This is an updated blog version of a Facebook posting from 2009. What’s the historical perspective of civilian fatalities in fire apparatus accidents across our state? Here’s that secret history. Contents 2023 – Charlotte 2019 – Kannapolis 2011 – Kernersville 2005 – Statesville 1997 – Charlotte 1985 – Greensboro 1982 – Charlotte 1980 – Steele …
Continue reading ‘Apparatus Accidents with Civilian Fatalities’ »
In 2008, fire buff and photographer Jeff Harkey posted a series of articles about fire apparatus photography on his site FireNews.net. The articles included contributions from photographers Lee Wilson and Mike Legeros. The site and the articles have been preserved by the Internet Archive. Here’s a compilation of the articles in PDF format, created in January …
Continue reading ‘Photographing Fire Apparatus – FireNews Feature From 2008’ »
Here’s a new “armchair update” on what’s news and new at the various fire departments around Wake County. Thanks to the various fire chiefs that shared their information. Apex New Station 6 nearing completion, 1206 Wimberly Road. Expected to open in late March or early April. See drawings in this blog post. New E-One Typhoon …
Continue reading ‘Wake County Fire Department Updates – January 2023’ »
This is a blog version of a Facebook posting from December 21, 2019. Top photos from Durham Herald Company Newspaper Photograph Collection, North Carolina Collection Photographic Archives, The Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Bottom photos by Lee Wilson. First County Pumper – 1948 Mack Durham’s first “county fire truck” was delivered …
Let’s start a list of Oren apparatus that served in North Carolina. Pictured rigs marked with (*): *Burlington – 1940 Diamond T/Oren – #RW&E-1363 – Legeros photo *Cape Fear Rural (Lee) – 1953 Ford/Oren – Engine 51 – Lee Wilson photo *Charlotte – 1953 Ford Big Job/Oren, 500/1000 – Engine 10 at Morris Field, high-pressure unit …
Morning history. Random find. The first “rural truck” in Wake County history. Built by members of the Apex Fire Department in 1952, to expand service to “rural residents,” e.g. those that lived outside of the town limits. News & Observer photos from May (top) and August (bottom) 1952, scanned from film prints. Reported the paper …
New infographic. North Carolina fire apparatus colors. See originating Facebook posting from August 2021. See PDF version.
New infographic, take one. Preemptive answer to social postings asking “why are there fire trucks here?” AKA, Mike’s spotter’s guide to the Raleigh Fire Department. Give it a test drive. See larger PDF version.
Last updated April 29, 2024 Here’s a master list of all motorized tractor-drawn aerial ladders (tillers) (plus one tiller rescue) past ‘n’ present ‘n’ future in North Carolina. Will update going forward, with newer deliveries. May expand with models and other details:
Update July 18. 2024. Added picture of picture from Welcome FD, of the first two trucks Beck built for the department. This is a blog version of Legeros Fire Line Facebook postings from September 2022. Mike Legeros Photo We recently learned of another fire truck builder in North Carolina. Jacob C. “Jake” Beck in Davidson …
Continue reading ‘Beck Fire Trucks Built in Davidson County’ »