Raleigh Fire Department Master Plan

On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, city council received a presentation on the recently completed Raleigh Fire Department Master Plan, a consultant’s report and recommendations that was commissioned in April 2024. The plan presents a roadmap for the city and RFD for the next 25 years. Watch the presentation (it starts a couple minutes later). Read …

Continue reading ‘Raleigh Fire Department Master Plan’ »

Relocating Fire Station 1 – Update – July 2025

This is an ongoing blog posting about relocating Raleigh Fire Station 1. See also the  official project site.  Contents Jul 2025 – Conceptual Site Plan Feb 2025 – Documents and Permits Dec 2024 – Professional Services Awarded Aug 2024 – Design Services Awarded Feb 2024 – Site Selected, Project Restarted May 2020 – Project on …

Continue reading ‘Relocating Fire Station 1 – Update – July 2025’ »

Albemarle Rescue Squad, 1953

Stanly County history hit. The Albemarle Rescue and First Aid Company was using this truck in February 1953, reported the Stanley News and Press on February 27. The new truck had “already answered several calls” after having “just received the final touches, as far as equipment was concerned.” The truck was purchased as a result …

Continue reading ‘Albemarle Rescue Squad, 1953’ »

Roanoke Rapids Fleet History

Midweek montage. How about a fleet history of Roanoke Rapids Fire Department from Halifax County, NC? Readers, what’s missing? Photo credits include the late Wayne Greer and local legend Lee Wilson. See more from Lee on his Flickr page. Hint: Search on Roanoke. Shown Above 1929 Chevy/Barton pumper, 350/500. Bought/built new, when department was organized that …

Continue reading ‘Roanoke Rapids Fleet History’ »

Sanford and Lee County Rescue and Ambulance History

Research notes on Sanford and Lee County rescue and ambulance history. See Google Drive of source articles.  1950s 1952, Apr – Visiting civil defense rescue truck was displayed in Sanford, and viewed by members of the Sanford Municipal Civil Defense Council and other local officials. The town, however, planned no purchase of such a truck. …

Continue reading ‘Sanford and Lee County Rescue and Ambulance History’ »

Pender County Planned Merger

Report from Pender County. On June 19, 2025, the county board of commissioners, in a 3-2 vote, approved a plan to bring EMS and fire protection services by four (or three) private agencies under country operation. Shown is the timeline in the proposed merger plan, from this document (PDF). The proposed plan will create a …

Continue reading ‘Pender County Planned Merger’ »

Two Alarms on Blue Bird Court – June 20, 2025

Two alarms were struck in west Raleigh on Friday, June 20, 2025. Dispatched ~12:06 a.m. for 4706 Blue Bird Court. Two-story apartment building. Engine 8 first-arriving, reporting fire in attic space. Engine 20 brought the supply line. Fire also/soon through the roof, from live power line found on roof and/or tree limbs touching roof. Second …

Continue reading ‘Two Alarms on Blue Bird Court – June 20, 2025’ »

Relocating Fire Station 15 – Call for Artists for Public Art / Conceptual Designs Unveiled

This is an ongoing blog posting about relocating Raleigh Fire Station 15. Contents  June 2025 – Call for Artists for Public Art / Conceptual Designs Unveiled July 2024 – Contract Awarded for Design Services January 2024 – Construction Bids Solicited  May 2023 – Replacement Project Budgeted March 2022 – New Doors Installed June 2016 – …

Continue reading ‘Relocating Fire Station 15 – Call for Artists for Public Art / Conceptual Designs Unveiled’ »

Bald Head Island Major Fire – November 20, 2021

This is a blog version of a Facebook posting from June 17, 2025. Looking back at the North Bald Head Wynd Fire AKA the Lighthouse Landing Fire, and which contributed to the reasons for purchasing the new apparatus. It occurred on Saturday night, November 20, 2021, and was one of the largest fire events in …

Continue reading ‘Bald Head Island Major Fire – November 20, 2021’ »

Bald Head Island Major Fire – September 30, 1993

This is a blog version of a Facebook Posting from May 4, 2020. Photos by Bonny Banas (top) and [goes here] (bottom). Looking back at the largest fire in the history of Bald Head Island in Brunswick County, NC. It destroyed ten buildings with 38 units at the Swan’s Quarter Condominiums on Wednesday night, September …

Continue reading ‘Bald Head Island Major Fire – September 30, 1993’ »