Fire News North Carolina 8-2026

2 Fatalities at Siler City Blaze

Firefighters were dispatched to a mobile home fire on Siler City Glendon Road.

See story on page 8

Mooresville HazMat Unit Stops Gas Leak

A natural gas line was punctured at a new development being constructed.

See story on page 9

Mulch, Woods Fire on MT

Ulla Highway

Crews responded to a large mulch pile and pine tree woods were on fire.

See story on page 10

Exterior Fire in Wake County

North Carolina Forest Service units responded to an outside fire on the northern edge of Wake County.

See story on page 11

Trio of Trash Fires in Raleigh

Raleigh FD responded to three trash fires that included mutual aid support from county fire departments.

See story on page 13

2 Displaced by Mooresville Fire

A working fire was transmitted for smoke showing from the single-story structure.

See story on page 18

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pages 26, 28

1 FF, 6 Residents Injured at 3-Alarm Apartment Fire

The Durham Fire Department operated a three-alarm apartment fire on University Drive on June 14, 2026. Dispatched at 1054 hours, the incident was upgraded to a working fire and a second alarm

while units were en route. The fire was controlled at 1150. One firefighter and six residents were injured, including one who jumped from a window.

Quick Work at Siler City Fire

On April 18, 2026, Siler City Fire, along with Staley and Silk Hope departments and First Health of the Carolinas, were dispatched to a reported house fire. Engine 912 arrived to a working fire, which crews quickly extinguished.

- Submitted by Scott J. Murphy, Fire Chief

Boiling Springs House Complete Loss

Boiling Spring Lakes Fire Rescue units were alerted just before 0500 hours for a reported structure fire in the area of Charlestown Road and Goldsboro Road. Engine 1 arrived and confirmed a fully involved single-story structure, with all occupants out of the house. Crews operated until early in the afternoon assisting with the investigation as well as overhaul. No injuries were reported. Unfortunately, the structure was a complete loss. Thanks to our mutual aid partners Sunny Point Fire, Winnabow Volunteer Fire Department ,Southport Fire Department and Bolivia Fire Department.

- Photo courtesy Boiling Spring Lakes FR

Harrisburg Fire Destroys Automobile Repair Shop

On May 6, 2026, at 1428 hours, crews from the Harrisburg, Concord and Charlotte fire departments were dispatched to a possible dwelling fire on Rocky River Road in Harrisburg. While companies were en route, Harrisburg Battalion 31 reported a large smoke header and upgraded the call to a working fire. Upon arrival, Harrisburg Engine 32 found the structure was actually an automotive repair facility, located well off the road, and was fully involved. Crews were forced into a defensive operation, and it took approximately 25 minutes to control the fire. There were no serious injuries and the Cabarrus County Fire Marshall was investigating. Units on the initial assignment included Harrisburg Engines 31, 32 and 33, Battalion 31 and Car 2, Concord Engines 5 and 12, Ladders 7 and 10 and Battalion 3, and Charlotte Engines 35 and 36, Ladder 40 and Battalion 2.

- Fire News photo by William G Kennedy

Charlotte 2-Alarmer Affects 6 Apartments

On June 30, 2026, at 0101 hours, the Charlotte Fire Department responded to an apartment fire on Summit Walk Drive. Engine 19 arrived to heavy fire showing from a second-floor apartment. Firefighters from Engine 19 and Engine 39 initiated an aggressive interior attack, bringing the second and third floors under control. Under the command of Battalion Chief Matthew Yost, firefighters conducted primary searches while evacuating residents who were unable to escape the building. Firefighters rescued two residents. During search operations, crews also located and rescued a large dog from one of the apartments. Command struck a second alarm for manpower and a Rehab Unit. Rescue 10 was assigned as the RIT. Approximately 60 Charlotte firefighters controlled the fire in 48 minutes. The cause was under investigation by the Charlotte Fire Investigation Task Force.

- Fire News photo by

2 Fatalities at Siler City Blaze

Just after 0100 hours on February 19, 2026, Siler City, Bonlee and Bennett fire departments, along with First Health of the Carolinas, were dispatched to a mobile home fire on Siler City Glendon Road. Upon arrival, personnel found a single-wide mobile home 75-percent involved and with no one outside. Personnel assumed occupants were still in the home. Engine 912 arrived with three personnel. The chief took over engine pumping operations, and the engine crew began fire attack/rescue. As Bonlee personnel arrived, they stretched a second handline and assisted in fire attack and search. Unfortunately, first in crews found an occupant deceased in the living room and second occupant deceased in the rear bedroom. Siler City Fire was assisted by the Chatham County Fire Marshal’s Office, and Chatham County Sheriff’s Office in conducting cause and origin investigation.

- Submitted by Scott J. Murphy, Fire Chief

Mooresville HazMat Unit Stops Gas Leak

On May 8, 2026, at 0906 hours Mooresville and Shepherd fire rescues responded to a natural gas line call, which had been struck at a new development being constructed on Freshwater Pond Way off of Charlotte Highway. Crews arrived to find a two-inch gas line had been punctured by contractors and gas was flowing from the high-pressure line. Mooresville Fire Rescue Hazardous Material responded to the scene and crews were able to crimp the line and stop the leak until the utility company arrived and repaired the line.

- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

Charlotte Garage Fire

On July 21, 2026 at 1147 hours, Charlotte Fire Department (CFD) and Matthews Fire & EMS Station 2 responded to a reported structure on Nantucket Lane. CFD Engine 39 arrived to Providence Court Apartments and found smoke showing from a garage of a two-story apartment building. The crew of Engine 39 made an initial stretch to the garage while Ladder 39, and firefighters from Engine 19, began a primary search. Firefighters were able to rescue two dogs and a cat from the building. Firefighters had the fire under control in 11 minutes. One firefighter was treated on scene for very minor injuries.

- Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

Grass/Woods Fire on MT Ulla Highway

On April 19, 2026, at 1609 hours, Shepherds and Mooresville fire rescues along with North Carolina Forestry Service units were dispatched for a grass/woods fire on MT Ulla Highway by Mazeppa Road. Responding units advised there was heavy smoke in the area. Mooresville Ladder 6 was first on the scene and reported a large mulch pile and the woods containing small pine trees were on fire. A call for additional tankers and brush trucks from both departments was transmitted along with South Iredell and Mount Mourne fire departments. Heavy machinery on site was used to make fire breaks and give firefighters access to fires deep in the woods. No injuries were reported and well over five acres were burning. Crews remained on scene for hours hitting hot spots and assisting forestry units. - Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

Exterior Fire in Wake County Draws a Crowd

North Carolina Forest Service units responded to an outside fire on the northern edge of Wake County on June 5, 2026. Northern Wake Fire Department was first-arriving at Old Weaver Trail and found a large woods fire, plus a large debris pile involved, and nearby threatened structures. The multi-hour incident brought units from seven fire departments in three counties, along with a bulldozer and plow from the Forestry Service.

- Fire News photos by Mike Legeros

Raleigh Fire Department units responded to three trash fires, one at a yard waste recycling facility on Gresham Lake Road on May 1, 2026, one at a metal recycling facility on Garner Road on May 2, and at a third at a waste sorting facility on Durant Road on June 7. All three were extended incidents that included mutual aid support from county fire departments (Gresham Lake Road, Durant Road) and the forestry service (Gresham Lake Road). - Fire News photos by Mike Legeros

Trio of Trash Fires in Raleigh

Dillard Drive

Exterior Fire Snuffed

On the afternoon of July 16, 2026, units from the Cary and Swift Creek fire departments responded to a reported structure fire on Dillard Drive. Upon arrival, Swift Creek Engine 3 reported a small exterior fire burning alongside the building. Crews deployed one handline to extinguish the fire and then opened the front wall of the restaurant to check for extension into the structure. The fire was quickly knocked down, and after confirming there was no significant extension, the incident was placed under control. - Fire News photos by Chris Creighton

Hay Bale Fire Stopped in Stony Point

On June 19, 2026, at 0859 hours the West Iredell Fire Department was alerted, along with the Stony Point and Monticello fire departments and Iredell County Rescue Squad, for hay bales on fire in a hay barn on Grayhouse Road in Stony Point. Arriving units found the farmer and farm hands were removing the burning bales from the barn. Firefighters stretched one hoseline to the barn and additional line to extinguish the bales that were removed. The quick actions by the farmer and farm hands saved hundreds of bales of hay from being engulfed in the fire. All departments were back in service at 1057 hours. Chief of West Iredell Fire Department Jerry Houston was in command of the operation.

-Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

Staley Fire Commercial Blaze

Truck 9 and Tanker 913 were requested to assist Staley fire on a large commercial fire. Upon arrival, Truck 9 set up for aerial master stream operations and Tanker 913 assisted the water haul operation. Personnel operated for several hours alongside Staley, Liberty, Franklinville, and Coleridge FD’s.

- Submitted by Scott J. Murphy, Fire Chief

2-Alarmer in West Raleigh

On June 15, 2026, two alarms were struck on the western edge of Raleigh on Maplecroft Court off T. W. Alexander Drive. Engine 24 arrived to heavy fire showing from a two-story townhome building. A second alarm was immediately requested, along with the closest engine from the neighboring city of Durham. Dispatched about

1611 hours, the fire was controlled at 1747. Ladder pipes, a deck gun, and both interior and exterior handlines were used. There were no injuries and one cat was rescued.

- Fire News photos by Mike Legeros

2 Displaced by Mooresville Fire

On April 18, 2026, at 1921 hours, Mooresville Fire Rescue, along with, Shepherds and Mount Mourne fire departments, responded to a structure fire on Blessing Lane. A working fire was transmitted for smoke showing from the single-story structure and Lake Norman and South Iredell departments were added to the alarm along with Iredell County EMS. A quick response and aggressive interior attack contained the fire to a bedroom with no extension into the attic. The fire was placed under control at 1936 hours and crews continued overhauling the room. No injuries were reported and the Red Cross was notified to assist two adult residents who were displaced. Firefighters also rescued two baby squirrels that were found at the scene. Battalion Chief Chris Thompson was in command of the operation. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

- Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

2 Injured at Siler City House Fire

First Health of the Carolinas, were dispatched to a reported house fire. The chief observed a header form his residence upon responding and requested the re-alert for the working fire. Personnel arrived to find a double-wide mobile home 50-percent involved. Engine 912 laid 600-feet of supply line and began the fire attack. Engine 914 arrived as second-due and supplied 912 with a sustained water supply. Personnel treated two occupants with significant burns and smoke inhalation until EMS arrived.

- Submitted by Scott J. Murphy, Fire Chief

Charlotte MVA into Building

On July 9, 2026, at approximately 2007 hours, the Charlotte Fire Department responded to a reported vehicle into a building on Providence Road in the Arboretum Shopping Center. Battalion Chief Matt Yost arrived to find an SUV had crashed into the Victoria’s Brows and Beauty business with significant intrusion into a wall. Firefighters from Station 39 evaluated the structural integrity of the building and searched the affected business and surrounding businesses for anyone who may have been injured. Their inspection determined that the vehicle had not struck any load-bearing structural components, and no one inside any of the businesses was injured. The affected portion of the building was secured and taped off before the scene was turned over to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) for further investigation.

- Fire News photo by

Wake County 2-Vehicle MVA

On the afternoon of May 22, 2026, units from the Apex Fire Department and Wake County EMS responded to an MVA with injuries. Upon arrival, crews found a twovehicle collision with one injured occupant. Firefighters provided patient care and established traffic control until the arrival of Wake County EMS and law enforcement. One patient was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.

- Fire News photo by Chris Creighton

Extrication at Siler City 2-Car MVA

On March 16, 2026, Siler City Rescue 9 responded with four to assist Silk Hope Fire on a single-vehicle MVA pinned against a tree with an occupant pinned. Personnel used a winch off Rescue 9 to

pull the vehicle away from the tree so personnel could gain access and perform extrication operations.

- Submitted by

1 Overturn at Charlotte 2-Car MVA

On June 6, 2026 at 1754 hours, Charlotte Fire Department (CFD) Station 24 responded to an MVA at Elm Lane and Old Wellhouse Road. The call was upgraded to an MVA with pin, reporting victims tapped within at least one vehicle. Engine 24 arrived to a two-car MVA with one vehicle overturned. The occupants of the overturned vehicle were able to selfextricate prior to CFD arrival. Mecklenburg County EMS transported one victim to a local hospital with minor injuries, while another occupant refused medical attention. Crews from CFD Engine 24 and Ladder 24 mitigated a small fuel spill before turning the scene over to police. - Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

Injured Person Rescued from Storm Drain

On April 25, 2026, an injured person was rescued by Raleigh firefighters from a storm drain at an apartment complex on Knickerbocker Parkway. Special Operations Command units on scene included Squad 14, Engine 17, Ladder 14, Rescue 16, and Battalion 5. - Fire News photo by Mike Legeros

Golf Cart Barn Fire in Pittsboro

Pittsboro Fire Department responded to a commercial structure fire. Located at Chapel Ridge Golf Course, golf cart barn in Pittsboro. Siler City Truck 9 and North Chatham Tower 1 assister Pittsboro tower 12 in aerial operations. Silk-Hope Fire Department responded with an engine and a rescue/air truck.

- Fire News photos from Scott Murphy

Buies Creek Apparatus in School Colors

The Buies Creek Fire Department in Harnett County protects Campbell University and has two vehicles painted in the school color, Campell Orange. Shown are Ladder 848 and Ambulance 853 at a live burn on campus held on June 13, 2026. The all-day exercise brought firefighters from multiple surrounding fire departments.

- Fire News photos by Mike Legeros

School Bus

Extrication Practice

On June 20, 2026, the Iredell County Rescue Squad held school bus extrication training for the Cool Springs and Rowan Iredell Fire Departments at the Cool Springs training facility. More than a 200 buses travel through Iredell County local roadways with over 10,000 children and adults on them every day, not including the interstates with charter buses. A school bus, going to be salvaged, was donated to the departments from the Iredell-Statesville School Transportation Department. Emergency personnel went through hours of training on different scenarios of a bus accident with people trapped using hydraulic tools, metal cutting saws and basic handheld tools to remove window frames and the sides and rear of the bus to be able to gain access to any victims and safely remove them. In a real incident, first responders would be arriving to an MCI where, in a worst-case scenario, would be calling for multiple ambulances and helicopters to the scene from surrounding counties for medevacs. This training sharpened the skills and awareness of first responders for a situation that they hope never happens.

- Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

Joint Training for Airplane Crash

In March, crews from Gray’s Creek Fire Department and Cotton Fire Rescue (both Hope Mills, NC) participated in a joint training exercise focused on locating and rescuing victims in a simulated plane crash. In a wooded area of nearly 70 acres, a drone was used to locate the crash site and direct teams on ATVs to rescue the victims. The victims were evaluated, packaged and transported back to the command location.

- Fire News photos by Jason Brady

North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs (NCAFC) Mid-Winter Conference

This year weather for the North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs Mid-Winter Conference wasn’t as cold as in years past. The NCAFC held this year’s conference from May 11 to 15, 2026. - Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

Troutman FR Celebrates 100 Years of Service

On April 25, 2026, Troutman Fire Rescue celebrated 100 years of service to the community. The event was attended by active and retired members along with the community they protect. There were five of the 11 chiefs present (left to right) Mark Hinson, Rick Wilson, current Chief Wesley Morris, Ronnie Clodfelter and Allen Church. Chief Wesley Morris and Chairman of the Board Kelly Clonz shared a history of the department and how Troutman Fire Rescue has changed through the years with equipment and call volume steadily growing. Attendees shared stories about their years in the department and sat down to a ham biscuit meal.

- Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

Rocky Mount-Wilson Regional Airport Apparatus

The Rocky Mount-Wilson Regional Airport operates a 1980 Oshkosh T-2 crash truck, 1250/1500/200/500. The general aviation airport is located in Elm City, about seven miles southwest of the central business district of Rocky Mount.

- Fire News photo by Mike Legeros

Raleigh Opens, Dedicates New Fire Station 3

On April 27, 2026, new Raleigh Fire Station 3 opened at 936 Rock Quarry Road. Engine 3 relocated from their 1951 quarters at 13 S. East Street. The two-bay, 11,105-square-foot fire station includes an outdoor public art installation by Maxwell Emcays that honors the history of the Raleigh Fire Department as well and the station’s connection to the all-black, volunteer-era Victor Company. On June 15, 2026, the station was dedicated and a community open house was held.

- Fire News photos by Mike Legeros

Charlotte Ladder 32 Enters Frontline Service

Charlotte Fire Department’s new temporary Ladder 32 officially entered frontline service on the evening of May 19, 2026. Running out of Station 32 on Bryant Farms Road, Ladder 32 serves Charlotte’s Ballantyne area alongside Engine 32 and Hazmat 32. The truck is a stock Pierce Enforcer Ascendent 107-foot Heavy-Duty Rear Mount Aerial featuring a 500-gallon water tank and a 2,000-gpm pump. This apparatus will serve as Ladder 32’s temporary aerial while the department’s permanent custom Pierce 107-foot Rear Mount Aerial remains under construction. Once the permanent apparatus is delivered, this truck is expected to transition into the Charlotte Fire Department’s reserve fleet.

- Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

National Hockey Champs

Celebrated in Raleigh

The Stanley Cup win by the Carolina Hurricanes hockey team was celebrated with a parade and rally in downtown Raleigh on June 20, 2026. The Raleigh Fire Department participated with Ladder 14, High Water Rescue 17, and Squad 14. Each truck also had special lettering and logos added. The squad and engine are first-due to the hockey arena.

- Fire News photo by Mike Legeros

Charlotte Police and Fire Square Off in Lacrosse Match

On March 28, 2026, lacrosse teams from around the Carolinas gathered at Ballantyne Ridge High School in Charlotte for the sixth annual Heroes Bowl. In addition to matches between area high schools, the event featured a match between the Charlotte Fire Departments Inferno versus the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department Hornets. Proceeds from the event were donated to the Salute to Heroes Charlotte Foundation, an organization dedicated to assisting local police, firefighters, and first responders in their times of need. The CMPD Hornets won the match against the CFD Inferno, 7 – 2.

-Fire News photos by William G. Kennedy

CFD, MEDIC Capture Their 3rd Heroes

The Charlotte Fire Department (CFD) and Mecklenburg EMS Agency (MEDIC) Hockey Team captured their third consecutive Heroes Cup championship during the 18th Annual Salute to Heroes Foundation Hockey Game, held April 4, 2026, at Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte (NC). The annual charity matchup featured Charlotte firefighters and MEDIC personnel taking to the ice against members of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office in a spirited contest supporting a worthy cause. After an intense game, the Charlotte Fire Department and MEDIC team secured a decisive 7-2 victory to retain the Heroes Cup. Proceeds from the event benefit the Salute to Heroes Charlotte Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting first responders and their families during times of crisis. The foundation provides financial assistance to firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS personnel, and their families when injury, illness, or other unforeseen hardships occur. The event continues to serve as a powerful demonstration of the camaraderie shared among Charlotte's public safety agencies while raising critical funds to assist those who dedicate their lives to serving the community.

- Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

Pineville Opens New Headquarters After 57 Years on Church St.

After serving the community from 108 Church Street for 57 years, the Pineville Fire Department officially entered a new chapter on May 26, 2026, with the opening of its new headquarters located at 311 North Polk Street in Pineville. Town officials, firefighters, community members, and the family of fallen Pineville Firefighter Richard Sheltra gathered for the dedication ceremony, which honored both the department’s history and its future.The facility features five-and-a-half large pull-through apparatus bays. A multi-purpose stair tower provides firefighters with on-duty training opportunities, while dedicated fitness and wellness spaces were incorporated to support firefighter health and readiness.

The station also includes modern living quarters and administrative offices designed to improve daily operations and provide a functional environment for crews working long shifts.

A notable feature of the new station is the installation of three brass fire poles strategically placed throughout the building. The poles also serve as a nod to traditional fire service culture.

As an interesting construction fact, the building was constructed using approximately 33,000 concrete blocks — the equivalent of more than two million pounds of concrete block material — underscoring the scale and durability of the new facility.

Inside the building, a memorial display honors Firefighter Richard Sheltra, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty in 2016. His gear remains on display as a lasting tribute to his service, dedication, and sacrifice. The new headquarters is located at 311 North Polk Street in Pineville.

- Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

Push-in for New Charlotte Ladder

On May 19, 2026, members of Charlotte Fire Department (CFD) Station 32

B-Shift gathered for a traditional Push-In ceremony before officially placing the department’s brand-new Ladder 32 into frontline service. Led by Battalion 7 B-Shift Battalion Chief Matt Yost and Ladder Captain Tommy DeFrancisci, firefighters assigned to Station 32 proudly pushed the new 2025 Pierce Manufacturing Enforcer Ascendant 107-foot Heavy-Duty Rear Mount Aerial into its new home at CFD Station 32. For Charlotte firefighters, the arrival of Ladder 32 represents more than just a new truck — it’s part of a new chapter for Charlotte Fire Department as the department continues transitioning to new Pierce Manufacturing apparatus across the city. - Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

Mint Hill Places New Tower Ladder in Service

On May 28, 2026, the Mint Hill Fire Department held a traditional Push-In ceremony, to place their new tower ladder into service. The ceremony, which opened with a welcome from Fire Chief John Phillips and comments from the Mayor of Mint Hill, included the crew, joined by community members, pushing the new truck into bay, followed by a prayer of dedication from the department chaplin. Tower 1 is a Pierce Velocity 100'footAscendant Aerial Tower, with a 200-gpm pump and a 300gal.water tank. - Fire News photo by William G. Kennedy

LIBERTY ARTWORK JUST UNVEILED IT’S NEWEST MONUMENT “TOOLS OF TRADITION” AT THE MARYLAND STATE FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE IN OCEAN CITY, MD.

Gastonia Fire Chief Retires After 46 Years of Service

On April 30, 2026, the Gastonia Fire Department held a ceremony to honor Fire Chief Phillip Bryson Welch, who was retiring after 46 years of service to the City of Gastonia and community. A native of Gastonia, Welch was a graduate of Ashbrook High School who started in the fire service as a volunteer at the Union Road Volunteer Fire Department in Gaston County before joining the Gastonia Fire Department in 1980. Welch left the department in 1990 to become the Director of the Regional Emergency Services Training Center at Gaston College, before being rehired in March 2009 to become Gastonia’s Fire Chief where he led the department for 17 years as the department grew to 145 firefighters and staff working across eight city fire stations.

In addition to his service to the Gastonia Fire Department, Chief Welch is also a past president of the North Carolina State Firemen’s Association, as well as serving on the North Carolina Fire and Rescue Commission and the National Fire Protection Association. He has earned degrees in Fire Science, Emergency Preparedness Technology, and Business Administration degrees, all from Gaston College. Chief Welch has a bachelor’s degree in Fire and Safety Engineering Technology from the University of Cincinnati and a master’s degree in Executive Fire Service Leadership from Grand Canyon University. He is also a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer (EFO) program and holds the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation.

During the retirement ceremony, held at Gastonia Fire Station 1, he was recognized and honored by city officials, local and state fire officials, as well as family and friends for his decades of service, leadership and commitment to others. As part of the ceremony, Chief Welch was also honored with the State of North Carolinas Order of the Long Leaf Pine, which is awarded to people for exemplary service to the State of North Carolina and their communities that go above and beyond the call of duty and which has made a significant impact and strengthened North Carolina. In retirement Welch will continue to reside in Gastonia with his wife Cindy and is looking forward to spending more time with his family, including his five grandchildren.

- Fire News photos by William G. Kennedy

FINANCIAL FITNESS FOR FIREFIGHTERS

You Speak, We’re Listening: Finances Are Crucial To Your Health And Wellness By Ryan Fields-Spack – Associate Director, Responder Wellness, FirstNet®, Built with AT&T

Imagine you’ve just been relieved from another grueling firehouse shift. Eighteen calls in 24 hours and almost no sleep. Driving home, your mind drifts from the controlled chaos of the engine to the stack of bills waiting for you. Mortgage payments, student loans, credit card debt—the financial worries that refuse to take a backseat despite the lifesaving work you do.

We finished it the night before we left St. Lous for the conference as it made its way across the country to the east coast. While traveling down the highway we noticed other cars slowing down to take photos of the statue and when we stopped for fuel or food we met brother firefighters who came up to inquire about the monument.

The following is the description of the monument and I have attached a picture of my father, Robert Daus Sr. Retired St. Louis Firefighter and founder of Liberty Art Works who was at the Convention to unveil it.

This exceptional bronze monument was sculpted to integrate iconic firefighting tools such as an Officer Trumpet, Wooden Ladder, Pike Pole, Straight Bore Nozzle, Fire Ax, and Leather Fire Helmet into a prominent freestanding display of tradition. The tools emerge from a rolled fire hose base which completes the inspiration of the sculpture. The ax will proudly display the department logo on both sides in a 3D form. Finished in a classic brown patina, sealed to withstand the elements, and outfitted with internal stainless-steel pins for mounting. Made in the USA visit www.libertyartworks.com for more information.

Total Height 50” width (ax) 36”

Hose Base: 21” deep x 25” wide from coupling to edge of hose.

Weight: 250lbs approx.

In my 25 years of experience in emergency response, including 7 years with the FirstNet Response Operations Group™ (ROG), I’ve seen firsthand how financial stress can impact the mental health and overall well-being of first responders. And in your responses to the 2026 “What Firefighters Want” survey, you were loud and clear: Firefighters want help with financial well-being.

Why Financial Wellness Matters

Financial stability is important to a good quality of life. But many firefighters face a unique challenge: the pride and satisfaction of doing their dream job can quickly give way to the realities of the work.

In the past, we were expected to figure it out on our own. Things have changed now, and we know that by addressing these financial stressors, you can improve your mental health, job performance, and overall quality of life.

As a result, FirstNet has partnered with Ramsey SmartDollar to pilot financial wellness programs specifically tailored to first responders. Created by Dave Ramsey, widely regarded as a financial literacy pioneer, these programs enable fire districts to provide practical tools and resources to help firefighters manage finances, reduce debt, and build a secure financial future.

Key Components of Financial Wellness

Financial wellness boils down to a few core practices:

1. Creating a budget: It may not be easy or fun, but creating a budget provides a sense of accomplishment and control.

2. Eliminating debt: Getting and staying debt-free is central to true financial wellness.

3. Building an emergency fund: Handling life’s surprises without panic requires a cash cushion.

4. Investing for the future: Build a clear path toward retirement and long-term goals.

5. Changing behavior: Knowing what to do isn’t the problem — doing it is. Real wellness starts with changing money habits.

The SmartDollar program guides you step-by-step through each of these to financial stability. You’ll learn how to stick to a budget, get out of debt, save for the future, and build wealth. When it comes to dealing with emergencies, firefighters love a good standard operating procedure. Well, this plan is for you, for transforming your own—and your family’s—futures.

FirstNet understands that your job is more than just a profession— it’s a calling. And while we’re known for providing reliable communication during emergencies, we also care deeply about your overall well-being. Taking care of your financial health is just as important as helping to make sure you have the connectivity you need when and where it matters most.

Take control of your financial future and learn more about the SmartDollar program.

Legislative Day 2026 in Raleigh

The annual North Carolina Fire Service Legislative Day in Raleigh was held on May 20, 2026. Hosted by the North Carolina State Firefighters’ Association, it was attended by firefighters and first responders from across the state who visited with their local representatives to discuss and call attention to important issues.

- Fire News photos by Mike Legeros

Statesville FD Celebrates 150 Years of Service

On May 16, 2026, the Statesville Fire Department celebrated their 150th anniversary with an open house at Station 1. The roots of the department can be traced back to January 1876, when a public meeting was held at the Statesville courthouse and citizens voted to form the Statesville Hook and Ladder Company. From that beginning, the Statesville Fire Department has grown into a career department with 85 full-time personnel, operating five companies out of four fire stations, with Station 5 and a new Ladder company scheduled to go into service soon. The 150th anniversary celebration began with an opening ceremony featuring remarks from the fire chief and local officials, followed by a keynote presentation highlighting the department’s history, growth and lasting impact. The family-friendly event featured a variety of displays and activities including live firefighter muster activities, fire extinguisher demonstrations, and a variety of interactive and educational activities.

- Fire News photos by William G. Kennedy

Looking Inside New Wilmington Fire Station 6

Here’s a look inside Wilmington’s new Fire Station 6 at 4455 River Road. The $5.7 million facility opened last fall in the Riverlights community on the southwest side of the city. It houses Engine 6 plus the equipment of the Foam Task Force, which protects the nearby Port of Wilmington. With three bays and 13,873-square feet, it was dedicated on November 1, 2025. It’s the third iteration of Fire Station 6, which was previously located on Willard Street (1943 to 1985) and Carolina Beach Road (1985 to 2019).

- Fire News photos by Mike Legeros

Greensboro

Re-Dedicates

Central Fire Station for Centennial Anniversary

On May 16, 2026, the Greensboro Fire Department and the Greensboro Firefighter Historical Society held a special event at the old Central Fire Station on North Greene Street. The historic building is part of Greensboro Marriott Downtown and a display has been installed inside the former apparatus bay, which is connected with the rest of the (newer) building.

On display were two pieces of vintage apparatus, a 1924 American LaFrance pumper and a 1904 steamer, purchased by a private owner, which was recently returned to the city. Also displayed were sets of memorabilia, including a collection of artifacts from the family of the late Sam Miller, one of the city’s original career firemen.

The event opened with a hot dog lunch for retirees. At 1130 hours a re-dedication ceremony was held, with remarks from speakers including the fire chief, mayor, and the city manager.

The event was one of several that are being conducted this year, to celebrate the fire department’s centennial anniversary as a career organization.

- Fire News photos by Mike Legeros

Up Close & Personal

Up Close & Personal

MOTLEY CREWS OF THE MONTH

Fire Department Engine

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Charlotte Fire Department Station 3 crews from Engine 3and& Tower 3 prior to returning to service after a two-alarm apartment fire on June 30, 2026. - Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup. com Charlotte Fire Department Engine 32-A Shift on June 28, 2026, before clearing from a MVA involving a commercial building in Charlotte. - Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

Harmony, Cool Springs and County Line Handle Bethel Road

On June 11, 2026, at 2250 hours the Harmony Fire Department, along with the Cool Springs and County Line fire departments, were alerted for a structure fire with smoke and flames visible on Bethel Road. The first unit on scene reported a working fire with heavy fire coming from the single-story structure. All occupants were accounted for, and crews stretched two hoselines and aggressively attacked the fire containing it to one side of the home. Iredell County EMS and North Iredell Rescue were also added to the alarm. The fire was brought under control at 2324 and the Red Cross was notified to assist the family and their dog. The Fire Marshal’s office was investigating the cause. - Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com