2020
Twenty-eight stations protecting 211 square miles and
510,175 residents.

Fire protection system simulator trailer placed in service by the
Office of the Fire Marshal. (January 2020)
Trench rescue at construction site at 4209 Corners Parkway, with Durham Fire
Department as auto-aid. (January 25, 2020)
Station 22 on 9350 Durant Road closed. The site
was needed for projects
related to a high-speed rail initiative, in a corridor just to the east of the
station site. Engine 22 was relocated to temporary quarters at the water plant on
Falls of Neuse Road. Ladder 5 and Haz-Mat 4 were relocated to Station 25. (February 5, 2019)
City Council received a staffing study about the fire department. "Report on
the Fire Department Resource Allocation Analysis" is produced by the Matrix
Consulting Group. From the summary of recommendations:
- Increase the minimum staffing of seven engine companies from three
personnel to four personnel to increase the resources necessary for maximum
and high-risk structure fire responses. Begin with adding eight (8) FTE
Firefighters to increase staffing of engines 1 and 13 in FY 2021. Monitor
call demand and response performance annually to determine the need for
additional resources.
- Authorize three (3) additional FTE Deputy Fire Marshals in field
inspections function to conduct follow-up inspections on violations found in
existing occupancies. Continue to monitor growth in the City and add
additional Deputy Fire Marshal (Inspectors) for each 750 occupancies
requiring a mandatory inspection constructed in the City.
- Continue to monitor the growth in the City and add an additional plans
examination staff when submittals exceed 6,000 annually.
- Authorize one (1) additional FTE field inspector position and assign the
position to work with the Special Projects Team. Continue to monitor the
growth in the City and add additional Deputy Fire Marshal (Inspectors) for
each 1,250 new construction occupancies requiring an inspection.
- Continue to develop the public safety education programs and increase
exposure of fire and life safety programs to identified at risk groups in
the City. Authorize three (3) FTE Senior Firefighter positions to conduct
life safety education programs in the City and assign one to each of the
inspection districts.
- Authorize a FTE Division Chief position in the Office of the Fire
Marshal.
- Authorize seven (7) FTE Instructor positions for the Training Division
with a variety of expertise to support all functional areas in the Division
and minimize impact on the Operations Division to provide instructors.
- Authorize a FTE recruitment specialist for the Training Division that
reports to the Academy Captain.
- Convert the part-time Assistant EMS Coordinator to a full-time position.
- Authorize a FTE position focused on QA and QI of EMS services.
- Reassign the Technology and Planning Units to report to the Support
Services Division.
- Authorize an analytical position to assist the Engineer Planning Officer
in carrying out complex assignments
- Authorize three (3) dedicated Safety Officers, one on each shift to
respond to calls for service requiring a Safety Officer and investigate
workplace accidents or incidents resulting in damage or injury
- Authorize two (2) clerical positions to the Support Services Division,
one (1) in FY 2021 and one (1) in FY 2022 to provide clerical support and to
assist in the management of inventory items.
- Authorize two (2) additional mechanics to the Support Services Division
to improve the maintenance and repair of apparatus, other motorized
equipment and staff vehicles. (February 24, 2020)
Apparatus note: 1988 Pierce Snorkel retired. (April 1,
2020)
Two alarms at 6200 St. Regis Circle. Dispatched 2:42 p.m. Three-story,
wood-frame, garden-style apartment building with 19,140 square-feet and 24
units, according to tax records. Built 1986. Working fire assignment dispatched
while units were en route, due to multiple callers. Engine 8 arriving with heavy
fire showing in the front of the structure, from the first floor and extending
through the roof. Heavy fire was also found on the back side of the structure.
Cary Engine 2 second-arriving, as automatic aid, and brought the (first) water
supply. With reports of occupants still inside, first-arriving fire companies
were in “rescue mode”, conducting searches and evacuations as needed, and
checking balconies for people needing rescue. Battalion 5 took command on
arrival, and reported 60 percent fire involvement. Car 20 then took command,
followed by Car 1 at 3:14 p.m. Early into incident, Cary Battalion 1
also arrived, and offered additional nearby units. Affirmative. Cary Rescue 2
and Engine 9 were sent to the scene. The dispatcher asked command (Battalion 5)
if they wanted a second alarm, about 2:56 p.m. Affirmative. Second alarm
dispatched 2:57 p.m. Staging set on Farm Gate Road. Two aerial streams operated
after all interior searches and evacuations were completed, with Ladder 3 (on
Farm Gate) and Ladder 7 (on St. Regis). Evacuation tones were sounded at 3:17
p.m., when Ladder 3 first started flowing. Also operating was a deck gun from
Engine 8 in the front, and at least one portable monitor in the rear courtyard.
Four hydrants were utilized: Farm Gate – Laid by Cary Engine 2 to Engine 8 on
St. Regis Farm Gate – Engine 10 boosting to Ladder 3 on Farm Gate Farm Gate –
Squad 14 boosting to Ladder 7 on St. Regis St. Regis – Engine 6 Water pressure
issues presented and some (all?) hand lines were shut down during aerial
operations, to allow greater reach for Ladder 3 and Ladder 7. Controlled at 3:55
p.m. All residents accounted for at 5:12 p.m. Staging ended at 5:37 p.m., with
Ladder 2 released. Relief units were sent into the evening, to continue overhaul
and extinguish hot spots. Units continued to be rotated for periods of fire
watch until 8:00 a.m. Saturday morning. Cause has not been released. No
residents nor responders were injured. Twelve units were destroyed, and dozens
of residents were displaced. Crews returned to the scene the following morning,
to extinguish hot spots. Engine 8, Squad 14, Ladder 4, Ladder 7, and Battalion 4
remained on scene after a bystander reported seeing flames. Companies returned
two more times, to further extinguish hot spots. 1A: E8, E20, E2, Sq14, L3, L7,
R1, B5, B4 WF: C20, C402, A2 Plus: C1 C3, Safety Officer 2A: E16, E9, E10, E6,
L8, L2, Cary: E2, E9, R2, B1, C1 Wake County: WC1 Plus numerous EMS resources
including Truck 1 Plus numerous move-ups. (April 4, 2020)
Training annex opened at Station 26 on Barwell Road,
occupying the former
emergency communications training center and back-up facility, which is located
in a separate section of the building. The Training Division relocates the
offices and storage areas of the EMS and haz-mat programs. The Raleigh/Wake
Emergency Communications Center vacated the space in the fall of 2016. The
Training Division relocated the offices and storage areas for the EMS and
Haz-Mat programs, which were previously housed in the classroom building at the
Keeter Training Center on Keeter Center Drive in South Raleigh. The new space
was larger-- 4,062 square-feet, from tax records--and added a meeting room, more
office space, and improved storage areas for the programs, notably the EMS
equipment and supplies that are used by firefighters on emergency medical calls.
One vehicle would also be parked there, for EMS logistics. By moving these
programs to a second location, space was made available at the training center
to accommodate future full-time instructiors. That need was recently identified
in a fire department staffing study, and the proposed budget for FY21 recommends
the creation of two positions, to serve as full-time recruit academy and
continuing education instructors. Though their program offices were relocated,
all EMS and haz-mat training continued to take place at the Keeter Training
Center. (May 11, 2020)
Two alarms at 10705 Suntree Court. Two-story, brick-exterior, single-family
dwelling with full basement, with 5,699 square-feet. Built 2001, say tax
records. Alarm time 3:25 p.m. Working fire assignment dispatched while units
were en route, due to heavy column of smoke visible from Arnold Palmer Drive,
reported by first-due Engine 24. Engine 24 arrived with heavy fire venting from
a window above the garage. They also laid their own supply line, with Engine 23
completing the hook-up and boosting. Interior attack with two hand lines.
Battalion 4 assumed command on arrival. His report of conditions: heavy fire
above the garage in A/B corner of building. Interior crews encountered high heat
and were backed out “to the stairwell,” for a period of exterior attack using a
two-inch line. At the same time, the fire vented through roof. Second alarm
requested about 3:50 p.m. Staging was located on Winged Thistle Court.
First-alarm companies were sent to rehab, with second-alarm companies rotated
in. Controlled at 4:30 p.m. Cause determined as accidental. Five people
displaced. No injuries. First alarm: E24, E23, E29, E17, L6, L9, R1, B4, B3
Working fire: A2, C20, C402 Added: E4 as replacement for E29, out of service
mechanical, while responding Second alarm: E16, E22, L3, L1, Sq14 Added: E18
Added: B5 Plus EMS (June 13, 2020)
Two alarms at 3134 Winding Waters Way. Dispatched at 6:28 p.m. Engine 25
arriving at a three-story, wood-frame, townhouse unit with 1,908 square-feet.
Built 2003, say tax records. Reported as gas grill on back deck that had caught
the structure on fire. Engine 25 found fire showing from attic, from the front
of the structure. Interior attack was started. Second alarm was requested for
manpower, as attic conditions worsened. Ladder 5 was positioned for aerial ops,
but the fire was contained by the interior crews. Three lines [correct?] used:
two inside and one exterior to the rear. Second alarm dispatched 6:21 p.m.
Controlled 6:50 p.m. Cause determined as accidental. First photo at 7:04 p.m.
Units included E25, E22, E15, E4, L5, L1, R1, B1, B4, C20, C402, A2, second
alarm: E18, E28, E19, L9, plus EMS 39, EMS 42, EMS 38, D4. (July 4, 2020)
Herbert D. Griffin appointed seventeenth Chief of Department.
He's a 24-year
veteran of Houston FD, and mostly recently held the rank of Asst. Chief of
Operations. He succeeded John T. McGrath, who retired on November 1, along with
Interim Fire Chief Brad Harvey, a retired Raleigh assistant chief, whose been
handling. Griffin was selected from a pool of approximately 65 candidates. Notes
the city's press release, the "comprehensive process included interviews with
staff members from the Raleigh Fire Department, various city departments, city
executives, as well as external fire professionals." (September 8, 2020)
Two
alarms at 8917 Midway West Road. Dispatched 7:39 p.m. One-story, abandoned
modular office building, with approximately 6400 square-feet. Site (8.66 acres)
owned by state since 2001, used by DOT for salt storage. Engine 23
first-arriving, flames showing through roof. Interior attack with three+ hand
lines, from Engine 23. Aerial to roof, from Ladder 9. Supply line from hydrant
in cul de sac, boosted by Engine 24. Extra lighting from Rescue 1, in cul de
sac. Staging along long driveway, in cul de sac, along Midway West, and in a
couple driveways that access the street. Durham Highway third-due, auto-aid.
Second alarm requested for manpower, dispatched ~8:04 p.m. Controlled 8:40 p.m.
Wake EMS and Cary EMS with medical monitoring and rehab, in NE corner of parking
lot, in front of building. No injuries, no occupants. Cause determined as
intentional. Units on scene included E23, E24, E29, E17, E18, E16, E4, L9, L6,
L3, L1, R1, B4, B5, C3, C12 [?] (Safety Officer), DHFD P162, EMS5_, EMS 4_, D4.
Run card included additional DHFD and EMS units. Some (three?) of the RFD
second-alarm companies released 8:10-8:15 p.m. or abouts. (September 20, 2020)
Two alarms at 2206 Stonehenge Drive. Dispatched 7:25 a.m. with working fire
assignment dispatched while units were en route. Engine 18 first-arriving with
heavy smoke and flames showing from the front of the building, from the first
floor of a two-story, garden-style apartment building with 12 units and 12,154
square-feet. Arrival conditions also included two residents requiring rescue
from a balcony. Arriving companies began evacuating residents, rescuing
residents, and searching for trapped occupants. They also worked to find the
seat of the fire, which took longer due to interior smoke conditions and its
extension to the crawlspace being the building. Structural conditions also
subsequently deteriorated in the first-floor fire unit, with a sagging floor
that necessitated keeping crews out of that section of the building. Command
requested a second alarm for manpower, which was dispatched at 7:45 a.m. Staging
for second-alarm companies was Stonehenge Drive. Incident command was located in
front and to the left side of the structure, with Battalion 4 and then Car 20 as
command. The fire was controlled at 8:57 a.m. Three or four residents were
transported with smoke inhalation. From news reports, they were expected to be
okay. There were no injuries to firefighters. Wake County EMS and Eastern Wake
EMS units provided patient care, along with medical monitoring and rehab of
personnel. Staging for the numerous EMS resources included both Stonehenge Drive
and a parking lot across the street from the fire scene. Due to the number of
evacuated residents, the EMS response was upgraded to an EMS second alarm. Total
dispatched resources were nine transport units, three Medic units, two District
Chiefs, the Shift Supervisor, and the major operations support unit, Truck 1. As the incident occurred at the time of fire department shift change, some
incoming on-duty personnel were brought to the scene to swap with outgoing
off-duty members, after the fire was brought under control. (October 16, 2020)
Apparatus note. Ladder 3 renamed Ladder 14. (December 9, 2020)
Apparatus note. Ladder 6 renamed Ladder 23. (December 14, 2020)
Apparatus note. Ladder 9 renamed Ladder 6. (December 21, 2020)
Two alarms at 833 Navaho Drive. Dispatched 4:39 a.m. as vehicle fire for Engine
11. Upgraded with structure fire response for E9, E15, E16, S14, L2, L1, B1
added. Ladder 2 was first-arriving with fire showing in the rear of a two-story
apartment building, garden-style, apartment building with eleven units and
11,770. Built 1968. Fire was extending from a burning pick-up truck to the
outside of the building, and in the area of a gas meter. Initial fire companies
worked on searching the impacted units, and evacuating the entire resident. Due
to limited access and a long supply lines from hydrants, Engine 9 supplied lines
for the initial fire attack, with Engine 11 nurse feeding, until the water
supply was established. A second alarm was requested, which added E12, E21,
E19, L8, B4, B3. Plus working fire units C20, C402, and Air 1. Plus a box alarm
for EMS, for displaced persons. Engine 9, Engine 11, and Ladder 2 remained on
scene, due to a natural gas leak that continued to burn, after the building fire
was extinguished. (December 29, 2020)
2021
Organization note. New names for divisions and offices:
- Services renamed Logistics
- Training renamed Professional Development
- Safety office renamed Health and Safety Compliance office.
Apparatus note. Ladder 7 renamed Ladder 20. (January 4, 2021)
Apparatus
note. Ladder 8 renamed Ladder 12. (January 11, 2021)
Apparatus note. Ladder 5
renamed Ladder 25. (January 18, 2021) Apparatus note. Ladder 2 renamed Ladder
15 and moved to Station 15. (January 20, 2021) Apparatus note.
Units
renumbered:
- Ladder 1 renamed Ladder 4
- Ladder 4 renamed Ladder 1 (January 25, 2021)
Recruit Academy 45 graduated. The academy was condensed from 32 to 27 weeks,
due to modifications for COVID conditions. The ceremony was held outdoors at the
training center, the first outdoor ceremony in decades and maybe ever. (January
13, 2021) Apparatus note. Units renumbered:
- Rescue 1 > Rescue 16
- Haz-Mat 1 > Haz-Mat 2
- Haz-Mat 2 > Haz-Mat 29
- Haz-Mat 3 > Haz-Mat 8
- Haz-Mat 4 > Haz-Mat 25
- Haz-Mat 5 > Haz-Mat 27
- Mini 1 > Mini 7
- Mini 2 > Mini 28
- Mini 3 > Mini 14
- ATV 1 > ATV 14
- ATV 2 > ATV 25
- Car 20 > Division Chief 1
- Car 402 > Investigator 1 (February 22, 2021)
Two alarms at 210 Thesis Circle. Apartments.
(March 22, 2021)
2022
Two alarms at 528 New Bern Avenue. House.
(February 28, 2022) Two alarms at 8604 Olde Station
Drive. Apartments. (March 13, 2022)

Abbreviations
[AA] |
|
Aircraft accident |
[AI] |
|
Apparatus incident |
[EF] |
|
Early fire |
[HM] |
|
Haz-mat incident |
[MA] |
|
Mutual Aid |
[MF] |
|
Major fire |
[RA |
|
Railway accident |
[TF] |
|
Tanker fire |
[TR] |
|
Technical rescue |
[UD] |
|
USAR deployment |
[UF]
|
|
Unusual fire |
[UI] |
|
Unusual incident |
[WE] |
|
Weather event |
Sources
ar |
|
City of Raleigh Annual Report |
bd |
|
City of Raleigh budget documents |
cvh |
|
Cameron Village: A History 1949-1999,
Nan Hutchins, Sprit Press, 2001 |
cad |
|
City of Raleigh Auditor's Office |
ccm / cm |
|
City Council Minutes / City Minutes |
ccor |
|
1792-1892, The Centennial Celebration of
Raleigh, NC, Kemp D. Battle, Edwards and Broughton, 1893 |
cer |
|
Chief Engineer's Report |
dah |
|
North Carolina Department of Archives and
History |
dahni |
|
North Carolina Department of Archives and
History News and Observer index |
fp |
|
City of Raleigh Fire Protection Study |
hr |
|
Historical Raleigh with Sketches of Wake
County and its Important Towns, Moss N. Amis, 1912 |
oh |
|
Oral History |
mjlr |
|
Mike Legeros records. |
mp |
|
Morning Post |
nc |
|
North Carolinian |
no |
|
News and Observer |
noi |
|
News and Observer
Index |
pb |
|
Peter Brock |
pph |
|
Pullen Park History |
rla |
|
Raleigh Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary
scrapbooks |
rpu |
|
Raleigh Fire Department Photo Unit records |
rr |
|
Raleigh Register |
rt |
|
Raleigh Times |
ruh |
|
Raleigh: An Unorthodox History |
yb84 |
|
Raleigh Fire Department 1984,
Raleigh Fire Department, Taylor Publishing, 1984 |
yb02+ |
|
Raleigh Fire and Rescue: 1984-2002,
Raleigh Fire Department, Taylor Publishing, 2002, plus additional
historical information also compiled by the Raleigh Fire Department
around 2002. |
wch |
|
Wake: Capital County of North Carolina -
Volume 1, Prehistory Through Centennial, Elizabeth Reid Murray,
Capital County Publishing, 1983 |
Copyright 2023 by Michael J. Legeros
|