Broughton Hospital Fire Brigade

Remembering the Broughton Hospital Fire Brigade in Morganton. The hospital opened in 1883 as the Western North Carolina Insane Asylum. It state’s second psychiatric hospital, after one was established in Raleigh. The new hospital was built on a 283-acre site, just south of downtown Morganton. In 1885 and 1886, two new wings were added, expanding …

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Database of Emergency Equipment Inc. (EEI) Fire Apparatus

Here’s one we’ve been waiting for. Presenting a delivery list of over 330 rigs built by Emergency Equipment Incorporated (EEI) of Raleigh This list was compiled over many, many years by Jon Umdenstock of Durham. And he welcomes inputs and corrections, just send him an email. View the database. Learn more about EEI and its predecessors …

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Fire Museum Moves to Blowing Rock, 1959

This posting is occasionally updated with new information. Last updated October 27, 2024. Added color photo of the museum at Tweetsie. Note: See also these two active Facebook threads: Legeros Fire Line and SPAAMFAA (private group) Watauga Democrat, May 28, 1959. In May 1959, the fire equipment and fire apparatus collection of Vincent K. O’Meara …

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Forsyth County Fire Department History

This posting was last updated in July 2024, with added history of county rural fire protection before 1951. Introduction This posting originated as a Facebook posting in August 2020. Before 1951 – Part 1 In June 1945, county commissioners appointed George Sheek as Forsyth County Fire Chief. He was notably placed in charge of a …

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Bob Biggs, Mike Murray, and Restoring Fire Apparatus

In February 2014, Raleigh Fire Captain Nick Murray recounted the following stories of his father, retired Raleigh Fire Captain Mike Hurry and longtime Raleigh Fire Department friend Col. Bob Biggs, retired USAF, and their work restoring numerous antique fire trucks, including Raleigh’s 1926 American LaFrance pumper. Here’s the original blog archives posting: Jay Leno and …

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Wilmington Fire Department Rescue Squad and Ambulance History

Research notes on the history of Wilmington Fire Department’s rescue squads and ambulances. See second blog posting for wider history of New Hanover County ambulance and rescue services.  See also, Wilmington Fire History by Legeros.  1969 WFD placed first rescue unit in service. [SN, 6/30/71] Was a utility-type truck and was not equipped for transport.   1971, …

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Wilmington Airport Apparatus History

This is a blog version of a Facebook posting. Presenting fire apparatus past and present that have served at Wilmington International Airport.  1954 ALF Type O-11A – 500/1000/100/80 Likely serial #54L210, which was former NCANG Included 80 gallons Chlorobromomethane Possibly sold at auction, along with second 1954 ALF crash truck, at surplus airport property sale …

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Wilmington’s Auxiliary Apparatus during World War II

Research notes about Wilmington and New Hanover County auxiliary firefighters during World War II. This was a national civilian defense initiative, and auxiliary firefighters were trained and equipped in cities and towns across North Carolina.  Wilmington Auxiliary Apparatus Among the equipment acquired and developed for the program by members of the Wilmington Fire Department were …

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Wilmington’s Fire Boat Atlantic IV

While in Baltimore July 2010, for the occasion of the annual fire expo, Mr. History was poking around a random marina. Imagine his surprise when he found the T. B. McClintic, an old tug that had served the Wilmington, NC, fire department for a few decades as the fire boat Atlantic IV. Wish we’d taken …

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Raleigh’s New Rehab 12

The Raleigh Fire Department recently placed a new special unit in service. Rehab 12 is a 2023 Ford/Morgan Olson step van, with upfit by a local vendor. Features include interior food serving areas, exterior serving window, exterior handwashing station, retractable awnings, and rear bathroom. It’s housed at Station 12 and cross-staffed by crews on Engine …

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