Wake Forest Adds Newer Squad 5

The Wake Forest Fire Department has purchased a replacement for Squad 5, which is housed at Station 5, the former Falls Fire Department station. Squad 5 currently operates a 1994 E-One Century top-mounted pumper-tanker, 1000/1000, and also carries rescue equipment. The new Squad 5 is a 1997 International 4900/Clay Fire Equipment, four-wheel drive, rear-mounted rescue …

Continue reading ‘Wake Forest Adds Newer Squad 5’ »

Alexander County Firefighter Dies on Duty

Belated blog post. On Monday, Central Alexander Fire Department Captain Michael “Bubba” E. Pennell, 49, died after suffering a medical emergency, while on duty at the fire station.  He was in the apparatus bay and working on cleaning the vehicles. He was found fallen on the floor, and his fellow firefighters attempted to resuscitate him. …

Continue reading ‘Alexander County Firefighter Dies on Duty’ »

Raleigh Fire Engines Built in Raleigh

This is a blog archives posting from October 2010. The page is corrupted on the old site, so we’re re-posting here. From a reader, here’s what looks like a delivery photo (or at least a polished posed photo) of one of two 1986 EEI/Pemfab pumpers that served the city of Raleigh. Equipped with 1500 GPM pumps …

Continue reading ‘Raleigh Fire Engines Built in Raleigh’ »

Spectacular Blaze Sweeps Four Buildings – November 1915

On November 6, 1915, the “largest fire in Raleigh’s history” threatened an entire city block, as the News & Observer and other buildings burned. Two firemen escaped death, as a building collapsed upon them, as they sprayed water from a rooftop. Windows melted across the street, flying embers started fires. Sound familiar? The 6:05 a.m. blaze …

Continue reading ‘Spectacular Blaze Sweeps Four Buildings – November 1915’ »

Durham Opens New Fire Station 9

Last week, the Durham Fire Department activated their new Station 9, at 1648 Midland Terrace. It was placed in service on April 13 at about 9:00 a.m. The single-story engine house as three bays and 8,908 square-feet. It houses Engine 9. The facility cost $4,321,600. Features include separate accommodations for eight firefighters per shift, fitness room, captain’s …

Continue reading ‘Durham Opens New Fire Station 9’ »

Before Falls Lake

This is a blog archives posting from January 2014. The page is corrupted on the old site, so we’re re-posting here. January 2014 Last week’s North Raleigh News (and Midtown Raleigh News) featured an informative article by Colin Campbell about the “ghost roads” of Falls Lake. He writes about barricaded sections of Possum Track, Choplin, …

Continue reading ‘Before Falls Lake’ »

Constitution and By-Laws of Fire Fighters Association No. 548 of Raleigh, N.C., 1938

This is a blog archives posting from June 2011. The page is corrupted on the old site, so we’re re-posting here. And a random artifact for your Monday enjoyment. This is the constitution and by-laws of the original incarnation (PDF) of the Raleigh Professional Fire Fighters Association (web site). Same is scanned from a photocopy of the …

Continue reading ‘Constitution and By-Laws of Fire Fighters Association No. 548 of Raleigh, N.C., 1938’ »

Vintage Wilmington Fire Apparatus Photos – 1960s, 1970s Rigs

April 17But wait, Batman, one of these isn’t Wilmington, NC. Top left, the Ford/Swab rescue is Wilmington, DE. Thanks to our readers on Facebook for that correction. April 16Found for sale on eBay are these pictures of vintage Wilmington rigs. We’ve seen some of these before, in similar postings. Scroll down for a list of …

Continue reading ‘Vintage Wilmington Fire Apparatus Photos – 1960s, 1970s Rigs’ »

Drawings of Durham Fire Station 17

The City of Durham opened a new fire station this week, Station 9 relocated to Midland Terrace. Watch this space for that story. Meanwhile, let’s look at drawings of Station 17, planned for 5503 Leesville Road. That’ll add a third fire station to Leesville Road, after Durham County Station 84 at 7305 Leesville Road, and Raleigh Station 29 …

Continue reading ‘Drawings of Durham Fire Station 17’ »

New Rescue, New Colors for Bay Leaf Fire Department

The Bay Leaf Fire Department is receiving a new rescue truck, a 2017 Pierce Velocity with walk-around body, job #30005. Here’s newly posted factory photo (see larger sizes), as well as some final production photos (see more). Should be delivered any day now. Note the new color scheme, grey over red. And the new name, …

Continue reading ‘New Rescue, New Colors for Bay Leaf Fire Department’ »