Two Alarms at Helping Hands Mission

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Two alarms were struck on Sunday morning, March 1, 2026, at the Helping Hands Mission at 623 Rock Quarry Road. Dispatched at 6:32 a.m. as a residential structure fire, from initial caller reports.

Large header reported as units were en route. Raleigh Fire Department Engine 13 first-arriving, with heavy smoke and fire showing from the front of the building (Division A). Arrival time 6:37 a.m. Engine 1 and Ladder 1 were right behind.

Commercial warehouse building with 22,281 square-feet, one-story, cinderblock rear, exposed steel front, with lightweight wood trusses. Built 1950, from tax records.

Challenging access conditions, due to crowded/cluttered interior spaces. Also, exterior areas with similar access challenges. Also no access/egress from rear of building, solid block wall.

Fire also spread to a shipping container, beside the fire building. Saws used to access same.

Four hand lines used (correct?), from Engine 13. All on Division A. Two aerials were positioned, Ladder 20 on Alpha side (not raised), and Ladder 6 (raised) in Division C. The aerial was used to access roof, for vent holes. Engine 13 also provided gross decon. Engine 20 provided foam operations later.

Two hydrants caught, first on Cumberland Street, across from the fire building, supplying Engine 13. Second at the corner of Rock Quarry and Lenoir, established by Engine 10 and supplying Ladder 12, which was raised for roof access, but did not flow water.

Two additional engines requested ~6:44 a.m. Balance of the second alarm assignment requested at ~6:57 a.m., for relief of first-alarm companies. But a full second alarm was dispatched.

Command llocated in A/D corner of the building, behind Ladder 20, and closer to Rock Quarry Road. Division Chief 1 in command, with Battalion 2 as supervisor for Alpha side.

Controlled at 7:28 .am.

One injury, bicyclists who bypasses police roadblock and struck supply line. Transported by EMS.

Fire occurred at shift change and a number of incoming personnel came to the scene, both using RFD vehicles (Mini 7) and personal vehicles.

Run Card

First Alarm – 6:32 a.m.
E10 E1 E13 L12 (on reserve) Sq7 R16 B2 B5 ISO14

Working fire
DC1 INV1 Air 10, with investigator arriving later, staffed with incoming shift personnel from Station 1

Added
Air 28, returned to service after arriving at scene

Added – 6:45 a.m.
E5 E12, special called.

Second alarm – 6:58 am.
E3 E11 E20 E26 L20 L6 (on reserve)

Special call
Rehab 12, cross-staffed by Station 12 personnel and brought to scene by incoming shift personnel

Added
Logistics Chief

Medical
M14 M62 D1 D2