Spring/Summer Issue of Raleigh Fire Department Newsletter – Special Metropolitan Edition

The spring/summer 2017 issue of the Raleigh Fire Department Newsletter has been published. This is a special edition about the Metropolitan fire on March 16, the five-alarm “fire of a century” that destroyed a block-long apartment building, damaged several others, and brought some 130 firefighters to the scene. The issue also includes a page of news …

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Northern Wake Fire Department Family Tree

On July 1, 2017, a new fire department begins operating in northern Wake County, a consolidation of Bay Leaf Volunteer Fire Department, Incorporated, and Stony Hill Rural Fire Department, Inc.  Northern Wake Fire Department will operate five fire stations, with 28 pieces of equipment, and 140 members. They’ll cover a 70-mile area that’s north of …

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Looking For Train Tracks on the UNC-Chapel Hill Campus

On Sunday morning, Yours Truly spent a couple hours crossing from east Carrboro into West Chapel Hill, and following the track tracks that end at the power plant. That’s right, a coal train delivers their fuel, by way of a 10-mile spur from the Norfolk-Southern line that crosses through Orange County. But here’s another fun …

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After 45 Years, Apex Community Auxiliary is Disbanding

June 7Last night, the Apex Community Auxiliary made a presentation to the town board, with retired, longtime Chief Nicky Winstead recounting the story of the squad and the supportive auxiliary. They then introduced each of eight charity and non-profit organizations, and invited them to make remarks, before presenting them with checks and certificates. See more …

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Raleigh Fire Department Announces Metropolitan Fire Cause as Undetermined

On Friday, the Raleigh Fire Department announced that the “fire of a century” at the Metropolitan Apartments has been ruled as “undetermined” for cause.  Here’s the full statement: On March 16, 2017, at approximately 10:03 p.m., the Raleigh Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at The Metropolitan apartment complex (Metropolitan), 314 West Jones …

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Raleigh Receives Two New Pierce Pumpers

The Raleigh Fire Department has received two new engines: a pair of 2017 Pierce Enforcer pumpers, 1500/500. Job numbers 30631-01 and 30631-02. They’re the first new engines in two years, following Engine 29, a Pierce Arrow XT delivered in 2015. Changes with these two engines include rolling compartment doors now unpainted, and ground ladders returned to a …

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Two Alarms on Prince George Lane

Two alarms were struck Friday morning at 9511 Prince George Lane. That’s near Six Forks and Strickland roads, in north Raleigh. Dispatched ~12:07 p.m. First-due Engine 4 was out of quarters, on another call. With multiple callers reporting the fire, the dispatcher upgraded the incident to a working fire, while the fire department was still …

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City and County Budgets for FY18

Proposed budgets for FY18 have been announced of late, for local cities and counties. Here’s what’s happening on the fire department and fire service fronts, in those proposed budgets released thus far: Raleigh Salary range adjustments for firefighters, part of changes to compensation system for fire and police. Includes such adjustments as:Starting pay will increase to …

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New Rescue For Apex… And Some History

The Apex Fire Department placed a new Rescue 4 in service at Station 4 on Saturday, May 13.  The 2017 E-One Typhoon walk-around heavy-rescue, job #140490 , was delivered on April 21. Features include top-mounted coffin compartments, a rear staircase, and a lighting tower. (Believe it also has a cascade system, for filling air bottles.) …

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