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 about promotions, retirements, facility updates, and new apparatus.
Read the newsletter at www.raleighfirenews.org.
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 Interstate 540 and west of Wake Forest.
We’ll have more information about the new department, after July 1. Watch this space.
But tonight, let’s look at their heritage…
The Legacy of Three
Northern Wake Fire Department begins with a rich heritage, and the legacy of three volunteer fire departments dating to the 1950s and 1960s: Stony Hill (1958), Bay Leaf (1961), and Six Forks, organized in 1956 and merged with Bay Leaf in 2002.
They were some of the first “community fire departments” in Wake County, with home- and business owners banding together to provide fire protection. They raised their own money, built their own fire trucks, and answered emergencies at any hour from their homes, their businesses, and even from school!
Here’s their history as an infographic, as Mr. Blogger’s latest “family tree” diagram. View as JPG or PDF. (See more family tree diagrams.)
For a deeper dive into each of the three departments, visit my history pages. (Yes, yes, they and others need updating. Will be adding NWFD.)
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 fact. The train tracks once extended even farther east, through campus!
Wait, what?
No time for a proper blog post, so here’s a list of links with all the information. Plus photos of Mike’s walking trip, as he tried to find (or at visualize) the old tracks on campus. Click away and the stories shall be revealed…
Maps and Diagrams
Click the first three to enlarge:
Google aerial map. Green are former tracks. Red are current tracks.
Street map of Chapel Hill and suburbs, 1932. See citation below.
Close view of 1932 street map, showing coal trestle at prior power plant location. See reference below.
Railroad map of North Carolina, 1900. See reference below.
Map References
Chapel Hill and Suburbs, 1934 – Via North Carolina Maps
http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/ncmaps/id/9735/rec/32
Railroad map of North Carolina, 1900 – Via North Carolina Maps
http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ncmaps/id/506
Photos
Legeros photo album
https://www.flickr.com/photos/legeros/sets/72157681602398394
Articles
Daily Tar Heel – Rolling through the history of Carrboro’s Train – November 17, 2015
http://www.dailytarheel.com/article/2015/11/rolling-through-the-history-of-carrboros-train
Open Durham – University Station
http://www.opendurham.org/buildings/university-station
June 7
Last 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 pictures.
Left to right, President April Haughney, Tom Taylor, Vice President Judy Taylor, Treasurer and retired, long-time chief Nicky Winstead, and Bonita Young.
June 3
The Apex Community Auxiliary is disbanding at the end of June, after 45 years of service to the rescue squad and their community. And on Tuesday night, June 6, at the Apex Town Council meeting, they’ll present donations to five local charities and service organizations, as they close the auxiliary’s accounts.
The volunteer group was created in 1972 as the Apex Rescue Squad Auxiliary. They formed following the rescue squad’s founding in 1971. Organized by the spouses of the rescue squad volunteers, the auxiliary’s primary mission was a support role for the squad.
They helped raise money, through such fundraisers as bake sales, rummage sales, and turkey shoots. Because, in those early decades, the squad did not charge for its services, and relied upon community donations and a nominal supplement from the county.
Money raised by the auxiliary were used to help purchase equipment and improve facilities, among other things.
Members conducted and participated in special events for the squad: ice cream socials, family picnics, award ceremonies, and the annual Christmas party. They also were also active with community, bringing Christmas gifts to family care homes, and helping the Red Cross when they came to town.
The auxiliary also functioned as the squad’s historians, and created annual scrapbooks with photographs, news clippings, and other materials. Yours Truly has been scanning some of those scrapbooks this spring. More on that in a moment.
In/around 2001, the Apex Rescue Squad Auxiliary re-purposed themselves. They changed their name to the Apex Community Auxiliary, and they incorporated with the state in 2001. By that time, the squad had also changed, providing only EMS services and with a new name, Apex Emergency Medical Service.
(Apex EMS was created in 1997, after the squad ceased providing technical rescue services. That role was transferred to the Apex Fire Department.)
The auxiliary also expanded their scope to provide additional services to the Apex community in the form of scholarship programs, family assistance, and planned activities for local nursing and group homes. They’ve also provided support for the town’s public safety agencies, for special events and projects.
Why the changes? The squad was receiving more county funding, notably for the necessary equipment that was previously self-funded. With their new name, and official incorporation, the auxiliary continued to meet and work and serve their community.
Alas, their time has come to an end. The costs of fundraising have skyrocketed in the last ten years. And their membership has greatly decreased. Today they have nine members. Back in the day, it was about twenty.
Thus, after 45 years of service, the Apex Community Auxiliary is ending operations. And disbanding their corporation, which means the legal requirement of disposing their assets to other non-profit charitable organizations. Thank you all, for your service.
On Tuesday night, June 6, 2017, at 7:00 p.m., the auxiliary will appear before the Apex Town Council, to present donations to these local charities and service organizations:
Apex American Legion Post 124 – $20,000
Apex Chamber of Commerce – $2,000, for Back Pack Buddies
Apex High School PTSA – $20,000
Apex Historical Society – $10,000
Apex United Methodist Church – $5,000, for Simple Gifts Garden
Blue Light College of Apex – $30,000
Grow Our Kids – $40,000
Town of Apex, EMS Department – $35,000, for Power Load system on next ambulance.
The auxiliary officers and members:
Memories of the auxiliary, and the early decades of the Apex Rescue Squad, are posted on the Facebook page History of EMS in Wake County, in the photo album Apex EMS.
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 Street, Raleigh, North Carolina. Firefighters discovered a heavily involved structure upon their arrival and immediately assumed a defensive posture. The magnitude of this fire caused the Raleigh Fire Department to issue five alarms to affect suppression and mitigate fire extension. Over 100 firefighters brought the fire under control in three hours. Damage estimates for the event are estimated in excess of $50 million.
From March 18, 2017, through March 24, 2017, the Raleigh Fire Department, along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Raleigh Police Department, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, conducted an exhaustive fire scene examination of The Metropolitan apartment complex located at 314 West Jones Street, Raleigh, North Carolina. Over 100 investigators participated in the investigation. Over 300 interviews were conducted. Multiple state search warrants were issued, and approximately 25 tons of debris were removed from the fire scene.
A number of potential ignition sources were identified within the structure and evaluated. However, after thorough hypothesis, development, testing and evaluation, investigators were unable to definitively eliminate several accidental and incendiary scenarios. These possibilities include: electrical sources, an intentional act, and the possibility of a heating fire ignited by trespassing squatters. The viability of numerous potential incendiary and accidental ignition sources dictates this fire to be classified as UNDETERMINED.
Later that day, Raleigh Fire Chief John McGrath conducted a press conference at Station 1. He spoke to reporters and answered their questions. And noted that the investigation will be reopened, if additional information is found.
Watch a recording of the press conference in this WRAL story.
Or read about the historic fire, via the Raleigh Fire Museum.
Mike Legeros photo
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 rear compartment. The latter also means high-side compartments on both sides. Different hose bed configuration, as well. Readers can add other observations.
Engine 17 arrived on Friday, June 2. Engine 10 was delivered on Thursday, May 26. They’ll be joined by a new 2017 Pierce Arrow XT tiller, 1500/300/100′, that’s finishing production. It’ll be here by the end of the month.
Engine 10 and Engine 17 both operate 1998 Pierce Saber pumpers, 1250/500. Those were two of six (!) delivered back in the day. Engine 10 is also receiving its first new engine since 1968 (!!). That’s when Engine 10 was the second engine at Station 1, and received an open-cab 1968 American LaFrance 900 Series pumper, 1000/250.
Photographer Lee Wilson has been tracking these trucks since they started production at pierce. See more of his pictures.
Lee Wilson photos
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 en route. Engine 4 also cleared their other call, and responded. They arrived about a minute ahead of second-due Engine 18.
Engine 4 arrived with heavy fire showing from a brick-and-frame, garden-style multi-unit apartment building.[1] 10,440 square-feet, built 1986, say tax records. The middle units of the building were fully-involved.
They “laid in wet”, stopping first at the fire hydrant, and laying their own line to the building. With the volume of fire and reports of subjects possibly trapped, the Engine 4 officer requested as second alarm within about a minute.
WTVD viewer video screen capture, uncredited, via Twitter
As the fire department was arriving, two men were going door-to-door as the fire was spreading. They kicked in doors, and called for anyone inside to come to safety. Their actions were captured on cellphone video by Corey Grant Eason.
Engine 4 continued evacuation of the building with the two civilians, as their water supply was established. Crews then started an interior attack with hand lines, but were soon withdrawn to start aerial operations. Evacuation tones were sounded on the radio, and air horns were sounded on scene.
Ladder 1 (platform) and Ladder 3 (straight stick) flowed.They were positioned on the front right (L1 supplied by E18) and front left (L3 with own hydrant) corners of the building. They knocked down the bulk of the fire, and crews resumed suppression, and then salvage and overhaul.
Battalion 5 had command, then assumed by Car 20, then assumed by Car 3, the Assistant Chief of Services. Wake County EMS provided medical monitor and rehab. The fire was controlled in just under an hour. Three additional engines were called for manpower, starting about ninety minutes into the incident.
Nineteen residents were displaced. At least eight units were damaged by fire, and at least four were damaged by smoke and water, said officials. (The Red Cross reported eleven occupied units were destroyed.) There was a firewall between each apartment, they noted.
The fire started on the porch of a rear, second-floor apartment, burned through the porch to the first floor, and spread from there, said officials via news reports. The cause was not determined. No residents were injured.
Run Card
News Stories
[1] But wait Batman, weren’t these townhomes? Unsure. Seeing conflicting reports. Tax records indicating only one property owner. Ergo apartments?
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 $39,200, highest of any regional municipality in FY17.
Pay maximums for senior firefighters will increase by nearly 20%.
Etc.
Two engines
One ladder (another tiller, we’ve heard)
One rescue (larger replacement for Rescue 1)
Other “service equipment” (two mini-pumpers, we’ve heard, for starters).
Ten firefighter positions, supported by grant from Homeland Security. Midyear addition, e.g. for calendar year 2018.
One Deputy Fire Marshal position.
Fire station maintenance – $1.3M
Fire Station 14 – $1.07M, addition funding to build retaining wall on site
Fire Station 1 – $1.6M out of $20.7M, over three fiscal years between FY17 and FY20
Fire driving course – $100,000, for design and preparation.
Durham
Thirty firefighter positions for two companies for Station 17, under construction on Leesville Road.
Wake County
Noticed Emergency Management now under Fire Services. Happened in September 2016. How’d he miss that?
Durham County
Nothing released yet.
Apex
Three firefighter positions.
Cary
Pumper replacement – #1706 – $650K
Replacing 1999 KME, current reserve
Note: Station 9 replacement on Walnut Street is already funded. Construction planned summer 2018 to fall 2019. See this project site.
Future Fiscal Years
FY19
Aerial ladder replacement (two) – $2,750,000
FY20
Aerial ladder replacement – $1,400,000
Sta 10 – O’Kelly Church Road – $750,000
FY21
Sta 10 – O’Kelly Church Road – $7M
SCBA replacement – $2M
FY22
Pumper replacement – $747,500
PPumper for Sta 10 – $800,000
Sta 10 – O’Kelly Church Road – $1.5M
FY23-28
Replacement pumpers – $4Mbr>RReplacement rescues – $1.2M
Sta 11 – White Oak Church Road
Sta 12 – West Lake/Middle Creek – $9.7M
Sta 13 – Lewter Shop Road and 751
Sta 14 – RDU/Pleasant Grove Church Road – $12M
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.) Lee Wilson has been following the progress of the truck, and has posted pictures. See his Flickr album.
Lee Wilson photo
It replaces a 1995 HME/Rescue Master walk-in rescue, a demo truck that was added in late 1995 or early 1996. Upon that truck’s delivery, which included new rescue tools, the Apex Fire Department assumed the role of rescue services from Apex Rescue Squad. (The latter becoming the EMS-only organization, Apex EMS.)
Earlier Rescue Trucks
The prior rescue rig was a 1985 Ford L/4 Guys walk-in rescue, and used primarily as a service company. It was equipped with four SCBA mounts in the walk-in compartment, a mounted generator, and fireground support gear. After the delivery of the 1995 KME, it was used as a dive truck for a period of time. It’s shown in the montage below, and now serves Salisbury FD as Squad 4.
Apex FD also had a later, second rescue, a 1992 International/3D walk-around rescue added in 2004. It originally served Forsyth Rescue Squad, and the North Carolina Canine Emergency Response Team (NCCERT). Click to enlarge:
Left to right, top to bottom: Lee Wilson photos, Apex Fire Department photo (lower right)
The 1992 International/3D entered the fleet in 2004, as part of a partnership with AFD and NCCERT. The canine response team relocated from Winston-Salem to Apex that year, after Forsyth Rescue Squad closed shop in 2003.
NC USAR Task Force 4
NCCERT was also a core component of NC USAR Task Force 4, along with Troutman Fire Department. The partnership added AFD to the task force, and provided a home for NCCERT’s vehicles and equipment. (The canine team was renting a warehouse on Perry Street.)
The town via the fire department agreed to house and maintain the equipment, which included the 1992 rescue truck and two cargo trailers with trench and collapse rescue equipment, a water rescue truck and various boat and jet ski trailers, a converted modular ambulance-turned-communications unit, and more. Click to enlarge:
NCCERT and Apex Fire Departments photos
In 2006, the town purchased the 1992 rescue truck from NCCERT, along with the two rescue trailers and their equipment, a flatbed trailer, and a panel van that was used as a dive response unit. Also that year, Morrisville Fire Department joined NC USAR Task Force 4.
Read this history of Task Force 4, which originated as the state’s first independent USAR team, North Carolina Task Force 1, and which was originally named North Carolina Strike Force 1.
Racing Transporter Turned Rescue Truck
In 2010 or 2011, a former racing transporter was purchased for use by NC USAR Task Force 4.
The 1995 Freightliner and three-axle extended cargo trailer replaced the rescue trailers for transporting trench and collapse rescue equipment. It cost about $42,000, and the monies were donated by the Apex Community Auxiliary, a group that supports Apex EMS. Click to enlarge:
Mike Legeros photo
In 2013, NC USAR Task Force 4 was dissolved, along with three other teams, after the state streamlined the number of state-sponsored USAR teams.
The Apex Fire Department has remained a state-recognized swift water rescue resource, however. They response several times a year to local lakes and waterways and flood-impacted areas.
The Wake County Fire Commission meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 18, 2017, has been cancelled. All necessary business was completed at the May 4 special-called meeting.
