2000-present

2000

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

Raleigh Fire Department becomes first fire department in the state to operate a permanent fitting station for child safety seats. (February 14, 2000)^yb02

Station 23 opens 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

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

Apartments at 6208 Sandra Drive burn. Two alarms. Two alarms. Dispatched 4:36 p.m. First: T15, E19, E4, E16, R19, C53, SR5, Second: E11, E6, T16, R6, C51, C3, C5. (May 16, 2000)^lw

Meredith Village Apartments at 2423 Wycliff Road burn. Three alarms. Dispatched 8:35 a.m. Under control by 9:20 a.m. First: E14, E6, E17, T16, R6, C53, SR5, Second: E16, E8, T8, R19, C52, Third: E3, E21, T1, C1, C3, C4, Special call: E5, E13, Special call: E7, E1, Special call: E23. (May 21, 2000)^{lw, no22may00}

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

Stonehenge Apartments at 7300 Stonecliff Drive burn. Two alarms. Dispatched 12:50 a.m. Controlled by 1:37 a.m. One apartment fully-involved with fire through roof. Started by fireworks. First: E18, E4, E23, T16, R6, C51, Second: E17, E16, T15, R19, C53, C5, C2, C3, C4, C10, C198, SR5. (July 7, 2000)^lw

Simulated chemical weapon attack conducted on North Carolina State University Centennial Campus. Involves Raleigh police, fire, Wake EMS, campus police, and area hospitals. Raleigh becomes 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 starts at 8:30 a.m. (July 9, 2000)

New York Deli at 113 S. Wilmington Street burns. Two alarms. Dispatched 5:25 a.m. Two-story, masonry building houses pizzeria and sandwich shop downstairs, and vacant apartment upstairs. Three ladders operating as aerial streams. One firefighter injured. First: 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 the next afternoon: E14, E18, T16. (September 6, 2000)^{yb02, lw}

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

Apparatus deliveries:

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

Town home at 834 Gaston Wood Court burns. Two alarms. Dispatched at 2:50 a.m. First: E5, E13, E1, T1, R6, C52, SR5, C5, Second: E2, E6, T8, R19, C51, C2, C198, EMS & 103. "C' shift. (February 8, 2001)^lw

Capital Roller Skating Center at 2901 Trawick Road burns. Two alarms. Rear storage room fire reported about 4:40 p.m., forcing evacuation of facility. Fire is difficult to control due to building design and caution with steel-beam roof. Under control at 5:52 p.m. First: E11, E21, E7, T11, R19, C51, C5, SR5, Second: E15, E19, T1, R6, C52, E4, C1, C3, C10, C198, Special called: T15. (April 13, 2001) ^{no, lw}

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 brings heavy rain. Fire department assist residents of apartment complexes when water surrounds properties. (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

Carolina Power & Light substation at East Street and Martin Luther King Junior Parkway explodes. Dispatched 5:35 p.m. Under control 7:31 p.m. Thick smoke is visible for miles during afternoon rush hour. The explosion and fire brings hundreds of spectators, as well as a crash truck from Raleigh-Durham International Airport, summoned to spray foam on the burning transformers. About 75 residents are evacuated from the area and nearly 20,000 customers are left without electricity on one of the hottest nights of the year. Durham Highway, Wendell, and Six Forks sends foam concentrate as Raleigh's supply dwindles. 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. (August 7, 2001)^lw

Station 25 opens 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 opens at 10440 Fossil Creek Court. Engine 24 placed in service with 1981 Mack pumper. Photos and more information . (August 24, 2001)^rfd

Apartments at 5509 Creek Ridge Lane Drive burn. Two alarms. (August 25, 2001)^lw

Apartments at 5509 Creek Ridge Lane burn. Two alarms. Dispatched 4:32 a.m. Three-story apartment fire. Fire in third floor apartment. Truck 8 flowing. First: E8, E14, E5, T8, R14, C53. Second: E9, E6, T1, C51, C5, C2, C3, C4, C10, SR5. (August 31, 2001)^lw

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

Triangle Towne Center at 3461 Sumner Boulevard burns. Two alarms. Shopping center under construction. Dispatched about 8:45 p.m., controlled by 10:10 a.m. Fire on roof of of new Hechts, burning insulation on the roof after ignition from the heat of a welding torch. 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. (September 21, 2001)^{lw, no22sep01}

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

Recruit academy #27 graduates 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 (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

Trucking terminal at 3301 Integrity Drive burns. Two alarms. (January 10, 2002)^lw

Fatal house fire at 602 E.  South Street. Fire is reported at 9:23 a.m. Body of elderly woman discovered in kitchen of single-story wood- frame house. (February 26, 2002) ^no

North Hills Terrace Apartments at 115 Salem Circle burn. Three alarms. Dispatched 3:20 a.m. Truck 11 flowing. One fatality. First: 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. (February 28, 2002)^lw

Townhome at 7913-15 Condor Court burns. Two alarms. Dispatched 2:31 p.m. E18, E4, E17, E23, E16, E14, E9, T16, T22, R14, R19, SR5, C53, C51, C5, C2, C10. (March 8, 2002)^lw

Apartments at 4603 Nesbit Court burn. Two alarms. Dispatched about 3:00 a.m. (May 3, 2002)^{lw, no03may02}

Apparatus deliveries:

• 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.

Apartments at 4603 Nesbit Court burn. Two alarms. (May 3, 2002)^lw

Courtney Square Apartments at 4749-A Courtney Lane burn. Two alarms. Dispatched 1:38 a.m. Fire on second floor and through roof. E19, E11, E22, T11, R19, C51, E15, E21, T22, R7, SR5, C2, C3, C4, C5, C10, C52. (July 21, 2002)^lw

Apartments at 3300 Ocean Key Place burn. Two alarms. (July 31, 2002)^lw

Flash floods strike city. Five inches of rain falls, with three inches falling in a two-hour period. The 10-year storm event occurs in the Crabtree and Walnut Creek Basins and a 25-year storm event occurs in the Marsh Creek Basin. Damage occurs particularly in Pigeon House Basin. Apartments and living areas are flooded in Marsh Creek area. Seven areas of roads are closed temporarily due to flooding. City receives 2,618 emergency calls in a 24-hour period. Fire Department responds 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. (October 2002) ^ccm

Building on Capital Boulevard burns. Two alarms. (October 22, 2002)^lw

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

Quail Corners Shopping Center at 1305 E.  Millbrook Road burns. Two alarms. (October 23, 2002)^lw

Machinery at Cargill at 1400 S. Blount Street burns. Two alarms. Dispatched shortly before 10:00 p.m. as a fire alarm. Fire in the grain dryer is difficult to extinguish. Two trains are stopped because of the fire, but a third passenger train is allowed to pass after firefighters momentarily clear their equipment. (October 23, 2002)^{lw, no24oct02}

Sailboat Bay Apartments at 3260 Lynn Ridge Drive burn. Multiple alarms. Dispatched shortly after 5:00 p.m., contained about 6:30 p.m. Six apartments destroyed. (October 30, 2002)^{lw, no31oct02}

Recruit academy #28 graduates 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

Old Holiday Inn on Capital Boulevard burns. Three alarms. (March 1, 2003)^lw

D. H. Hill Library at North Carolina State University burns. Two alarms. (April 22, 2003)^lw

Recruit academy #29 graduates 28 firefighters. The academy started on October 7, 2002 and lasted 26 weeks. The graduation ceremony is 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)

Apartments at 1508 Mary Francis Place burn. Two alarms. (May 15, 2003)^lw

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)

Hunters Run Apartments at 5802 Blacksmith Drive burn. Two alarms. (June 23, 2003)^lw

State Capitol at 1 E.  Edenton Street burns. Two alarms. Fire on roof. (July 9, 2003)^lw

Warehouse on Penmarc Drive burns. Three alarms. (August 22, 2003)^lw

Hurricane Isabel strikes 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, is recalled to work 24-hour shift from noon Thursday (September 18) to noon Friday (September 19), to staff the following:

• minimum of four personnel 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 staffs 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 proceeds directly to Kinston, NC. Call volume for "A" shift, from 8:00 a.m. Thursday to 8:00 a.m. Friday, is 235 runs. Normal call volume is 75 rums per 24 hours. Specific calls of "tree down" not answered during this period. Engine 5 is busiest engine company, with 32 runs. (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. Members consist of firefighters from Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Cary. Training area created at Keeter Training Center. Two pieces of tractor-drawn apparatus later placed in service. (September 2003)

The Lakes Apartments at 6516 Lake Hill Drive burn. Two alarms. (October 11, 2003)^lw

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

2004

District chiefs reorganized from three divisions to four divisions. The battalions are 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

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

Adult bookstore on S. Wilmington Street burns. Two alarms. E2, E1, E13, E3, E20, T1, R7, B2, B3, C5, C3, C198, and SR 5 respond to early morning fire. (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)

Abandoned warehouse on Lumley Road burns. Two alarms. Dispatched shortly after 4:00 p.m., controlled in about 30 minutes. RDU CFR also responds. (April 17, 2004)^{no18apr04, lw}

House at 1002 Lake Boone Trail burns. Two alarms. (April 21, 2004)^lw

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

Apartments at 4660 Tournament Drive burn. Two alarms. Fire is reported about 10:20 p.m. E17, E14, E18, E16, E23, E9, T16, T24, R14, R19, B4, B3, C5, SR 5, and two Six Forks Rescue units respond. (April 29, 2004)^{lw, no30apr04}

Pines of Ashton Apartments on Roselle Court burn. Two alarms. Dispatched at 8:28 p.m., controlled by 9:45 p.m. Top floor of apartment building destroyed. (June 11, 2004)^{lw, no12jun04}

Townhouse on Ashton Hall Lane burns. Two alarms. Dispatched about 4:00 a.m., controlled by 5:30 a.m. (June 14, 2004)^{lw, no15jun04}

Apartments at 1742 Quail Ridge Road burn. Two alarms. (June 27, 2004)^lw

Apartments on Kings Court burn. Three alarms. (July 7, 2004)^lw

Garden center at retail store burns at 6600 Glenwood Avenue. Two alarms. (July 8, 2004)^lw

Apartments at 3817 Brentwood Road burn. Two alarms. (July 14, 2004)^lw

Apparatus note: North Carolina Hazardous Materials Regional Response Team (RRT) 4 placed in service, after being moved from Parkwood Fire Department in Durham County. Assets include a 1995 International / Hackney tractor-drawn haz-mat unit, a six-wheel decontamination fifth-wheel trailer, and a four-wheel support trailer. The primary unit is placed in service at Station 15. The decontamination trailer is housed at Station 22, and towed by a 1979 International tractor. The support trailer is housed at both Station 8 and Station 15, before being moved to Station 22. (July 16, 2004)^rfd

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

Greenshields Brewery and Pub on Martin Street burns. Two+ alarms. Dispatched shortly after 4:00 a.m., controlled in about an hour. Fire ignites in the kitchen hood and vent system on first floor and spreads through ceiling and into roof. Built in 1914 as the City Market, the structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (August 17, 2004)^{lw, no18aug04}

Capital Inn on Capital Boulevard burns. Two alarms. Dispatched about 4:50 p.m., controlled in about five minutes. Three rooms gutted, more damaged. (October 20, 2004)^no21oct04

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

Apparatus deliveries:

• 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)

Pepsi Bottling Company plant at 1900 Pepsi Way burns. Two alarms. (October 18, 2004)^lw

Capital Inn on Capital Boulevard burns. Two alarms. (October 20, 2004)^lw

Apparatus notes:

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

Commercial building at 1400 Diggs Drive burns. Three alarms. (November 12, 2004)^lw

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

Montecito West Apartments at 1405-16 Hardimont Road burn. Two alarms. (November 22, 2004)^lw

Tire Company on W.  Davie Street burns. Two alarms. (December 20, 2004)^lw

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

Apartments at 7304 Bryn Athyn Way burn. Two alarms. (December 30, 2004)^lw

Apparatus note: Mass- Casualty Incident (MCI) unit placed in service. Photos and more information.

Apparatus note: North Carolina Hazardous Materials Regional Response Team (RRT) 4 placed in service in Raleigh, moved from Parkwood Fire Department in Durham County. Apparatus includes a tractor-drawn haz-mat unit, a second tractor-drawn mass decontamination trailer, and a third, conventional- hitch trailer. Photos and more information.

2005

Apparatus deliveries:

• 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.

Condominiums at 4711 Walden Pond Road burn. Two alarms. (February 7, 2005)^lw

Apartments at 1205 Angelus Drive burn. Two alarms. (March 19, 2005)^lw

Gas leak on Fayetteville Street Mall. (April 5, 2005)^lw

Training tower demolished. The 51 year-old structure is reduced to rubble within two hours using heavy machinery. The demolition is performed on a Saturday morning. The debris is 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 houses a tabletop simulator constructed later that year by firefighters. (April 2005)

Reynolds Coliseum at North Carolina State University burns. Two alarms. 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. (May 23, 2005)^{lw, no24may05}

Apparatus deliveries:

• 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 are moved to Station 2, with SR 2 designed as the transport vehicle. (June 8, 2005)

Town home at 620 Weathergreene Drive burns. Two alarms. (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 graduates 24 firefighters. The academy started on February 7 and lasted 27 weeks. The graduation ceremony is held in Fletcher Hall in the BTI Center. (August 8, 2005) ^rfd

Amana Auto Care Center at 3712 Overlook Road burns. Two alarms. New Hope and other county departments also respond to the evening fire. (August 9, 2005)^{lw, no10aug05}

Colonial Carton Company in Clayton burns. Three alarms. Raleigh Fire Department haz-mat team responds. (August 15, 2005)^lw

Houses at 4111-4113 Cobble Court burn. Two alarms. (September 11, 2005)^lw

Natural gas leak in 100 block of Fayetteville Street Mall. (October 18, 2005)^lw

Fire department ends 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)

Apartments at 456 Dorothea Drive burn. Two alarms. (October 31, 2005)^lw

Abandoned restaurant at 5509 Homewood Banks Drive burns. Two alarms. 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 arriving firefighters discover a dead hydrant in front of the 8,826 square-foot hilltop structure, Engine 17 empties its hose bed along the 1,000-foot driveway to a hydrant at the street. Truck 16, operating reserve Truck 112, prepares an elevated master stream and Engine 16 stretches two hand lines. Battalion 4 requests a second alarm several minutes after the approximate 3:13 a.m. dispatch. Firefighters operate 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 are special called as a precaution against the fire extending into the excessively dry wooded areas. The blaze does not spread beyond the building. Apparatus are staged at the intersection of Homewood Banks Drive and Blue Ridge Road. Most of the fire is knocked down by 4:30 a.m., though the remains of the structure continue 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, BC4, Second Alarm: E14, E6, E18, T11, R7, BC3 Special Called: E13, E11, Mini 3, Other Units: C5, C3, C4, SR5, C72, EMS 4, EMS 203, Six Forks EMS. (November 6, 2005)^lw

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

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

Apartments at 12241 Oakwood View Drive in Wakefield Plantation burn. Two alarms. Dispatched 4:53 a.m. Engine 25 first on scene and report 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 is brought under control at 6:25 a.m. First alarm: E25, E22, E15, T22, R19, BC1, along with Falls E211 E212 and chief units. Second alarm: E4, E18, E19, T16, R7, BC4. Also: C3, C4, C5, C10, C72, C198, EMS10, EMS12, EMS16, EMS205. Two sand trucks also special called for iced surfaces from 20 degree temperature. (December 22, 2005)^lw

Apartments at 1508 Gorman Street burn. Two alarms. Dispatched about 12:00 a.m. Engine 8 first on scene. Battalion 3 reports working fire, then upgrades to major working fire. Two-story wood-frame apartments well-involved in rear units. Companies: E8, E20, E5, T20, R14, BC3, E1, E13, E14, T1, R7, BC4, SR5, C5, C3, C10. (December 23, 2005)^lw

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

Apparatus delivery: 2005 Ford F-550 mini-pumper with Reading utility body and Slagle firefighting equipment. To be 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 educates citizens on disaster preparedness and provides training in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. About 18 volunteers comprise the initial team.

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

2006

Apartments on Sandy Creek Drive burn. Two alarms. (January 7, 2006)^lw

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

Residence at 3201 Clark Avenue burns. Two alarms. (February 17, 2006)

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

Residence at 610 E.  Martin Street burns. Two alarms. (March 16, 2006)

Fire department teams 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)

Apartments at 3903 Green Road burn. Two alarms. (April 3, 2006)

Apartments at 10600 Lanier Club Drive burn. Two alarms. (April 22, 2006)

Apparatus delivery: 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 deliveries:

• 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)

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

Tropical storm remnants cause worst flooding in ten years. Firefighters perform numerous water rescues and evacuations. (June 14, 2006)

Apartments at 8311 Hempshire Place burn. Two alarms. (June 23, 2006)

Bicycle team created for special events. Two-person team is 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 burns. Hazardous-materials incident. (July 1, 2006)

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

Commercial building at 2008 Poole Road burns. Two alarms. (July 27, 2006)

Apartments at 2200 Banks Hill Row burn. Three alarms. (August 4, 2006)

Residence at 544 Rose Lane burns. Three alarms. One fatality. (August 6, 2006)

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

Residence at 12220 Jasmine Cove burns. Two alarms. (September 3, 2006)

Apartments on Mill Village Road burn. Two alarms. (September 26, 2006)

Chemical fire and extended haz-mat incident in Apex. More information. (October 5, 2006)

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

Apartments on Cum Laude Court burn. Two alarms. (November 10, 2006)

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

Apartments at 1600 Poole Road burn. Two alarms. (December 2, 2006)

Apartments at 4732 Courtney Lane burn. Two alarms. (December 11, 2006)

Apartments on Wesvill Court burn. Two alarms. (December 20, 2006)

2007

Five-alarm fire off 3500 block of Capital Boulevard in Pine Knoll Townes, a new subdivision and townhouse community. Streets include Oneonta Avenue, Londonville Street, Pine Knoll Drive, Landsman Drive, Binghampton Lane, and Manhasset Lane. The newly constructed structures include 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 spreads across Capital Boulevard and caused delays. No injuries reported. City, state, and federal investigators on scene. Cause identified as discarded smoking materials. Largest Raleigh Fire Department structure fire in decades. Resources challenged by second major working fire off New Bern Avenue, initially dispatched nine minutes earlier. Haz-mat training was also in progress at the training center at the time of the two calls. E2, E8, E15, L20, and L22 were out of service. Raleigh firefighters numbered 150 including off-duty "B" and "C" shift personnel and 29 recruits who graduate from the fire academy in two weeks. Firefighters from New Hope, Falls, and other departments also assisted. Prevention, Inspections, Training, and Administration personnel also present. Barry's Cafe serves 90 hamburgers and 90 grilled chicken sandwiches to personnel. BBQ Lounge also provides food, both to personnel and displaced residents. Twelve departments from Wake and Durham county fill in at fire stations. Move-ups initiated by 3:30 p.m. Last engine company clears Saturday at midnight, Engine 26. Fifteen engines, 6 ladders, 2 rescues, 3 Battalion Chiefs, 2 brush trucks, 1 tanker, 2 pumper-tankers, 8 outside engines at Raleigh stations, 4 outside ladders at Raleigh stations, 1 outside squirt at Raleigh stations. Eight engines and 1 ladder overnight, in shifts. (February 22, 2007)

Commercial building at 335 Sherwee drive burns. Two alarms. (February 23, 2007)

NC Task Force 8 purchases 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 are held in Fletcher Hall at the BTI Center. (March 12, 2007)^rfd

Progress Energy substation on Glen Eden Drive burns. Haz-mat and airport apparatus special called. (March 16, 2007)

Residence at 9109 Meadow Mist Court burns. Two alarms. Dispatched shortly after 2:30 p.m., controlled within about an hour. Two-story, wood-frame single-family residence threatens other structures. (April 9, 2007)^no10apr07

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

The first Retiree and Media Day is held at the Keeter Training Center. Over 100 retirees, retiree widows, and family members attend. (May 19)

NC Task Force 8 is deployed to Holly Springs to assist with a trench rescue. (May 20, 2007)

Wake County EMS honors Raleigh firefighters involved in cardiac arrest resuscitations in 2006. (May 21, 2007)

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

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

Commercial building at 4806 Hargrove Road burns. Two alarms. (July 11, 2007)

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

Residence at 1419 Nottingham Road burns. Two alarms. (August 1, 2007)

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

Apparatus note: Fleet Services converts 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)

Apartments at 3833 Bonneville Court burn. Three alarms. (August 20, 2007)

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

Firefighters raise $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).

Wildwoods of Lake Johnson Apartments at 1201 Trillium Court burn. Three alarms. Dispatched about 10:40 p.m. First-arriving Engine 8 finds heavy fire in the rear of the three-story, twelve-unit, wood-frame apartment building. Battalion 3 establishes command in the front of the structure and directs defensive operations. Ladder 20 is positioned in the front right of the structure and is utilized as an aerial stream. Apparatus is staged on Wood Aisle Road. Six units are heavily damaged. No injuries are reported and 21 residents are displaced. The blaze apparently starts in a second-floor exterior storage closet. Companies remain 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. (September 16, 2007)

NC Task Force 8 is deployed to Clayton for an incident involving an aircraft into a building. (September 21)

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

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

Haz-mat teams from Raleigh and Greensboro spend 30 hours outside Siler City controlling a chemical leak after a motor-vehicle accident. (November 2)

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

Apparatus note: NC Task Force 8 receives the first of four swift water rescue trucks. (November)

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

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

Apartments on River Run burn. Three alarms. (December 5, 2007)

Sources