police closed access to Bonneville Court at New Hope Church Road. The building's four hour-rated firewall reportedly prevented the fire from spreading into the adjoining second structure. Occupants were evacuated from both buildings. The fire was reported under control at 5:55 a.m. Damage was sustained to 14 of the 22 apartments, and with a partial collapse of the structure. Fire damaged 6 apartments. About 70 people were displaced, though some news reports cited a higher number. The fire was suspected as starting on the balcony.

"A" shift units included E6, E7, E9, E11, E12, E13, E15, E19, L1, L11, L16, L22, R7, R14, R19, B1, B2, B4, C2, C4, C5, C198, A8, FC1, M4, EMS3, EMS5, EMS7, EMS8, EMS16, EMS1271, EMS101, EMS200, EMS203, EMS T1. "C" shift brought relief companies, who remained on scene until Friday evening. Other agencies on scene included RPD, SBI, Emergency Management, Red Cross, and Barry's Cafe. Newspaper cites 90 people displaced, Rom 22 units, with 36 families staying in shelters. [MF] (August 20, 2007)^rfd

Haz-Mat team members won second place at the annual Haz-Mat Challenge at the South Atlantic Fire Expo in Winston-Salem. (August 25, 2007)

Firefighters raised $12,079 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association during the International Association of Fire Fighter's (IAFF)annual Fill the Boot campaign. (August 31-September 1, 2007).

Two alarms at 4708 Fargo Court. Dispatched about 4:10 p.m. Single-story, wood-frame duplex. 2,278 square-feet. Smoke visible across city. Heavy fire through roof of structure on arrival of Engine 16. Supply line laid by Engine 14. Primarily exterior attack, due to unstable roof conditions. Second alarm requested for manpower. First alarm: E16, E14, E9, L11, R14, B4, E23, L23, E17, C5, A8, FC1. Second: E6, E18, E13, L16, R7, B3. Other units: C3, C198, EMS4, EMS1, EMS203, EMS T1, SFEMS 1274. Evening/overnight: L26, E22, E8, E26, E21, E25, E4. [MF] (September 5, 2007)^rfd

Three alarms at 1201 Trillium Court burned. Wildwoods of Lake Johnson Apartments. Dispatched about 10:40 p.m. First-arrived Engine 8 with heavy fire in the rear of the three-story, twelve-unit, wood-frame apartment building. Battalion 3 established command in the front of the structure and directed defensive operations. Ladder 20 was positioned in the front right of the structure and utilized as an aerial stream. Apparatus was staged on Wood Aisle Road. Six units were heavily damaged. No injuries were reported and 21 residents were displaced. The blaze apparently started in a second-floor exterior storage closet. Companies remained on the scene into the next day. E1, E2, E3, E5, E6, E8, E10, E13, E14, L1, L16, L20, R7, R14, B3, B4, C5, C71, C198, A8, EMS 4, 7, 8, 13, 203, 572, 602, T1. [MF] (September 16, 2007)^rfd

NC Task Force 8 deployed to Clayton for an incident involving a building struck by an aircraft. [UD] (September 21, 2007)

Apparatus note: Station 16 received a 2007 Pierce Enforcer pumper and a 2007 Pierce Arrow XT 105-foot aerial ladder. (September, 2007)

High-level rescue performed on W. Martin Street, when an injured construction worker is lowered from the 21st floor. [TR] (October 15, 2007)

Haz-mat teams from Raleigh and Greensboro responded to incident near Siler City for a chemical leak after a motor-vehicle accident involving a tanker. Personnel spent 30 hours mitigating 2,200 gallons of leaking anhydrous ammonia. After exhaustive efforts at off-loading, the tanker was moved to a remote landfill. The roadway was reopened and the off-loading continues uninterrupted. [HM] (November 2, 2007)

Structural Collapse Technician School #5 concluded at the Keeter Training Center. This was the first SCT school offered to students statewide. (November 9, 2007)

Two alarms at 1400 S. Blount Street. Cargill plant. Vehicles and trash. E1, E10, E13, E19, E2, E21, E3, E4, E5, E7, L1, L20, R14, R7, A8, B1, B2, B3, C198, C5. [MF] (November 9, 2007)^rfd

Two alarms at 4808 Six Forks Road. E11, E14, E15, E17, E19, E4, E6, E9, L11, L16, R14, R19, A8, B1, B4, C198, C5. [MF] (November 20, 2007)^rfd

Apparatus note: 2007 Ford F-350 Super Duty swift-water rescue truck placed in service as USAR 801. Three others subsequently delivered to the other NC USAR Task Force #8 member departments. USAR 801 subsequently parked at Station 14. (November, 2007)

Responses to automatic fire alarms changed to one engine and one ladder. (November, 2007)

Company-level accountability enhanced with new helmet fronts and reflective markers mounted to breathing apparatus. (November-December, 2007)

Three alarms at 6904 River Run burned. Apartments. Dispatched about 6:55 p.m. Contained around 8:00 p.m. Two-story structure with 16 units. Residents living in 13 of the units. About 12 units damaged or destroyed. Flames through roof on arrival. About 75 firefighters. 12 engines, 3 ladders, 3 rescues. A8, B1, B3, B4, C1, C198, C5, FC1, E1, E14, E15, E16, E17, E18, E23, E24, E4, E6, E9, L11, L16, L23, R14. [MF] (December 5, 2007)^rfd

2008

Apparatus note: 2008 Ford F-350 Super Duty truck with camper shell and equipment tray placed in service as Car 198. (January 1, 2008)

Fire department suffers third line-of-duty death. Lt. Herman S. Jones, 58, died after suffering an apparent heart attack. He was on duty Friday, January 18, at Station 10, when he began to experience chest pains. He was transported to WakeMed and then to UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill. He died at the hospital on January 22. Jones began his service with the Raleigh Fire Department on May 5, 1980, and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on June 16, 2001. He was buried following a church service on Saturday, January 26, at Juniper Level Baptist Church in Raleigh. Captain Ronald Ricks, Firefighter Joseph Callender, Firefighter Patrick Canady, Lieutenant Gregory Buxton, Senior Firefighter George Jones Sr., and Senior Firefighter Michael Barnes were pallbearers. (January 22, 2008)

Apparatus note: Car 198 renamed Car 20. (January 30, 2008)

Apparatus note: Station 9 received a 2007 Pierce Enforcer pumper. (February 2008)

Two alarms at 3211 Shoreview Road. Dispatched 5:56 p.m. Engine 18 first on scene at the 2.5 story wood-frame apartments. Engine 16 personnel briefly trapped after an interior ceiling collapsed. They sounded a mayday, and escaped unharmed. Controlled 6:52 a.m. E4, E6, E9, E10, E16, E16, E17, E19, L16, L20, L23, R14, R19, B1, B2, B4, C5, C20, C1, A8, FC1. "B" shift. [MF] (February 2, 2008)^cadSTOP

Two alarms at 7013 Woodbend Drive. Two alarms. Two-story, wood-frame, 10,672 square-foot apartment building. Engine 4 first on scene and reported a major working fire. Battalion 1 arrived and took command. Ladder 16 and Ladder 11 were positioned for aerial streams, but not used. The interior attack contained and controlled the fire within about 20 minutes. Four units were damaged, two with major smoke and fire damaged. Dispatched 10:00 p.m. Controlled 10:34 p.m. Units include E4, E9, E15, E17, E19, E11, E18, L16, L11, R19, R14, B1, B4, C5, A8, C20, C2, EMS 121, EMS 16, EMS 11, EMS D1, EMS T1. "B" shift is working. [MF] (February 9, 2008)^cad

High winds sparked several brush fires. The fire department answered over 80 calls between 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Late in the 3:00 p.m. hour, a fast-moving grass fire at 12424 Cilcain Court brought Raleigh and Falls units to Wakefield. Heavy fire threatened and slightly damaged several homes. Units included E25, E22, E15, E18, E19, L22, R19, Falls 212, Falls 219, and Falls Brush 1. A major brush fire erupted in 300-400 block of Newton Road. At 4:20 p.m., Engine 4 was dispatched to a woods fire, and found flames threatening a three-story apartment building. Engine 4 requested a full working fire assignment. Engine 9 was second on scene and upgraded to a major working fire. Three sides of the structure were threatened. An automobile was also fully involved in the front of the building. A second brush fire was burning about a block east, on the south side of Newton Road. Ladder 16 was directed to that location and subsequently supplied water by Engine 23. A third brush fire was also discovered. Units on scene included E4, E5, E9, E11, E14, E16, E17, E23, R7, R14, L16, L23, B2, B3, B4, C5, C2, Mini 4, EMS 12_, EMS 12_, EMS 1280, and Wake MD 1.

About 5:00 p.m., a brush fire on the east side of Glenwood Avenue near Lake Boone Trail was reported. The fire was started by a tree limb touching a power line, which ignited debris in a ditch. Flames climbed an embankment, and spread onto the 17th hole of a golf course. About five acres of the course were burned. The fire was controlled after 9:00 p.m. Units on scene included E14, E6, E5, E13, E8, Mini 3, B2, B3. About 5:25 p.m., a dumpster fire was reported at a restaurant at 8011 Brier Creek Parkway. Arrived units found flames have spread to the building. The fire was quickly contained. The building was safely evacuated. Units on scene included Bethesda T421, Raleigh E24, Durham Highway E1, Raleigh Battalion 2, two EMS units, and EMS D2. Other companies, including Raleigh Ladder 26 (!) were canceled. [UF] (February 10, 2008)^{rfd, cad}

Ammunition exploded at a metal recycling facility at 2310 Garner Road. Personnel at Station 2 heard the explosion about 10:45 a.m. The explosion was the result of live ammunition exploding in a compactor. Two workers were transported with injuries. Garner Road was closed and the area evacuated. Nearby rail traffic was also halted. The incident appeared to be winding down by noon, and most fire and EMS companies were released around that time as officials awaited the arrival of demolition experts from Fort Bragg. "C" shift is working. That afternoon, subsequent identification of the ordinance caused an escalation of the incident. Three 90 mm rifle rounds and 18 anti-tank projectiles were found in the bales of scrap metal, reported media the next day.

Several fire companies and EMS units were recalled to the scene, with many other agencies soon arrived. A larger area was evacuated, with fire companies assisting with evacuating residents. Plans were made to detonate some of the ordinance in place, instead of moving same off-site. The first controlled explosion occurred at approximately 11:05 p.m., the sixth and last one at 2:40 a.m. The Beltline was closed for the first explosion, for approximately 30 minutes. The incident continued for two more days, with continued demolitions.

Participating agencies and units on Tuesday included RFD E2, E10, E1, E13, L26, R7, B2, B3, C5, C20, C2, C92, FC1, fuel truck, IT staff. Later L1, C1, E19, E6, R19, B1, B4, and recalled off-duty personnel. Wake County EMS EMS 1, EMS11, EMS13, EMS D1, EMS T1, MD1, MD20. Later EMS C200, EMS 15. Wake Emergency Management, Wake Fire Marshal, Raleigh Police Department, State Highway Patrol, Wake County Sherriff, Wake CCBI, North Carolina ATF, Department of Defense, and Barry's Cafe. [UI] (February 12, 2008)

Two alarms at 1309 Corporation Parkway. Commercial structure. Dispatched 12:05 p.m. E3, E7, E11, E12, E19, E21, E27, L11, L26, R7, R19, B1, B2, C5, C20, C1, A8. [MF] (March 25, 2008)^rfd

Two alarms at 3917 Knickerbocker Parkway. Dispatched 1:30 p.m. Three-story, wood-frame apartments with 13,896 square-feet. Rescue 14 first on scene, reported major working fire. Ladder 16 and Ladder 20 operated aerial streams, after interior crews brought out. Engines 14, 17, 16, 8, 23, 6, 9, 18, Ladders 16, 20, 23, Rescues 14, 7, Battalions 4, 3, Air 8, and Cars 195, 20, 5, 4, 2, 1 among the fire units initially on scene. EMS units included EMS 2, 1, 11, 14, 123, DC-1, Truck 1, and Chief 200. News & Observer reported 29 people displaced from 12 units. Controlled after an hour. Crews remained on scene, and extinguished hot spots into evening. [MF] (March 26, 2008)^rfd

Two alarms at 4702 Bayridge Crossing. Dispatched 4:48 a.m. Controlled 5:35 a.m. E7, E11, E15, E21, E22, E27, E28, E11, E12, R7, R19, B1, B2, C5, C20, A8, New Hope E2. [MF] (March 30, 2008)^cad

Two alarms at 2241 Stonhenge Drive. Dispatched 10:36 p.m. Controlled 11:43 p.m. E4, E5, E9, E13, E15, E16, E17, E18, E26, L16, L22, L23, R14, R19, B1, B2, C5, C20, C1, A8. [MF] (April 5, 2008)^cad

Two alarms at 2311 Byrd Street. Dispatched 6:19 p.m. Extinguished 7:02 p.m. E1, E3, E5, E6, E9, E13, E16, L1, L16, R7, R14, B2, B3, B4, C5, C20, A8, FC1. [MF] (June 8, 2008)^{rfd, cad}

Two alarms at 7721 Harps Mill Road. Dispatched 5:19 p.m. Engine 15 first on scene at a two-story residence with 2,828 square feet. Built in 1978. Engine 15 reported major working fire with flames through roof. Controlled 5:35 p.m. "C" shift companies on scene included E15, E4, E22, E19, E25, E11, E9, L22, L16, R19, R7, B1, B2, B4, C5, C20, A8. EMS units include EMS 122, EMS 33, D3, MD20, T1. [MF] (June 12, 2008)^{rfd, cad}

Fire department sponsored the second annual Fallen Firefighters Foundation Golf Tournament. The event raises over $12,000. (June 12, 2008)

Apparatus note: Haz-Mat 8 placed in service with a 2008 Ford F-350 Super Duty haz-mat recon vehicle. (June 19, 2008)

Two alarms at 100 Lake Front Drive. Apartments. Dispatched 7:16 p.m. Controlled 7:33 p.m. E4, E9, E16, E17, E18, E23, L16, L23, R14, R19, B1, B4, C5, C20, A8. [MF] (June 19, 2008)^{rfd, cad}

New procedures implemented for reported fires in high-rise buildings. Five engines, two ladders, one rescue, a Battalion Chief, and a Division Chief comprised the initial dispatch. The EMS response included three EMS units, two District Chiefs, a Major Operations Support Unit, and a Logistics Officer. Arrived companies had pre-designated duties based on the order of dispatch, including fire attack, fire floor support, lobby control, elevator control, and Rapid Intervention Team (RIT). (July 1, 2008)

Three alarms at 11705 Dellcain Court. House. Dispatched 2:14 a.m. Engine 24 arrived with second floor fully involved of frame residence with 2724 square feet. Built 2006. Defensive operations protected threatened structures on either side of fire building. Ladder 23 operating. Extensive spread of firebrands in neighborhood. Controlled at 3:43 a.m. Units on scene included E24, E23, E17, E4, E16, E22, E9, E15, E8, E6, Durham E13, Durham Highway P4, Bethesda E421, L23, L16, L22, Bethesda L413, B4, B1, B3, C5, C20, A8, E7 for relief, Six Forks EMS 122, 121, Wake EMS T1, and Cary EMS D5. Coverage included E13 (at 16), L1 (at 17), L11 (at 15). "C" shift, with "B" shift following. [MF] (July 6, 2008)^{rfd, cad}

Recruit academy #34 graduated 24 members. The academy started in January 2008 and lasted 26 weeks. The graduation ceremonies were held in Fletcher Hall at the BTI Center. (July 14, 2008)^rfd

Two alarms at 434 Westcliff Court. House. Dispatched 10:25 p.m. Controlled 11:56 p.m. E1, E6, E8, E13, E14, E16, E20, L1, L20, R7, R14, B3, B4, C5, C20, A8. [MF] (July 19, 2008)^{rfd, cad}

House at 3718 Rivermist Drive burned. Dispatched 12:15 a.m. Engine 10 reported column of fire visible while en route, and declared a major working fire upon arrival at a two-story, wood-frame house with 3,030 square-feet. Heavy fire in rear, with offensive attack. Adjacent residence damaged. No injuries. Controlled 12:56 a.m. "B" shift units include E10, E26, E12, E7, E3, E11, L26, L11, R7, R19, B2, B3, C5, C20, A8, EMS7, EMS11, EMS13, EMS D1, EMS T1. [MF] (July 23, 2008)^{rfd, cad}

Two alarms at 6308 Shanda Drive. Apartments. Dispatched 2:55 p.m. Controlled at 3:44 p.m. E4, E6, E9, E10, E15, E16, E18, E19, E22, L22, L23, R14, B1, B2, C5, C20, C27, C1, A8. [MF] (July 29, 2008)^{rfd, cad}

Gas tanker overturned and exploded on the Beltline. Fully loaded gas tanker overturned on inner loop of Beltline just before Rock Quarry Road. Exiting from I-40, rig reportedly lost control, rolled, and caught fire. Driver was ejected, then pulled to safety by passers-by. Transported to WakeMed, then transferred to UNC burn center. Garner initially dispatched, and requested Raleigh E10. Incident also dispatched as house fire at the end of Rose Lane. Alarm time about 12:34 a.m. Engine 10 first on scene. Units included Raleigh E10, E12, E2, E7 (off Rose Lane), B2, C5, Garner E1, T_, B1, plus tankers from Eastern Wake, Garner New Hope, Swift Creek, and Western Wake. Tanker shuttle operated from water point on Rock Quarry Road. Beltline closed as fire burned itself out. EMS present with two units, supervisor, and Truck 1. Crews cleared by 5:35 a.m. [UF] [TF] (August 26, 2008)

Ceremony conducted at Smokehouse, with bronze plaque unveiled to commemorate that the building was constructed with bricks from old Station 5. (September 9, 2008)

Two alarms at 5063 Tall Pines Court. Condominiums. Dispatched 6:12 p.m. Engine 9 first on scene at a two-story, wood-frame condominium building with 1,546 square-feet (in one unit). Working fire with interior attack. Second alarm requested by Battalion 4, approximately 10 minutes into incident. Kitchen fire that extended into attic and through the roof. Ladder 16 set up, and utilized for roof access. Fire controlled 7:17 p.m. Three units damaged. No injuries. Cause determined as unattended cooking. Red Cross assisted several displaced residents. First alarm units: E9, E15, E16, L16, R9, B4, C5, C20, A8. Second alarm units: E19, E11, E17, L11, R7, B1. Also EMS 3, EMS 5, EMS 15, EMS 33, EMS D3, EMS D1, EMS T1. [MF] (September 18, 2008)^{rfd, cad}

Explorer Post reactivated after two-year hiatus. The first meeting was held at Station 23, with meetings scheduled every other Wednesday at a different station. (September 18, 2008)

Three alarms at 1022 Hammell Drive. Commercial building. Engine 1 first on scene at 1022 Hammell Drive, with heavy smoke showing from a two-story concrete-block warehouse building with a metal roof. They requested a second alarm upon arrival. The 31,634 square-foot building, heavily partitioned and occupied by several businesses, also served as a residence for two individuals. They are off-site and located later, though additional resources were dispatched for search and rescue. An additional ladder was also requested at the time of the second alarm. Crews encountered heavy fire inside the structure and defensive operations were initiated within minutes. Engine 1 and Ladder 1 started master streams in the front of the building, as the fire vented through the roof. Ladder 20, operating a reserve articulating platform, was positioned in the rear of the structure. Ladder 11 was later raised at the southeastern corner of the building. Ground monitors, and two-inch hand lines were also operated.

At least four hydrants supplied operations, including from South Saunders Street and Lake Wheeler Road. Crews were challenged by the distance to the nearest hydrants, which required lays as long as 1,500 feet. One supply line, from the corner of Lake Wheeler Road and Fuller Street, was hand-laid through two yards, over a fence, and down an embankment. Police closed sections of both Lake Wheeler Road and South Saunders Street during operations. Command was located in the northeast corner of the building, conducted by Car 2 and assisted by Battalion 3, Battalion 2, Car 5, and Car 1. Rehab was conducted by EMS crews at EMS Truck 1, a major operations support unit position at the corner of South Saunders Street and Hammell Street.

Dispatched 5:34 p.m., the first unit arrived at 5:38 p.m. The working fire and second alarm units were dispatched at 5:39 p.m. The third alarm was dispatched at 6:26 p.m. The fire was declared under control at 9:35 p.m. Crews saved half the building. No injuries were reported. Relief companies were present at the scene through the night. County units assisted with coverage at city stations during the first hours of the fire, with Garner FD at Station 2 and Western Wake FD at Station 5. Barry’s Café brought their rehab unit to the scene and fed firefighters. “B” shift was working.

First alarm at 5:34 p.m.: E1, E2, E13, L1, R7, B3.
Working fire at 5:39 p.m.: E10, C5, C20, A8.
Second alarm at 5:39 p.m.: E8, E5, E20, L20, R14, B2.
Special call at 5:40 p.m.: L11.
Special call at 5:42 p.m.: R19.
Third alarm at 6:26 p.m.: E22, E4, E6, L16, B4.

Coverage between second and Third: E4 to E2, E22 to E1, L16 to L1.
Coverage after Third: E27 to E1, L26 to L1, Garner E3 to E2, Western Wake E191 to E5.
Relief companies: 9:46 p.m. - B1, 10:06 p.m. - L26, 10:15 p.m. - E27, E16, 2:38 a.m. - L23, 2:44 a.m. - E14, 2:55 a.m. - E7, 8:00 a.m. - E20, L1, B3.
EMS resources: EMS 1, 11, 13, 31, D1, D2, T1, 20 (relief personnel), Chief 200 (rehab supplies). [MF] (September 21, 2008)^{rfd, cad}

Two alarms at 925 E. Lane Street. Apartments. Dispatched 8:28 p.m. Engine 3 arrived with a working fire at a two-story, masonry apartment building with 2,688 square-feet. One subject in upstairs window, rescued. Second alarm requested, dispatched, but units quickly returned to service after fire controlled. First alarm: E3, E1, E7, E13, L1, R7, B2, C5, C20, A8. Second: E5, E10, E6, L20, R14, B3. One victim with smoke inhalation. Cause determined as deliberately set. [MF] (October 19, 2008)

Raleigh Fire Department Historical Society held first organizational meetings, with a group of active and retired firefighters and civilian supporters. The group began as the idea of Historian Mike Legeros and Battalion Chief Alan Waters in 2007. Regular meetings soon started with a core group of participants: Legeros, Walters, Gary Amato, David Barefoot, Jan Chamblee, Jeff Harkey, Tim Henshaw, and Tim Wall. In February 2010, they were incorporated as a non-profit charity. Early activities included dedicating a plaque for the historic smokehouse in 2008, creating a log book library at Station 23 in 2010, and helping with planning and fundraising for the fire department’s centennial in 2012. (October 2008.)^chb

Two alarms at 2208 Fox Ridge Manor Road. Apartments. Dispatched 12:11 p.m. Engine 10 arrived at a two-story, brick apartment building with a working fire in a second-story apartment, fire venting through window. Eight units, 8,596 square-feet, built 1972. Second alarm requested several minutes later, just before control gained of fire. Second alarm units returned to service. Controlled 12:22 p.m. Units included E10, E12, E26, L26, R7, B2, C5, C20, A8. [MF] (November 4, 2008)

Engine 9 overturns on St. Albans Drive while responding to call. The early evening accident occured just west of Hardimont Road, while Engine 9 was responding to a reported structure fire on Navaho Drive. The four firefighters aboard were not injured. Units on scene included E11, E15, E19, L11, R7, R19, B1, B2, B3, C20, C5, C2, C1, EMS D1, EMS 21. The 2008 Pierce Enforcer pumper was driven from the scene, after being righted. [AI] (December 17, 2008)

2009

Apparatus notes:

• Ladder 23 moved to Station 24.
• Mini 24 moved to Station 23.
• Mini 4 moved to Station 17.

• Battalion 4 moved to Station 23. Photos and more information. (January 3, 2009)

Apparatus notes:

• Eighth ladder company placed in service as Ladder 4 with 2001 Quality / Spartan Gladiator.
• Mini 17 moved to Station 16.

• Ladder 16 moved to Station 17. Photos and more information. (January 6, 2009)

Two alarms 4951 Tall Timber Drive. Apartments. Dispatched 2:26 a.m., with the Emergency Communications Center reporting multiple calls. Engine 16 (B shift) arrived at a three-story, wood-frame apartment building with heavy fire showing through the roof. Crews made an initial interior attack, and also evacuated other residents. Two hydrants were caught and several hand lines were utilized. Battalion 4 was the Incident Commander. As the fire progressed, defensive operations were started using Ladder 17. The fire was controlled two hours later. Twelve apartments were rendered uninhabitable and 19 people were displaced. The cause was determined as started by discarded smoking materials on the second-floor rear deck. E4, E6, E9, E14, E16, E17, E18, L4, L17, L24, R7, R14, B3, B4, C5, C20, SR2 as A8. [MF] (February 13, 2009)^{rfd, cad}

Two alarms 1405 Lofton Place. House. Dispatched 2:28 p.m. Controlled 3:01 p.m. E1, E2, E3, E10, E12, E20, E26, L1, L20, R7, R19, B2, B3, C5, C20, C72, SR2 as A8. [MF] (February 13, 2009)^rfd

Two alarms at 5321 Evergreen Forest Way. Apartments. Dispatched 5:58 a.m. Controlled at 6:44 a.m. Engine 22 arrived with heavy fire in the rear of a two-story building. Five apartments rendered uninhabitable, and 30 people were displaced. E11, E15, E19, E22, E25, E27, E28, L11, L22, R7, R19, B1, B2, C5, C20, SR2 as A8, C1, C2, C5. [MF] (February 25, 2009)^{rfd, cad}

Apparatus delivered:  Two 2009 Pierce Arrow XT pumpers. Placed in service as Engine 1 (May 21)and Engine 20. Photos and more information. (April 13, 2009)

Recruit academy #35 graduated 27 members. The academy started September 29, 2008 and lasted 28 weeks. The graduation ceremonies were held in Exhibit Hall A at the Raleigh Convention and Civic Center. (April 17, 2009)^rfd

Apparatus delivered:

• 2009 Hackney USAR trailer.
• 2008 Chevy/Isuzu USAR logistics truck. (May 2009)
• Two 2009 Pierce Arrow XT 100-foot aerial platforms. Placed in service as Ladder 22 (July 2)and Ladder 7 (July 15). Photos and more information. (May 11, 2009)

Two alarms at 8809 Stockbridge Circle. Apartments. Dispatched 3:24 a.m. Engine 4 first on scene at a two-story, wood-frame apartment building. Declared major working fire on arrival, with interior attack utilized. Battalion 1 was command. One apartment heavily damaged by fire, another damaged by water. No injuries. Command terminated 5:59 a.m., with Engine 11 remaining on scene. Units include E4, E18, E16, E15, E23, E9, E22, E11, L22, L4, R19, R14, B1, B4, C5, C4, C20, A8, EMS3, EMS2, EMS4, EMS 122, M92, D2, D3, T1. [MF] (May 21, 2009)

Explosion and building collapse at 4851 Jones Sausage Road in Garner. Engine 26 and Garner fire units were dispatched at 11:30 a.m. to an explosion and fire at the ConAgra Foods processing plant. Arrived units found a 50,000 square-foot industrial building partially collapsed, with fires inside, and numerous victims evacuating the structure. Command was established by the Garner Fire Department, and the command post was located in the front of the plant. Raleigh Fire Department technical resources were requested as mutual aid, along with haz-mat units, due to leaking ammonia. Task Force 8 was mobilized, and Raleigh USAR units were dispatched along with personnel and equipment from Cary, Chapel Hill, and Durham fire departments. Construction engineers and heavy equipment were also sent to the scene.

Fire and EMS personnel treat and transport 46 patients including three firefighters. Another three employees are still trapped inside. As haz-mat personnel perform recon, Task Force 8 began planning for an extended search and rescue operation. The first search teams enter the building at 8:00 p.m. They operate for 30 to 35 minute periods, and then change air bottles. During periods of severe weather, operations are halted due to the possibility of a secondary collapse. A base camp is also established, with climate-controlled shelters for sleeping, eating, and sanitation. The mission concludes on June 10 at 4:00 p.m., with the recovery of the third victim. The total haz-mat and USAR personnel number 93, including off-duty members. Just over 600 man hours are spent in the debris pile for search and recovery. [HM] [UD] (June 9, 2009)

Fire department sponsored the third annual Fallen Firefighters Foundation Golf Tournament. The event netted $8,238. (June 11, 2009)

Two alarms at 1316 S. Blount Street. Commercial structure. Dispatched 1:31 a.m. Engine 1 arrived with heavy smoke showing at a one-story, wood-frame structure with 6,217 square-feet. Quickly upgraded to major working fire. Interior operations at first. Defensive operations soon started. Deluge guns and ladder pipes used. Ladder 1 and Ladder 20 operated. Water supply problems requiring multiple hydrants. Command by Battalion 2, then transferred to Car 5. Blount, Person, and several cross streets closed. Fire units included E1, E13, E3, E2, E5, E7, E10, L1, L20, R7, R14, B2, B3, C5, C20, A8, C4, C3, C2, C1. EMS units included EMS_, EMS_, EMS_, District 1, Truck 1.[MF] (June 12, 2009)

Two alarms at 6305 Shanda Drive. Apartments. Dispatched 4:47 a.m. Engine 15 first on scene with heavy fire and smoke showing at a two-story, brick and frame apartment building with 10,872 square-feet. Declared major working fire on arrival. Interior attack to start, then defensive operations with Ladder 4, deluge gun, and hand lines. Controlled by 6:30 a.m. Four units reportedly damaged, started in laundry room. Cause determined as discarded smoking materials. Units included E15, E4, E9, E16, E19, E18, E22, L4, L22, R19, R14, B1, B4, C5, C2, C10, C20, A8, EMS7, EMS3, EMS5, EMS16, EMS121, D1, D3, M92, T1. "A" shift working.[MF] (June 25, 2009)

Apparatus notes: Unit numbers were changed from station numbers to sequential numbers for ladder companies, rescue companies, mini-pumpers, haz-mat units, and the mobile air unit. The change enhanced fireground safety by reducing the number of duplicate unit numbers at an incident. For example, Engine 1 and Ladder 1 to the same response. The change also eliminated equipment renumbering when apparatus was moved to another station. Reserve ladders and rescue units were not affected. Car 5 (Division Chief)and Car 10 (Training Chief) also swaped unit numbers. This change aligned Car 5 with the other Assistant Chiefs: Car 2 (Operations), Car 3 (Services), and Car 4 (Prevention). (July 7, 2009)

Ladder 4 overturned at intersection of Dawson and South streets while responding to call. Three firefighters are injured in the crash, that occurs while Ladder 4 is responding to a house fire at 1020 Mark Street. The 2004 Pierce Arrow XT tiller overturns at 10:50 a.m., while turning east on South Street from southbound South Dawson Street. Units are dispatched to the accident at 10:52 a.m., including Engine 13, Ladder 8, Rescue 3, EMS 11, EMS 81, EMS 16, Medic 95, and District 1. Four firefighters are aboard the truck, and three are transported to WakeMed. Two of the three firefighters receive serious, but not life threatening injuries. Capt. Stephen R. Page, Lt. Jason R. Lane, and Firefighter Kelly Lamotta are released that afternoon. Other units on scene include Engine 1, Rescue 2, SR 2, Car 10, Car 4, Car 3, Car 2, and EMS 1. Fleet Services personnel respond and provided assistance to the towing company, and assist with removing equipment from Ladder 4. Dawson Street is closed for over an hour, and South Street for over four hours, while the accident is investigated and the damaged apparatus removed. [AI] (July 10, 2009)

Two alarms at 2408 Paula Street. Commercial structure. Dispatched 4:55 a.m. Engine 11 arrived at a one-story, metal commercial building with heavy fire showing through the roof in the rear. Building with 6,856 square-feet, built 1971. Used as entertainment facility. Declared major working fire on arrival. Controlled 5:44 a.m. Units on scene included E11, E9, E6, E7, E3, E13, E1, L2, L4, R2, R1, B2, B1, C10, C20, A1, EMS 11, EMS 1, D1, D5, T1. [MF] (August 31, 2009)

Two alarms at 1001 E. Millbrook Road. House. Dispatched 2:54 p.m. Callers reported explosions and possibly people trapped. Car 73 and then Engine 9 arrived at a two-story, wood-frame residence with heavy fire conditions. Building with 1,890 square-feet, built 1970. Second alarm quickly requested. Interior attack, with defensive periods. Ladder 1 utilized for aerial operations. Millbrook Road closed in both directions. Two hydrants caught. Several pets rescue. Adult male victim located that evening, deceased. Two firefighters transported, one with burned, one with dehydration. Both released Tuesday evening. Controlled at 5:29 p.m; command terminated 11:18 p.m. by Engine 6. First alarm fire: E9, E4, E19, L1, R1, B1. Working fire: E11, C10, C20, A1. Second: E22, E18, E7, L2, R2, B2. Other: C1, C2, C4, C73, B4. Special called: E15, E16, E1, HM2, E6, L5. EMS units included EMS 5, EMS 13, EMS 31, EMS 121, EMS 1210, M94, D3, D6, T1. [MF] (September 15, 2009)

Fire Prevention Division restructured. Four positions were reclassified as Asst. Fire Marshal, directly reporting to the Fire Marshal / Asst. Fire Chief. Ten additional inspector, plans examiner, and captain positions were reclassified as Deputy Fire Marshal. (September 2009)

Two alarms at 4508 Wingate Drive. House. Dispatched 5:05 a.m. Engine 9 arrived at a two-story brick residence with heavy fire showing through the roof and second-story windows. Building with 2,733 square-feet, built 1985. Second alarm requested within minutes. Interior attack through garage and into kitchen. Subsequent defensive attack including aerial stream from Ladder 2 and deck gun from Engine 9. Residents safely escaped. No injuries. Second alarm companies released within about an hour. Salvage and overhaul continued through change of "A" shift to "B" shift. E9, E15, E11, E19, E16, E4, E6, L2, L1, R1, R2, B1, B2, C10, C20, A8, EMS16, EMS3, EMS121, D4, D1, M91, T1. [MF] (October 15, 2009)

Aviation Rescue Program started. Program is a partnership with the Raleigh Fire Department and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Program was created in 2009, after the General Assembly mandated that the Highway Patrol purchase a rescue-appropriate helicopter and establish a 24-hour, seven day-a-week rescue resource in the state. The Highway Patrol paired with the Raleigh Fire Department, to provide equipment for the fire department’s personnel. The program was a component of the North Carolina Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team (NCHART), a statewide search and rescue program under the direction of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. They become operational in 2010, and the program significantly reduced the deployment time for airborne rescue in central and eastern North Carolina by having helicopter rescue technicians on duty at all times. Helicopter rescue teams consisted of a pilot, co-pilot and two technicians. Their operations were limited to rescue, extrication, and delivery of patients to ground crews for further medical treatment and transport. Their capabilities included but were not limited to rescues from vehicles, swift water, flood water, and victims in trees or any location where access would be delayed or difficult for land crews to access. Between 2010 and 2012, the team had been deployed three times: on October 1, 2010, for flooding in Bertie County; on August 26, 2011, as pre-deployment for Hurricane Irene; and on May 30, 2012, to assist with locating fishermen in Tyrell County.

Abbreviations

Sources