Cary Fire Department

History

Last updated: October 20, 2020

Before 1980 | After 1980 

Demographics. Town has 21,763 people and 9.86 square miles.

Town minutes: Council reports on productivity program initiated in fire department, where firemen will volunteer to take on projects that they can complete while on duty, to help other town departments. The first project is the installation of all street signs. "Other projects will be looked into but if any project becomes a morale problem, it will be dropped." (January 10, 1980)

Town council approves converting volunteer members to part-time personnel. They will be paid the same hourly rate as beginning full-time firefighters. They will also receive pay for answering alarms, in addition to training, which the volunteers had previously received. Also approved is increasing the number of part-time firefighters from 11 to 15. (February 14, 1980)^tm

Apparatus updates. Fire department adopts SLEP, Service Life Extension Program after program receives endorsement from town Safety Committee. Program is designed to extend the life of current equipment and is planned to begin by modernizing two pumpers.

• Engine 2 will be rebuilt, with diesel, pump ratios, transmission, air brake systems, and gauges all replaced and extending the life of the apparatus by better than 20 years. The refurbishing is estimated at $45,000, compared to the replacement cost for an equal engine in excess of $90,000.
• Engine 4 is already being revamped, with work continuing on an in-house basis, and which should be completed in three to six months. (February 1980)^cn20feb80

Fire department assumes Public Works duties of creating and maintaining street signs for town.

Facilities are set up at Station 2, complete with lamination machine built by firefighters. Members of "B" shift are "primarily involved in setting up the systematic program" reports the May 14 edition of The Cary News, and "for at least part of every workday, the men of B shift move to a different locale in the town with a work list that has been dictated by observed needs of the police department." Firefighters "have their work cut out for them" as town "is in the process of replacing all concrete street name posts" with upright, single-blade signs with reflecting lettering. (Spring 1980)^cn

Facilities note: Town council approves selling original proposed site for Station 3 back to Kildaire Farms Inc. (May 29, 1980)

First firefighters certified as emergency medical technicians. Town council receives report on July 10, 1980, that twenty-five of the "regular firemen" have received their EMT training certificates. (Spring/Summer 1980)

Town minutes: Council approves on September 11, 1980, a methodology for fire department to supplement some of the activities of the Cary Area Rescue Squad. The guidelines were crafted by the chiefs of both organizations. Includes:

1. Primary hours that fire units may be asked to respond to rescue calls are M-F from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Decision to request respond of a fire unit will be made by rescue squad officer, based on manpower of squad units and urgency of call.
2. Fire units will leave room for proper parking of rescue squad units on a call.
3. Fire units will not cancel rescue unit responses at any time. But they may advise that the rescue unit can respond without lights and siren.
4. When fire units arrive first to a rescue call, only two EMTs should handle the emergency.
5. When fire units arrive first, they will provide "interim rescue aid" until the rescue unit arrives.
6. When fire units arrive after the rescue unit, the fire company officer should send only one EMT to see what additional manpower is needed.
7. No wound dresses shall be applied unless severe bleeding.
8. No drugs will be administered unless directed by a physician.
9. Inter-department training will be conducted from time to time.
10. Rescue squad will replace all fire department supplies used on rescue calls.
    
    

Apparatus note: 1953 Seagrave pumper removed from service.

Fire department consists of 26 full-time and 14 part-time firefighters. Full-time firefighters work eight-hour rotating shifts and are also on-call for major fires. Out of 26 fire departments in Wake County, Cary and Raleigh are the only ones with paid staffs. (June 18, 1980)

Snapshot. Full-time positions as of January 22, 1981:

• 1 - Fire Chief
• 1 - Fire Captain/Fire Prevention Officer
• 6 - Fire Captain
• 1 - Fire Education Specialist
• 6 - Firefighter/Driver
• 3 - Firefighter II
• 9 - Firefighter I
• 1 - Secretary (half-time)

Total 27.5 full-time positions.

Town minutes: Twenty Year Comprehensive Fire Prevention and Management Plan adopted by town council. The plan was presented to council on February 21. (April 9, 1981)^tm

Apparatus note: 1965 American LaFrance pumper refurbished. Includes installation of 6171T Detroit diesel engine, an MT644 Allison automatic transmission, power steering, complete rewiring, air brakes, cab top, sand blasting, and repainting. Refurbishment costs $70,022.16. Town council approves budget amendment ordnance for repairs on September 25, 1980, for amount of $82,000. Bid for repowering and refurbished for $67,329 awarded on October 23, 1980.^{cfdr, tm}

Fire Prevention Officer Captain Wayne House assists Syracuse Plastics Inc. on Old Apex Road with education of newly formed fire brigade. (February 1982) ^cn

Apparatus delivery: 1982 Ford C/Pierce pumper, 1000/500. Fleet #905. Bids for cab and chassis ($29,998.90) and apparatus body ($87,533.34) awarded December 10, 1981. The choice of a commercial cab pumper is explained to town council by the Fire Chief as (1) commercial cab instead of custom cab results in approximately $7,000 savings, (2) by bidding the cab/chassis and apparatus body separately, another estimated $3,000 was saved, (3) by including equipment as part of the bid, he believed he also saved money. (March 16, 1982)^{cfdr, tm}

Residence at 200 Wendy Court burns. Afternoon fire is stared by shorting wires in homemade bird repellant. Damage is estimated at $30,000. Firefighters are called to the scene at 2 p.m. (May 16, 1982)

Volunteer firefighters are phased out.

Brush fires along Seaboard Coastline railroad trucks are fought by around 50 firefighters from Cary, Yrac, Morrisville, Fairgrounds, and Swift Creek fire departments. First fire is reported at 3:45 p.m., along the tracks near the town hall. Other fires are fought near Lowes, near Aeroglide Corporation and Bashford Road. Fires are believed started by sparks or oil from train heading west out of Raleigh, though, when stopped in Apex, nothing is found wrong.(March 4, 1983)^na

Chemical spill at 113 W. Maynard Road causes evacuation of businesses, schools, and residents.

Four firefighters are injured when splattered by percholoroethylene, a dry-cleaning substance, while trying to plug the leak on a truck transporting same. The fluid seeps under their gloves and runs down their chests. They're treated on the scene, with water and subsequent lotion. One of the four, Captain William Reynolds, is hospitalized after inhaling the substance, 175 gallons of which are eventually released onto the ground. Police close Maynard Road from Kildare Farm Road to Pond Street, close three businesses and evacuate Briarcliff Elementary School at about 1:30 p.m..

More than 60 firefighters from nine departments are called to the scene. Cary firefighters stay on the scene until 2 a.m. the next morning. Getting enough breathing air proves the greatest challenge, as firefighters attempting to stop the leak keep running out of bottled air. Firefighters subsequently spend three hours in Raleigh that night, refilling SCBA tanks. Local restaurants provide food to the exhausted firefighters, both delivering to the scene and feeding more than 30 firefighters for free at a restaurant.

Maynard Road residents are allowed back into their homes after midnight, instructed to leave their windows open for 45 minutes, to ensue any chemical vapors escape. (March 7, 1983)^{cn, no08mar83}

Apparatus delivery: 1984 Chevy K20 brush truck, 200/225. (March 1, 1984)^cfdr

Land for Station 3 purchased at 1807 Kildaire Farm Road. (October 26, 1984)^wcrer

1984, Wolfe's Appliance and Service Company at 140 East Chatham Street burns. Fire is reported about 3:05 p.m. About 25 firefighters bring blaze under control shortly after arrival, but smolder insulation creates thick brown smoke that pours from building for more than an hour. Firefighters remain on scene until 9:30 p.m., ensuring flames are out. Rich's Style Shop suffers minor smoke damage. Police reroute traffic around area for about two hours. (November 25, 1984)^no26nov84

Town minutes: Council approves hiring of six additional firefighters, plus budget ordnance for salaries and benefits. Also mentioned are six more firefighter positions needed for Station 3, and those will be recommended for adding when completion of the station is six months away. (March 28, 1985)^tm

Town minutes: Proposed budget includes six firefighters positions for Station 3, to be hired October 1. (May 9, 1985)^tm

Land for future fire station (Station 4) purchased at 1401 Old Apex Road. Purchase authorized by town council on May 23. (June 27, 1985)^{wcrer, tm}

Engine 3 placed in service at Station 1. (July-August 1986)^oh

Apparatus delivery: 1986 Dodge step van, used by newly created hazardous materials team. Donated by Joe Denning and accepted by town council on August 14, 1986.
 

1987

Station 3 completed at 1807 Kildare Farm Road.

• The one-story, 8,750 square-foot station (current size) is located on a 1.24 acre parcel.^wcrer
• Site is located one mile farther south than first site purchased near Kildare Farm Road and Cary Parkway, but abandoned at recommendation of Fire Chief, who believes same is too close to Station 1.
• Town council authorizes commissioning architect William Keener to use the basic plans from Station 2 as plans for new Station 3 on January 12, 1978.^tm
• Town council receives report from architect that topography of Station 3 site isn't suitable for using the design of Station 2, and thus must be modified, on March 9, 1978.
• Town council authorizes architect William Keener to prepare a new, preliminary design on March 24, 1978.^tm
• Contract for architect approved by town council on December 13, 1984.^tm
• Site plan approved by town council on August 22, 1985.^tm
• Construction bids awarded by town council on January 23, 1986.^tm
• Station is dedicated on August 2, 1987.^aaac

Fire department has 44 firefighters, two employees in Fire Prevention, two Assistant Fire Chiefs, and one Fire Chief, three engine companies and one ladder company, with three firefighters assigned to each, as of August 2, 1987.

Equpment notes. Current support vehicles:

Source CFD.

Town minutes: Council approved adjustments of fire department positions on November 18, 1987:

• Transfer Senior Inspection Analyst position from Inspections to Fire.
• Change one existing Inspector position to Fire Marshal/Assistant Chief.

Additional firefighter positions added during year. Total of 20? Higher? On January 22, 1987, town council approved the following:

• Hiring eight firefighter positions effective May 1, 1987
• Hiring four firefighter and four engineer positions effective July 1, 1987
• Hiring two engineer and six captain positions effective September 1, 1987.

The first eight firefighters to be placed at Station 4 when completed. The remaining positions for the new aerial ladder company.

Town minutes: Council approves designating each fire station as a "Safe Place" for youths in distress. (February 11, 1988)^tm

Apparatus deliveries: two 1987 Pierce Arrow pumpers 1250/500. Fleet #906, #906. New Engine 1, Engine 4. Bid awarded for $878,780 for the pumpers and aerial platform by town council on January 22, 1987. (February 20, 1988)^cfdr

Apparatus delivery: 1988 Pierce Arrow rear-mounted aerial platform, 1500/300/105'. Fleet #921. Alternately cited as 1987 model year. (April 15, 1998)^{cfdr, oh}

Town minutes: Council approves amendment to town ordinances, adding haz-mat emergency response to the duties of the fire department, along with fee structure for clean-up. (April 14, 1988)^tm

First aerial ladder company placed in service. Truck 4 at Station 4. (April-May 1988)

Rushing rainwater sweeps 13 year-old boy into drainage culvert while crossing creek in woods near Nottingham Circle and Harlon Drive. Accident occurs about 4:20 p.m. Water carries boy about 75 yards into four-foot diameter culvert which gradually descends underground and eventually runs under Interstate 40. Firefighters, altered by boy's friend who runs for help, remove cover off of catch basin and retrieve boy, who grabs crack in cement wall near the catch basin. (July 10, 1988)^rt11jul88

Page Mill apartments burn. One firefighter is injured. (August 5?, 1988)^noi

Cary TV and appliance burns. Business is destroyed, set afire by burglar's torch. (September 20?, 1988)^noi

Land for future fire station (Station 5) purchased at 2101 High House Road. (December 21, 1988)^wcrer

Station 4 completed at 1401 Old Apex Road. The one-story, 9,093 square-foot (current size) building is located on a three-acre lot.

Timeline:

• Town council awarded bid for architectural and engineering services on July 10, 1986.^tm
• Town council approved the site plan on January 8, 1987.^tm
• Town council awarded construction contracts on March 12, 1987.^tm
• Open house conducted on January 29, 1989.^wcrer

Fire department responds to 1513 emergencies for year, averaging over four per day.^cfdr

Building at 306 Middleton Avenue burns. (January 13, 1989)^noi

Fire department has 73 employees including one full-time bulk water sales person, has two specialized, 18-person teams (hazardous materials and fire investigation). Also, every firefighter a certified Emergency Medical Technician as of September 9, 1989. Apparatus includes four engines, one ladder, one ladder / salvage truck, and two engines in reserve. ^cfdr

Carolina Computer Store at 700 Western Boulevard Extension burns. Fire starts in rear storeroom and guts business. Nearby York Sports Club and Economy Dry Cleaners receive smoke damage. Fire alarm is received at 1:45 a.m. About 30 firefighters respond. Damage to computer store's inventory is estimated at $100,000. Businesses are located in Cary Village Square. (September 15, 1989)^no19sep89

Ace Hardware & Home Center at Mayfair Plaza damaged by explosion and fire. Shopping center located at Kildaire Farm and E. Maynard Roads. Suspicious blaze starts about 9:15 p.m. in enclosed area behind store. Explosion, from 40-pound liquid propane tank used as forklift fuel supply, spreads fire to rear of store. Fire is latest of several suspicious fires around shopping center. (November 12, 1989)^rt13nov89

 

1989

Land for new Station 1 purchased at 1501 N. Harrison Avenue. (December 15, 1989)^wcrer

Reunion held for all volunteer firemen who were members of the Cary Fire Department from 1945 through 1960. (September 9, 1989)^cfdr

Department snapshot:

• Four fire stations
• Land for fifth fire station purchased
• Four engine companies
• One aerial ladder truck
• One salvage/ladder truck [possibly unstaffed]
• Two engines in reserve
• Eighteen-member haz-mat team
• Eighteen-member fire investigation team
• Every firefighter is a certified EMT
• Seventy-three employees, including one full-time bulk water sales person.
• "Highly computerized," with computers in every station, and computers used by 90% of employees. All fire reports, training records, personnel records, fire flow data, hydrant maintenance records, lock box records, payroll, street index, hose records, manning levels, business identification numbers, business inspections, clothing records, communications equipment inventory, and Fire Chief's Monthly Operating Report kept on computer.
• Operates an "extended 911 telephone service."
• Installing a computer-aided dispatch system, planned to be operational December 1, 1989.
• Installing an 800mhz trunked radio system this fiscal year.
• Answered 1513 emergency calls last year.
• Fire lost of $0.6 million last year.
• Operating budget of $2.5 million.^cfdr
  
  

New radio system installed, 800mhz "trunked" system. (1989-1990).^cfdr

Insurance rating improves from Class 6 to Class 3, reported in town minutes on February 8, 1990.

Demographics. Town has 43,858 people and 30.25 square miles.

Town fire protection rating improved. The Class 6 rating is changed to Class 3 by ISO Commercial Risk Services of Atlanta. The improve is estimated to save commercial and rental property owners $500,000 in fire insurance premiums. The improved rating represented more than ten years of planning and spending to building new fire stations, purchase better equipment, raise training standards, and improve response time. The Class 3 rating matches Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. The rating is effective March 1, 1990.^no09feb90

House burns at 100 Martinique Place. Firefighters spend over two hours battling the blaze that causes an estimated $600,000 damage. (March 10, 1991)^no12mar91

Fire protection contract with Yrac FD terminated. Action approved by town council on May 9, 1991. Due to changes in state laws, town staff presents opinion that the $200 monthly contract is no longer needed. (June 30, 1991)^tm

Department relocates facilities, as renovations start on Old Station 1, and construction starts on a new Station 1.

• Architect selection approved by town council on August 23, 1990.
• Fire Administration moves into temporary rented space at 748-E East Chatham Street. Ten people are relocated, and the relocation is approved by town council on March 14, 1991.
• Construction bid awarded by town council on June 27, 1991.^tm
• Construction management bid awarded by town council on August 9, 1991, as town staff sees need for independent construction management services for building projects.^tm
• Engine 1 moves to Station 2.

New 800mhz radio system [first installed? Just for fire?] (September? 1991)^cfdr

Relocated Station 1 activated at 1501 North Harrison Avenue. Constructed at cost of $1.3 million on 6.5 acres of land donated by SAS Institute on condition that fire station is designed to "blend architecturally" with nearby homes.^aaac The one-story fire station has 11, 536 square-feet (current size).^wcrer Cost about $1.3 million.^tm  (September/October 1991)

Timeline:

• Relocation and renovation plan approved by town council on October 12, 1989. Planned combined budget is $1.8 million.^tm
• Land donation agreement approved by town council on November 30, 1989.^tm
• Site plan approved by town council on March 28, 1991.^tm
• Construction bid awarded by town council on June 27, 1991.^tm
• Construction management bid awarded by town council on August 9, 1991, as town staff sees need for independent construction management services for building projects.^tm
• Opened September/October 1991.^no08sep91

Medlin-Davis Cleaners at MacGregor Village burns.  Fire is reported about 2:00 p.m. and destroys three-fourths of the building's equipment. Kerr Drugs and Hot Shots Billiards & Pub also suffer damage. (December 2, 1991)

Old Station 1 at 100 N. Academy Street converted to Fire Administration Building. The one-story building with a full basement has 5,200 square-feet (current size), and sits on a 0.11 acre lot.^wcrer

Timeline:

• Renovations planned to be completed in January 1992, reported in newspaper in September 1991.^no08sep91

Apparatus delivery: 1993 Pierce Lance heavy rescue, for use as service truck. Fleet #1904. Walk-around body. No extrication tools, but equipped with mobile air refilling station. (April 22, 1993)^cfdr

New truck company placed in service, Truck 4 at Station 4, with 1993 Pierce service truck #1094. (April-May 1993)

New communications system, with 800mhz radio system now (fully?) operational. (September? 1993)^cn21sep91

M. Wayne House appointed Fire Chief. He's named interim fire chief in March, after retirement of Fire Chief Ned Perry, who retired for health reasons. House has been a Cary firefighter for twenty years, and an assistant chief since the late 1980s. Before that, he served as the town Fire Marshal.

Fire department has 68 firefighters, five fire prevention officers, three assistant chiefs, and one Fire Chief.

Construction worker trapped after ten-foot trench collapses. Worker laying pipes for new water tower on Cary Parkway near Kildare Farm Road is buried around 5:20 p.m. and rescued after six hours and subsequently flown to Duke University Medical Center. (June 13, 1994)^no

Apparatus delivery: 1994 Seagrave pumper, 1250/500. Fleet #1221. Bid awarded for $296,915 by town council on February 24, 1994.^tm

Dormitory addition at Station 4. Professional service contract awarded by town council on October 14, 1993. Architect selected by town council on February 10, 1994. Construction bid awarded by town council on August 11.^tm

Dormitory addition at Station 3. Funding approved by town council on January 27, 1994. Professional services contract awarded by town council on February 10. Construction bid awarded by town council on August 11. ^tm

Flowers Baking Company in the 200 block of E. Chatham Street burns. Fire is reported at Capital Vacuum at 209 E. Chatham Street about 6:45 p.m., but find the building next door ablaze. Fire extensively damages the bakery's warehouse and offices, and does smoke damage to adjacent businesses. (January 11, 1995)^no12jan95

Second truck company placed in service as Truck 3 at Station 3, with 1995 Seagrave service truck #1210. (January-February, 1995)

Chatham Creek rest home evacuated after a room burns. One room is destroyed in the overnight blaze, and 69 elderly residents are evacuated. One resident and three staff members are transported for smoke inhalation. Fire, smoke, and water damage force the facility to close. (April 18, 1995)^no19apr95

Major gas leak on Walnut Street prompts evacuation of more than 300 homes in Greenwood Acres and Pirates Cove, as well as the Cary Towne Center. The leak occurs at 1:10 p.m. in the middle of the street. The 12-inch main requires several hours to repair, and creates major delays and miles of stopped traffic. Station 2 used as temporary shelter for 106 residents. Largest evacuation in 23 years, cites Fire Chief. Leak is stopped about 6:00 p.m. (August 11, 1995)^no12aug95

Parade apparatus project started.

In preparation for upcoming fire department anniversary, private money is raised to create a restored replica of the town's 1953 Seagrave pumper. The project costs about $20,000.

Side note, on April 10, 1986, town council considered selling the 1953 Seagrave as surplus property, for reasons including that housing the truck in a fire station was proving problematic, but requested research into locating the truck in one of the town parks, for use as a recreational item. On April 24, sale of the truck as surplus was approved by town council. On June 12, a public auction was held, with $1,350 bid for the truck. Town council approved rejection of the bid, as one council member didn't want to see the truck leave town, and the Mayor Pro Tem was dissatisfied with the bid amount. They instead directed the truck to be retained by the town, and locating proper housing so it could be used for special events.

Project was conceived as early as December 1991, when Fire Chief Ned Perry was planning to ask the Town Board for a trust account to collect donations. Town Council approved a policy statement about the project and how monies would be used on December 12, 1991.

Fundraising was announced in January 1993. Restoration committee created, first meeting February 16, 1993 [correct?]. Project featured in Cary News on May 26, 1993. Town donated $2,000 to help with fundraising, as approved by town council on August 26, 1993.

Work starts in/around 1995. A second, matching pumper is purchased in New Hampshire. Body parts from the town's pumper are in the restoration of the second truck's chassis. A new engine is added, and, soon, a replacement transmission.

The work is done at Station 1, and other locations, including Aero Glide, where their sandblasting equipment is used on the weekends to remove the old paint and rust, from the parts they removed. Crews also used their compression to prime the parts, after they were cleaned with the sandblaster.

The restoration takes over a year to complete, with over 2,000 man hours spent on body work and mechanical repairs. The truck is completed in time for the Silver Anniversary parade on October 11, 1997, and housing ceremony at Station 2 for a new Pierce Lance pumper.

Project leader is Captain Phil Roberts. Project members, by time spent on project:

• 600 hours - Phil Richard
• 200 to 250 hours - Richard Sumler, Jesse House, Bob McSorley, Craig Daigle
• 60 to 80 hours - Don Daniels, Don Ayscue, Sam Matthews, Jon Schondelmayer
• 20 to 40 hours - Woodrow Freeze, Mike Wiles, Clint Earp, Sharon Fox, George Martin (town shop) Chad Godwin, Brad Williams, Mike Nourse, Erin Degenhardt
• 10 hours - Beth Helsinger, Bill Ruble, Kirby Ring, Joel Storie

Restoration completed in time for 75th anniversary parade and housing ceremony at Station 2, for new pumper. ^{no23jan93, no12dec91, oh, cfdr}

Apparatus delivery: 1995 Seagrave/Marion heavy rescue, for use as service truck. Fleet #1210. Walk-around body. Bid awarded for $313,276 (truck only) by town council on December 8, 1994. Plus $29,022.15 for fire equipment. [ Delivery date needs further verification. ] (January 18, 1996)

Land for future fire station (Station 7) purchased at 6900 Carpenter Fire Station Road. (February 15, 1996)^wcrer

Rescue company placed in service. Rescue 2 at Station 2, with unit #922. Fire department assumes role of rescue provider within town limits from the rescue squad, which ceases providing the service. (June 30, 1996)^{oh, cfd}

Apparatus delivery: 1983 International/Swab medium-duty rescue. Fleet #1293. Donated by Cary Area Rescue Squad, complete with rescue and extrication equipment. (July 1, 1996)^{oh, cfdr}

Apparatus delivery: 1996 Pierce Lance pumper, 1250/500. Fleet #1289. Bid awarded for $283,111 by town council on October 26, 1995. (July 15, 1996)

Woodcreek apartments on Woodcreek Dr. burn. Four units destroyed in evening fire, which starts about 9:40 a.m. Eight people are displaced. (October 30, 1996)^no01nov96

Equipment note: Defibrillators added by this time, as town council approved purchase of nine semi-automatic defibrillators, plus five simulators/testers. (August 22, 1996)^tm

Apparatus note: 1983 International/Swab rescue placed in service as Rescue 2. Fleet #1293. (August 26, 1996)^cfdr

Apparatus notes:

• Moved: 1993 Pierce Lance service truck, Truck 4 moved from Station 1 to Station 4.
• Moved: Engine 5, from Station 4 to Station 5, upon opening of the new station.
• Source: Oral histories.

Station 5 completed at 2101 High House Road.

• Engine 5 relocates from Station 4.
• Facility includes Police Department substation.
• The one-story, 11,051 square-foot (current size) fire station sites occupies an 1.91 acre lot.^wcrer
• Architect selection approved by town council on May 13, 1993.^tm
• Site plans approved by town council on July 8, 1993.^tm
• Construction manager contract awarded by town council on August 12, 1993.^tm
• Construction bid awarded by town council on February 10, 1994.^tm

Confined-space rescue training started, and an equipment trailer created, by August 1996.^cfdr

Burning truck containing tanks of bleach solution prompts evacuation of crowded YMCA. The Monday evening incident occurs about 9:00 p.m. at 101 YMCA Drive. There were no injuries, and the building is evacuated as a precaution. The Raleigh Fire Department haz-mat team responds. (January 27, 1997)^no28jan97

Rex Wellness Center of Cary suffers propane gas explosion. Two employees at the fitness center are severely burned in the Fridya afternoon incident. Resulting fire is quickly extinguished. (August 1, 1997)^{no02aug97, no03aug97}

Apparatus deliveries: two 1997 Pierce Lance pumpers, 1250/500. Fleet #1391, #1392. Bids awarded for $308,879 each by town council on January 9. (August 11, 1997)^cfdr

Fire department celebrates 75th anniversary, with five engine companies, two truck companies, one ladder company, and one rescue company employing 120 full-time employees and an annual budget of $5.3 million. The department serves a town of 82,000 people and 40 square miles. (October 11, 1997)

Apparatus relocations:

• 1993 Pierce Lance service truck, from Station 4 to Station 3. Now Truck 3.
• 1995 Seagrave/Marion service truck, from Station 3 to Station 4. Now Truck 4.
• Source: Oral histories.

Apparatus changes:

• Truck 4 removed from service.
• Truck 5 placed in service 1995 Seagrave Marion service truck, former Truck 4.
• Engine 5 receives 1994 Seagrave Marauder pumper, former Engine 4.  (About November 1, 1998)
• Source: Oral Histories

Apparatus delivery: 1996 Mack/Craft Body Works service truck.

• Fleet #1446.
• Purchased as reserve rescue and service truck.
• Designed as same body style as 1975 GMC/Alexander service truck, which it replaces. Purchased for use as both a reserve ladder and reserve rescue.

• Alternate model year 1996. (April 1, 1998)^cfdr

Land for future fire station (Station 6) purchased at 3609 Ten Ten Road. Approved for purchase by town council on December 12, 1996. (January 12, 1999)^wcrer

Apparatus delivery: 1999 Pierce Lance Sky Arm rear-mounted aerial platform, 1500/300/100'. Fleet #1542. (September 2, 1999)

Second aerial ladder company placed in service. Ladder 3 at Station 3, with 1999 Pierce. Other changes:

• Truck 3 removed from service.
• Truck 4 receives former Truck 3, 1993 Pierce Lance service truck. (September-October 1999)^{cfdr, oh}

Fire department receives international accreditation. The accomplishment is announced to town council on September 9, 1999. Recognition is made at the town council meeting on October 28.

Demographics. Town has 94,536 people and 42.99 square miles.

Amber Woods apartments at 113 Ribbon Lane burn. Ten units destroyed in early morning fire, reported about 3:30 a.m. Twenty people are displaced. Mishandled fireplace ashes are blamed as the cause. (January 19, 2000)^no20jan00

Apparatus delivery: 2000 KME Excel pumper, 1250/500. Fleet #1706. New Engine 4. (January 12, 2001)^cfdr

Apparatus delivery: 2000 Ford F-550/KME light rescue truck.

• Fleet #1719.
• New Rescue 2.

• Replaces 1995 Mack/Craft service truck, returned to reserve fleet. Alternate model year 2001. (March 1, 2001)^cfdr

Apparatus notes: 2001 Ford F-550/KME light rescue truck. Fleet #1770. New Rescue 4 (August 22, 2001)

Second rescue company placed in service. Rescue 4 at Station 4, with 2001 Ford/KME #1770. (August-September 2001)^cfdr

Land for future fire station (Station 8) purchased at 408 Mills Park Drive. (May 17, 2001)^wcrer

Station 6 opens at 3609 Ten-Ten Road.

• Engine 3 relocated from Station 3.
• Truck 6 activated with 1993 Pierce Lance service truck.
• The one-story, 10-539 square-foot fire station occupies a 6.72 acre lot.^wcrer
• Architect selected by town council on February 13, 1997.
• Site plan approved by town council on September 24, 1997.
• Construction bid awarded by town council at the meeting before August 12, 1999.

Apparatus delivery: 2002 Ford F-450/Reading/Anchor-Richey brush truck, 300/300. Fleet #1827. (May 21, 2002)

Garden Supply Company at 1421 Old Apex Road burns. Afternoon fire takes over an hour to control. Seven Cary units answer call, with mutual aid from Western-Wake, Morrisville, Fairview, and Apex. Firefighters Tim Gouge and Todd Dollar are slightly injured when Ladder 3 suffers a collapse, the platform dropping 8 to 10 feet. They're transported to Western Wake Medical Center. temporary replacement truck is delivered within days. (June 4, 2002)^no05jun02

Apparatus delivery: 2001 Pierce aerial platform, 2000/300/___. Temporary replacement for Ladder 3. Loaned by Pierce, not titled to the town. (June 2002)

Apparatus delivery: 2002 Pierce Dash pumper, 1250/500. Fleet #1834. Engine 1. (August 1, 2002)

Fire Chief Wayne House retires after 29 years of service. He joined the department in 1973, when the town's population was about 7,000, and the fire department had one station and twelve staff members. He was promoted in 1993. Fire department starts national search for replacement that includes candidates from California, Florida, Texas, and Washington. (December 2002)^{no11apr03, no03dec02}

Deputy Fire Chief R. Allan Cain appointed interim Fire Chief. (January 1, 2003)^pr

Apparatus delivery: two 2003 Pierce Dash pumpers, 1250/500

• Fleet #1958. New Engine 5.
• Fleet #1959. New Engine 6.
• Features include 475 hp Detroit Diesel series 60 engines, Waterous pump, 8kw Harrison generators, hydraulic ladder racks, and EMS cabinets in crew cab. (March 27, 2003)^{pm, cfdr, oh}

Allan Cain, 39, appointed Fire Chief. He's been a member of the department since 1994, when hired as Deputy Fire Chief. His previous positions included Fire Chief for the City of Dunn, NC, from September 1989 to April 1994, and Emergency Management (1988-89), Fire Chief (1988-89), and Firefighter (1984-88) positions in Cumberland County. (April 10, 2003)^{pr, linkedin}

Apparatus delivery: 2003 Pierce Dash rear-mount aerial platform, 1500/300/100'. Fleet #1978. New Ladder 1. (May 29, 2003)^cfdr

North Carolina Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Task Force 8 placed in service. It is comprised of members and equipment from Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Cary fire departments. See Raleigh FD timeline for detailed history. (September 2003)

Apparatus delivery: 2003 Pierce Dash rear-mount aerial platform, 1500/300/100'. Fleet #1997. New Ladder 3. (October 9, 2003)^cfdr

2004

Apparatus delivery: 2004 Pierce Dash platform ladder. Fleet #2052. New Ladder 5. (March 20, 2004.)^{cfdr, oh}

Third ladder company placed in service, Ladder 5 at Station 5.

• Truck 5 removed from service. 
• Truck 7 placed in service at Station 5, with 1995 Seagrave service truck #1210. (March-April 2004)^{cfdr, oh}

Apparatus disposal: 1988 Pierce aerial platform #921 sold. Old Ladder 1. Purchased by Buis Creek, NC. (April 28, 2004)^cfdr

Light plane crashes into small lake near Brampton Moors apartments off W. Chatham Street in Cary. The Mooney M20M was on approach to RDU, having made two aborted attempts to land. Five miles from the airport, it veers off course, and crashes at 3:20 p.m. The plane clips trees and barely misses the apartment buildings before skidding on the grass, striking the lake and breaking apart. Fragments land just twenty feet from buildings. Two occupants are aboard, both killed. At least one neighbor witnesses the crash, and jumps in the water, hoping to find survivors. Responders locate the downed aircraft at 3:45 p.m. Rescuers use diving equipment to locate the victim(s) in approximately eight feet of water. Apex Fire Department dive team assists. Read NTSB reports. (May 3, 2004)^{ntsb, wral?05may04, no04may04}

USAR mission: Task Force 8 deployed to Macon County, to assist with Hurricane Ivan damage. (September 2004)

Major fire at Westover Hills apartments. Twelve of twenty-four units destroyed. One firefighter transported with injuries, as part of the building structure falls on him. (Thursday of/before January 19, 2006)^{wral19jan0606}

Apparatus delivery: 2006 Pierce Dash pumper, 1250/500. Fleet #2223. (January 23, 2006)^cfdr

Town starts program to organize a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), to train citizens to help others in their communities for the first three days of disasters such as hurricanes, tornados, floods, winter storms, or man-made calamites. (July 2006)^no07juil06

Fire department gives away 1000 smoke alarms with batteries included, as part of annual campaign encouraging people to change their smoke alarm batteries at the end of Daylight Savings Time. The program is part of the national "Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery" campaign. (October 2006.)^no30oct06

Major fire on Preston Grove Avenue. Twenty-three people displaced. Over two hours to contain. See news story. (January 3, 2007)^wral

Major fire (?) at New Kent Village Condos. Two units destroyed, twelve damaged. See news story. (March 23, 2007)^wral

Station 7 opens at 6900 Carpenter Fire Station Road.

Engine 7 relocates from Station 5. Truck 7 relocates from Station 4. [ Need dates for activation of both companies. ]

The 17,021 square-foot facility occupies a 2.95 acre lot. The $4.5 million facility also houses Morrisville Fire Station 3 and their Engine 3. The one-story building features offices, a training room, living and sleeping quarters, and three drive-through apparatus bays. (April 2007)^{mjl-blog, toc-pr, wcrer}

Timeline: Construction contract awarded on July 28, 2005, to Centurion Construction of Raleigh.

Apparatus disposal: 1982 Ford/Pierce pumper, fleet #905 sold. (July 17, 2007)^cfdr

USAR mission: Task Force 8 deployed to Clayton, for small plane crash into commercial building. (September 2007)

Punctured gas line ignites and burns in the roadway at the intersection of Kildaire Farm and Tryon roads. Fire starts about 11:00 a.m. when construction workers strike an eight-inch gas main. The crew safely evacuated before ignition. The flames were visible from nearby Cary Fire Station 3. Cary, Fairview, Swift Creek, Western Wake, and Raleigh fire departments respond. Medical support is provided by Cary, Apex, and Wake County EMS. The line is capped just after 5:00 p.m. (October 10, 2007)^{12no2007, mjl}

Apparatus delivery: 2007 Ford F-550/Kanphide swift-water rescue unit, USAR 803. Delivered ?

Apparatus delivery: 2008 Pierce Velocity rear-mounted aerial ladder, 1500/300/105-feet.

• Fleet #2589.
• New Truck 6.
• Replaces 1993 Pierce Lance service truck #1094.

• Alt. delivery date of April 21, 2008. (June 26, 2008)^cfdr

Apparatus delivery: 2008 Pierce Velocity walk-around heavy rescue.

• Fleet #2585.
• New Truck 7.
• Replaces 1995 Seagrave service truck, fleet #1210. (June 27, 2008)^cfdr

Fourth ladder company placed in service. Truck 6 at Station 6 with 2008 Pierce ladder #2589. (June/July 2008)

Fire department begins contracted coverage of Cary Suburban Fire District, unincorporated areas east of the town. The area is the former Yrac Fire District and was protected by Western Wake Fire Department. Their Station 2, the old Yrac fire station, closed on June 30. (July 1, 2008)

Two alarms at 1232 Kilmory Drive. Callers report fire showing in the front of the structure and a second alarm is requested while units are en route. Engine 4 arrives with fire showing through the roof, front, and rear of a split-level frame residence with 1,317 square-feet. Built in 1978. Dispatched about 10:15 a.m., the fire was reported controlled within about 20 minutes. Ladder 3 is subsequently raised during overhaul. Units on scene include E4, E3, E5, E_, L3, L5, T7, R2, R4, B2, B1, Apex E3, two Cary EMS units, Cary EMS District 5, and WC 1. (December 14, 2008)^mjl-blog

Apparatus disposal: 1995 Seagrave/Marion service truck, fleet #1210 sold. Purchased by Parkway FD in Avery County. (December 11, 2008)^cfdr

Mutual aid to Western Wake FD, major motor-vehicle accident on outbound Wade Avenue at Interstate 40. Five vehicles including overturned tractor-trailer truck carrying garbage, that burns and ignites woods fire. (Monday on/before January 26, 2009)^wral26jan09

USAR mission. Task Force 8 deployed to Garner, for explosion and fire at ConAgra Foods. (June 9, 2009)

Two alarms at retirement home at 10820 Penny Road. Dispatched as a commercial fire alarm at 3:01 p.m. for E6, E3, L5, B1. Upgraded to structure fire shortly after dispatch, with Battalion 1 requesting second alarm on arrival. Engine 6 arriving at a three-story, wood-frame retirement home with 99,330 square-feet. Built 2003. Working fire in laundry room on first floor. Controlled without extension. Evacuation of first floor residents performed, with second and third floors sheltered in place. Extended salvage and overhaul, with room-by-room ventilation. Dispatched about 3:06 p.m. Units included E6, E3 (using T6), E2, L5, L1, T7, R4, B1, Fairview E1, Car 1; EMS 42, 41, D2, D5. (September 11, 1990)^mjl-blog

Apparatus deliveries: two 2010 Pierce Velocity pumpers, 1500/500/30/30. Fleet #2766, #2767. New Engine 3, Engine 7. (December 21, 2009)^cfdr

Engineering evaluation of Station 2 is conducted, and temporary repairs are made to extended the service life of the facility three to five years.

Demographics. Town has 135,264 people and between 42.99 and 56.36 square miles.

Apparatus delivery: 2010 Pierce Velocity pumper, 1500/500/30/30. Fleet #2787. New Engine 1. (March 1, 2010.)^cfdr

Two alarms at 8600 Macedonia Lake Drive. Townhome under construction. Engine 3 arriving with heavy fire conditions. Ladder 3 deployed. Partial collapse of structure. First alarm: E3, E2, T6, L3, B1, Swift Creek. Second alarm: E6, L1, B2. Others? Coverage included Western Wake to Cary Station 2. Crews were on scene into the morning. (March 26, 2010)^mjl-blog

Two alarms at 102 and 104 Bell Arthur Drive. Arriving chief officer with working fires at two houses. Second alarm requested on arrival. Interior attacks for both. Mutual aid from Apex and Morrisville. Coverage includes Durham Highway P1 to Morrisville Sta 1, Parkwood ladder and Battalion to Cary Sta 4, and Western Wake P196 to Cary Sta 1. Dispatched about 7:20 p.m. Controlled at 7:49 p.m. Temperature about 85 degrees, humidity about 70%. Cause suspected as lightning. Units on scene include Cary E4, E5, E2, E7, L5, L3, T7, R4, B2, B1, Car 3; Apex E3, L3; Morrisville E1; EMS 52, 54, 41, D5, D2, M91, T1; WC1. (June 15, 2010)^mjl-blog

Harrison Motel at 607 E. Chatham Street burns. The single-story building contains six units, and is one of three motel buildings on the property. The fire destroys three of the rooms. (September 3, 2010)^no04sep10

Apparatus notes:

• Truck 6 renamed Ladder 6.
• Truck 7 renamed Rescue 7. (February 29, 2011)

USAR mission. Task Force 8 mobilized to respond after tornado in Raleigh on April 16. USAR personnel are used to search damaged buildings, over the course of twenty-four (or more) hours. (April 16-17, 2011)

Two alarms at retirement home at 6590 Tryon Road.

Fifteen paramedic ambulances are among the many resources that respond to a two-alarm structure fire and subsequent mass causality incident at a Cary nursing home. It's dispatched at 3:27 p.m. with an additional caller reporting fire in a room. Second alarm is dispatched while units are en route. Engine 3 arrives with nothing showing from the exterior of a one-story, brick-and-frame residential medical facility with 48,842 square-feet. Built in 1991.

Engine 3 personnel find fire in a patient's room, contained to that room and quickly controlled. The sprinkler system also activates. Crews also assist with evacuation and outdoor care of the 105 patients evacuated from inside the facility. They are outside the building for about 20 minutes, staged in three or more parking lot and lawn locations. Shuttle buses are requested, for possible relocation. Patients are returned to building, with officials evaluating if later relocation is needed.

Second alarm EMS is dispatched. Additional ambulances are required for treatment and transport of six victims with minor injuries (smoke, heat): three patients and three workers. Additional resources are also required for medical monitoring and rehab of responders, and subsequent rehab of the rehab personnel. Outdoor air temperature is in the mid 90s. Command includes medical branch located in front of structure. Staging in driveway and nearby parking lot. Additional medical staging in office complex at corner of Tryon Road and Kildaire Parkway. Shuttle buses are moved to nearby church parking lot.

Units on scene include Cary E3, E6, E4, E2, L3, L6, L1, R2, B1, B2; Swift Creek E3, B27; EMS 51, EMS 42, EMS 41, EMS 8, EMS 52, EMS 4, EMS 32, EMS 38, EMS 35, EMS 17, EMS 9, EMS 5, EMS 35, EMS 55, EMS 31, D5, D2, D1, M94, T1, Evac1, Chief 100. Plus Wake County Fire Services, Wake County EM, and Cary Police. (July 30, 2011)^mjl-blog

USAR mission. Task Force 8 deployed ahead of Hurricane Irene. (August 26, 2011)

Apparatus delivery: 2011 Pierce Velocity rear-mounted aerial platform, 1500/300/100'.

• Fleet #2954.
• New Ladder 3.

• Delivered January 18 (CFD) or January 19 (LW), 2012.

Apparatus delivery: two 2011 Pierce Velocity walk-around heavy rescues.

• Fleet #2952, #2953.
• New Rescue 2, Rescue 4
• Replace 2000 and 2001 Ford/KME light rescues.
• Both delivered January 18 (CFD) or January 19 (LW), 2012.

Land for for future fire station (Station 2) purchased at 601 E. Chatham Street. The site is occupied with a house. (April 13, 2012)^wcrer

Apparatus disposal: 1995 Mack/Craft Body Works service truck sold. Purchased by Carolina Trace FD in Lee County. (August 17, 2012)^{cfdr, lw}

Engine 8 placed in service. The company is housed at Station 7, and relocates during daytime hours to the territory of Station 8, which is under construction. They operate a 2002 Pierce Dash pumper. (April 8, 2013)^mjl-blog

Land for for future fire station (Station 9) purchased at 1427 Walnut Street. The site is occupied by a church. (April 13, 2012)^wcrer

Cary Fire Department withdraws from NC USAR Task Force 8. (May 2013)^oh

Station 8 opens at 408 Mills Park Drive.

Engine 8 relocated from Station 7. The 14,410 square-foot facility includes a 1,160 square-foot satellite police station, designed for daytime usage. The design includes accommodations for a future ladder company. It's the first two-story fire station for the town, includes two fire poles, and has three drive-through apparatus bays. The facility occupies part of a 34.93 acre parcel.

Other features include a stained glass public art feature in the station's stair tower, and numerous environmentally friend aspects. It's the town's first "green-built" project and includes solar-assisted hot water heating, energy-efficient site lighting and HVAC, recycled content for building elements, photovoltaic panels on the roof to collect and store solar energy, and plumbing tied to the town's reclaimed water system.

The facility is dedicated on June 19, 2013. It was designed by ADW Architects in Charlotte, and the builder is AIM Construction of Cary. (May/June 2013)^{mjl-blog, cfd}

Major fire (?) at Twin Oaks Villas townhomes. Sunday evening fire starts shortly after 10:00 p.m. at 215 Twin Oaks Place. Fire spreads through four units, one of which is empty, and displaces three families. (June 16, 2013)^wral16junt13

Major fire (?) on Kristin Court. Friday night part starts in the chimney at 214 Kristin Court, and spreads to two adjoining unis. (October 25, 2013)^wral25oct13

Two alarms at 112 South Atley Drive.

The fire was reported about 10:30 p.m. The two-story, wood-frame, three-family dwelling measured 3,232 square-feet. It was built in 1986. Heavy fire through the roof was reported by callers. A second alarm was requested as units were en route. All occupants escaped without injury, and three pets were also saved. The first alarm assignment was E1, E2, L1, L3, R1, B1, and Morrisville as auto-aid. The second-alarm assignment was E4, E3, L5, B2, and Car 3. Special called units were E5 and L6 for relief, and R4 and Brush 9 for fire watch. EMS units were EMS 51, EMS 4, EMS 8, and D5. Coverage during the fire included Western Wake Engine 191 at Station 1. The following morning, L3, Brush 9, and B2 were on scene, assisting the Wake County fire investigators. (November 27, 2013)^mjl-blog

Captain Jon F. Schondelmayer dies off-duty, after working a busy shift, and while working with the Swift Creek Fire Department.

Schondelmayer, 44, is found unresponsive at his home. He had begun to feel ill while at the Swift Creek fire station. At about 11:30 a.m., he told his crew that he was going home to get some medicine and return to the station.

His crew became concerned when he left and called him on his cell phone to see how he was doing. At the same time, a Swift Creek firefighter was sent to his residence. While on the telephone, Schondelmayer said that didn't feel well and needed assistance.

When the other firefighter arrived at the residence, he found Schondelmayer unresponsive. The Swift Creek firefighter began rendering medical aid and contacted his company at the fire station for assistance. Emergency responders worked for 50 minutes to try to revive Schondelmayer, but he passed away.

Schondelmayer had just come off of a busy shift in Cary that included several emergency response runs. He was a 19-year veteran of the Cary Fire Department, and had worked with Swift Creek for 18 years. His memorial service was conducted on Monday, December 23, at Colonial Baptist Church in Cary. Following the service, his body was carried to Brown-Wynne Funeral Home in Raleigh.

During the funeral, six fire departments provided coverage at Cary's fire stations:

• Station 1 - Garner Engine
• Station 2 - Raleigh Squad 14
• Station 3 - Raleigh Engine 4, Cary Truck 6
• Station 4 - Apex, Cary Rescue 4
• Station 5 - Durham Engine 12, Cary Ladder 5
• Station 6 - Fairview
• Station 7 - Morrisville
• Station 8 - Durham

2014

Apparatus delivery: 2014 Pierce Velocity pumper, 1500/500.

• Fleet #0077.
• New Engine 4.

• Delivered March 18, 2014 (LW). Alt. delivery date March 20. (CFD) ^{cfdr, lw}

Apparatus delivery: 2014 Pierce Velocity walk-around heavy rescue.

• Fleet #0081.
• New Rescue 7. Replaces 2008 Pierce Velocity.
• Delivered May 14, 2014 (LW). Alt. delivery date May 16. (CFD)^{cfdr, lw}

Insurance Services Office (ISO) improves Cary's fire rating from Class 3 to Class 1. (July 1, 2015)^mjl-blog

Apparatus disposal: 1993 Pierce Lance service truck, fleet #1094 sold. Purchased by Stem FD in Granville County. (May 11, 2015)^cfdr

Apparatus disposal: 1996 Pierce Lance pumper, fleet #1289 sold. (July 28, 2015)^cfdr

Two alarms on Wellington Ridge Loop. The fire is reported about 7:20 p.m. Arriving units find heavy fire in the rear of the building, and call a second alarm. Fire is controlled within about thirty minutes. At least two apartments are heavily damaged. Thirteen people and five pets are evacuated. (August 5, 2015)^wtvd05aug15

Apparatus delivery: 2015 Pierce Velocity pumper, 1500/500. Fleet #0198. (September 22, 2015)^cfdr

Two alarms at On the Border restaurant at 1102 Walnut Street.

Engine 2 arriving with heavy fire showing from the exterior patio of a one-story, brick-and-wood restaurant with 6,869 square feet. Built 1996.

Fire extending to interior dining room and other interior spaces. Attack with two-inch line from Engine 2, plus additional hand lines. Ladder 1 positioned on Walnut Street. Ladder 3 positioned and deployed (but no water flowed) in parking lot, behind structure. Command and medical also located in parking lot. One hydrant caught, also in the parking lot.

Dispatched 12:16 a.m. Contained within 15-20 minutes. Controlled 1:30 p.m. Extended overhaul, with units on scene for a number of hours. Building unoccupied at the time of fire, and had been vacated about thirty minutes prior.

First alarm was E2, E4, E3, L3, R2, B1, and Swift Creek Engine 1. Second alarm was E1, L1, B2, and Car 3.1 Plus WC1 for investigation. Medical with EMS 51, EMS 8, EMS 4, M91, and T1. (November 19, 2015)^mjl-blog

Station 2 relocated to 601 E. Chatham Street.

The project is driven by several factors: the condition of the Maynard Road building and its foundation, the limited space for two companies and personnel, and that their location doesn't meet the town's response time goals in northern parts of its service area.

The estimated $8,172,000 facility included funding from a 2012 Community Investment Bonds referendum, with $6,450,000 specifically supporting construction. Costs included $575,000 for site acquisition, $522,000 (estimated) for design, $625,000 for construction administration, and $6,450,000 (estimated) for construction.

The 13,708 square-foot facility occupies a 1.62 acre lot.

A groundbreaking ceremony is held on December 2, 2014. Engine 2 and Rescue 2 are relocated on December 14, 2015. The new station is dedicated on December 18, 2015.

Station 9 opened at old Station 2 at 875 S. E. Maynard Road.

Engine 9 placed in service on the same day as Engine 2 and Rescue 2 are moved to their new quarters. The new/old fire station is temporary facility, with new engine house planned at 1427 Walnut Street, on property owned by town. (December 14, 2015)

Apparatus notes: First quint company placed in service as Engine 6, along with other changes:

• Engine 6 removed from service.
• Ladder 6 converted to a quint company and renamed Engine 6.
• Rescue 4 moved to Station 6. (December 14, 2015)

Major apartment fire. Twenty-three people displaced. See news story. (January 3, 2016)^wral

Woodbridge Apartments burn. See news story. About 20 people displaced. (May 25, 2016)^wral26may16

Two alarms at Hyde Park Apartments. Overnight fire displays 34 people, and eight apartments are uninhabitable. See news story. (September 7, 2016)^no08sep16

Apparatus delivery: 2017 Pierce Enforcer pumper, 1500/500. Fleet #303. New Engine 5. Delivered September 21. Placed in service October 31, 2017.^{cfdr, lw}

Apparatus delivery: 2017 Pierce Enforcer, 1500/500. Fleet #0382. New Engine 9. (April 4, 2017)

 

2018

Apparatus delivery: 2018 Pierce Enforcer ladder, 1500/300/105-feet. Fleet #0198. New Ladder 5. Delivered January _, 2018. Placed in service May 17, 2018.

Apparatus delivery: 2018 Pierce Enforcer pumper, 1500/500. Fleet #0552. New Engine 2. (May 17, 2018)

Fire Chief Allan Cain named new Public Safety Director. From town press release:

For the last several years, the chiefs of police and fire reported on a day-to-day basis to Deputy Town Manager Mike Bajorek. With Bajorek�s upcoming retirement, Stegall has decided to create a new position � Public Safety Director � to be a mentor and sounding board for Cary�s police and fire chiefs as well as help coordinate the efforts of the two departments and oversee emergency management.

For this new position, which is part of the Town Manager�s Office, Stegall has tapped longtime Fire Chief Allan Cain, who has nearly 38 years in the fire service. Cain was hired from the City of Dunn as Cary�s Deputy Fire Chief in 1994 and was promoted to Fire Chief in 2003.

In an unusual twist for local governments, Cain has also spent nearly 18 months holding the dual role of Cary�s Interim Planning Director and Fire Chief.  For this reason, Stegall has moved exterior property code enforcement activities, including minimum housing, under the purview of the new Public Safety Director. (October 2018)

Deputy Chief Mike Cooper named new fire chief. From town press release:

A 31-year veteran of the fire service, Cooper has a wide range of experiences and education in areas including recruitment, training, operations, administration, budgeting, urban search and rescue, accreditation, community preparedness, emergency medical services, fire code and inspections, hazardous materials, and technical rescue.  He became Cary�s Deputy Fire Chief in 2017 after being hired as an Assistant Chief in 2005 from the City of Raleigh. (October 2018)

 

2019

Fourth ladder company activated, Ladder 8 at Station 8 on Mills Park Drive. (April 23, 2019)

Apparatus delivery: 2019 Pierce XT tiller, 1500/200/107-foot. Fleet #0672. New Ladder 1. First of two. (September 1, 2019)

Apparatus delivery: 2019 Pierce XT tiller, 1500/200/107-foot. Fleet #0673. New Ladder 2. Second of two. (November 1, 2020)

2020

Apparatus note: New Ladder 1 placed in service, 2019 Pierce XT tiller, 1500/200/107-foot. First of two. (January 23, 2020)

Apparatus note: New Ladder 3 placed in service, 2019 Pierce XT tiller, 1500/200/107-foot. Second of two. (February 12, 2020)

Station 9 relocates to 1427 Walnut Street. (March 2020)

Two alarms on St. Regis Circle, Cary Engine 2 dispatched as auto-aid with Raleigh. Cary Battalion 1, Rescue 2, and Engine 9 also respond. (April 4, 2020)

 

Sources

cb	Calvin Beck, History of Cary Fire Department, 1921-1937
cfdr	Cary Fireman's Day records
cn	Cary News
dr	Department Records
fr	Fire or Alarm Record
gn	Garner News
mjl	Mike Legeros
mjl-blog	Legeros Fire Blog
na	News article
no	News and Observer
noi	News and Observer Index
np	Ned Perry, Cary Fire Department History
pm	Pierce Manufacturing
pr	Press Release
rt	Raleigh Times
sos	NC Secretary of State
tm	Town Minutes
ts	The State Magazine
wcfa	Wake County Fireman's Association records
wcrer	Wake County real estate records
yfd	Yrac Fire Department records

Other Sources:

• Wikipedia - Cary, North Carolina - Retireved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cary,_North_Carolina, March 2017
• Town of Cary - Population and Housing Trends Report 2013 - Retrieved from http://www.townofcary.org/home/showdocument?id=1809, March 2017

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