Charlotte Fire Department

Commercial Structure Fire Deemed Arson

2012-02-29T23:15:00.002-05:00

Charlotte NC – For a second time in as many as 4 days, the cause of a structure fire was deemed arson. On February 23^rd at 9:54 PM, firefighters were dispatched to a reported structure fire at 6607 South Boulevard in south Charlotte.

Battalion Chief Tim Rogers was first to arrive and reported heavy smoke issuing from a large one-story commercial structure. Firefighters began an aggressive fire attack in an attempt to halt the forward progress of a well-entrenched fire. Crews utilized ladders to gain access to the roof where they cut a large hole allowing smoke, heat, and super-heated gases to escape. This practice aids firefighters in the suppression of fires and searching structures. A portion of South Boulevard was temporarily closed to accommodate water supply and crews stretching hoselines.

A well-coordinated fire attack by (44) firefighters resulted in the knockdown of the fire and the incident being brought under control in thirty-five minutes. The business identified as Goodwill Industries was closed at the time of the incident and there were no injuries reported.

The cause of the fire has been determined to be arson and damage is estimated at $500,000 (a total loss). Fire Investigators are seeking the assistance of the public and are asking anyone with information pertaining to this fire to call Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight

Public Information Officer

Office of Media and Public Affairs

Charlotte Fire Department

Early Morning Structure Fire Deemed Arson

2012-02-19T23:34:00.004-05:00

Charlotte NC – On February 19^th at 2:23 AM, firefighters were dispatched to a reported structure fire in the area of Glory Street and West Sugar Creek Road in north Charlotte.

Firefighters from nearby Station 15 were first to arrive at 301 West Sugar Creek Road and reported heavy fire conditions involving an approximately 50’ X 75’ storage building believed to have been used as a barn at some point in the past. An immediate exposure to the primary fire building was a 35’ X 50’ residential structure emitting heavy smoke and believed to be on fire also.

Firefighters launched an aggressive fire attack making use of large water streams and were able to knockdown the fire and bring the incident under control in 22 minutes. A total of (27) Firefighters were summoned to the scene. Both structures were vacant at the time of the incident and the cause of the fire has been determined to be arson. The storage building thought to be a barn was a total loss and the damage to the residential storage was estimated at $10,000. There are no injuries to report.

Fire Investigators are seeking the public’s assistance and are asking anyone with information pertaining to this fire to call Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600. (You may be eligible for a reward)

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight

Public Information Officer

Office of Media and Public Affairs

Charlotte Fire Department

2 Weekend Motor Vehicle Accidents Claim the Life of 1 Injures 5

2012-02-19T22:13:00.009-05:00

Charlotte NC – Firefighters responded to 2 serious motor vehicle accidents on Charlotte Metropolitan interstates this weekend that claimed the life of a teenager and injured 5 others.

The first of which occurred late Friday evening, February 17^th on I-485 the Inner loop between Pineville-Matthews Road and South Boulevard. Charlotte Firefighters responded to reports of a traffic collision with pin-in at 11:40 PM. Crews from Station 24 were first on scene and reported multiple patients, however no one was pinned.

Firefighters and paramedics coordinated patient care for five passengers of an SUV that was struck by an unidentified vehicle that fled the scene. Sadly, 14 year-old David Conrad Bell Jr. sustained injuries non-conducive for life and was pronounced deceased on scene.

Anyone with information pertaining to this traffic collision is asked to call the North Carolina Highway Patrol at *HP (47).

The second incident occurred in the early morning hours of Saturday, February 18^th. At 2:28 AM Firefighters were dispatched to a reported motor vehicle accident with a vehicle overturned. The incident was reported to be on I-77 Southbound between Woodlawn and Tyvola Roads.

Paramedics were first to arrive and reported a passenger car overturned in a ditch with a person pinned under the vehicle’s windshield and hood area. Once on scene, firefighters and Rescue Technicians initiated rescue operations utilizing specialized rescue equipment and tools.

A well-coordinated technical rescue by (18) firefighters resulted in the successful extrication of the driver who was transported to an area hospital.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight

Public Information Officer

Office of Media and Public Affairs

Charlotte Fire Department

Firefighters Free Driver Trapped by Tree

2012-02-17T17:37:00.011-05:00

Charlotte NC – Firefighters freed a driver trapped by a large tree that fell and struck her car.

On Saturday February 11^th at 5:10 PM Charlotte Firefighters responded to reports of a large tree and power lines down on a vehicle in the 1300 block of West Rocky River Road. Firefighters from nearby Station 27 were first to arrive and observed the somewhat unusual site of a 4-door passenger vehicle partially suspended several feet in the air by a large tree.

The large tree that had fallen on the vehicle penetrated the passenger compartment and entrapped the driver. Firefighters worked tirelessly to free the driver utilizing chain saws and other specialized rescue tools sum 25 minutes after arriving on scene.

This tedious and technical rescue required the coordinated efforts of 17 Firefighters and Rescue Technicians. Said Battalion Chief Peter Skeris, “the driver stated the large tree fell suddenly and without warning striking the vehicle. A large branch penetrated the front windshield, exited the driver’s side rear window. The tree then sprung back lifting the vehicle off the ground leaving it suspended several feet in the air”.

The driver of the vehicle was transported to an area hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight

Public Information Officer

Office of Media and Public Affairs

Charlotte Fire Department

Fire Chief Jon Hannan Recognizes Bus Driver For Quick Actions

2012-02-17T15:02:00.006-05:00

Charlotte NC – Fire Chief Jon B. Hannan recognized a local Charlotte-Mecklenburg School bus driver for her quick and decisive actions after safely evacuating the children off a burning school bus.

On Wednesday February 8^th just before 5 PM Charlotte Firefighters responded to a school bus fire in the 1200 block of Bearmore Drive in east Charlotte. Firefighters from Station 3 arrived to find a school bus engulfed in flames. The crew quickly accounted for the six student passengers and bus driver before engaging in a firefight. Firefighters were able to knockdown the raging fire in just a few minutes. Firefighters attributed the quick actions of the bus driver, Ms. Lindora Richardson for the safe evacuation of six students.

On Monday February 13^th, Fire Officials, School Officials, and parents joined Charlotte Fire Chief Jon B. Hannan at Chantilly Montessori School to recognize Ms. Richardson for doing all the right things when everything went wrong. After the ceremony Ms. Richardson who was substituting for the normal bus driver was reunited with the six students she helped safely evacuate off the bus. Said one of the students, “Thank you for saving us, it could have been a lot worse.”

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight

Public Information Officer

Office of Media and Public Affairs

Charlotte Fire Department

Firefighters Roll-in and Rollout of Fire Station 42

2012-02-17T11:20:00.003-05:00

Charlotte NC – Soon after firefighters rolled furniture and other belongings into their new quarters, Engine 42 rolled out responding to calls for service.

Charlotte Fire Station 42, an 11,958 square foot 3-bay state of the facility opened on January 30th and is located at 5620 Central Avenue (across from the former Eastland Mall). Station 42 houses Battalion 4, Engine 42 and services east Charlotte including the Central Avenue, Sharon Amity Road, Albermarle Road, and Independence Boulevard corridors. Since opening, Station 42 is experiencing a steady call volume and allows the Fire Department to maintain an acceptable level of service for the growing population density of east Charlotte.

Fire Station 42 features some of the latest green and energy efficient technology that includes a white reflective membrane roof, solar assist hot water system, and awnings over exterior windows. Other energy efficient features include an insulated concrete wall system, low-flow water faucets & toilets, and a Hi-efficiency HVAC system.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight
Public Information Officer
Office of Media and Public Affairs
Charlotte Fire Department

Firefighters Knockdown Stubborn Condo Fire

2012-02-05T18:13:00.010-05:00

Charlotte NC – Firefighters knocked down a stubborn condominium fire in south Charlotte Saturday afternoon, February 4^th, 2012.

At 3:58 PM Charlotte Firefighters responded to a reported structure fire at 6746 Constitution Lane. Crews from nearby Station 16 were first to arrive and reported heavy smoke issuing from the rear of a 2-story six-unit condominium; each unit approximately 1500 square feet.

Firefighters made haste to engage in an intense firefight with the well-entrenched fire by advancing hoselines to the main body of fire and searched the structure for occupants. Simultaneously, crews climbed ladders to the roof where they utilized gas chain saws to breach the roof allowing heat, smoke, and superheated gases to escape; this process is referred to vertical ventilation.

As crews worked to extinguish the flames, fire extended into hidden void spaces in portions of the attic space and intensified. Considering the volume of fire, the potential of the fire to advance, and the type construction of the building, Battalion Chief Tim Rogers (Incident Commander) transmitted a 2^nd Alarm summoning additional firefighters and resources to the scene.

A well-coordinated fire attack by 41 firefighters, 3 Battalion Chiefs, and 1 Deputy Chief resulted in the knockdown of the fire and bringing the incident under control in 50 minutes. Although no working smoke alarms were noted, no injuries were reported.

(2) Units were affected and (3) occupants were displaced. The fire began in a storage room and was most likely caused by combustible materials left in close proximity of a gas water heater. Damage caused by fire, smoke, and fire control to fixed property and contents were estimated at $100,000.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight

Public Information Officer

Office of Media and Public Affairs

Charlotte Fire Department

CFD To Begin Offering "Video News Reports"

2012-02-03T22:00:00.010-05:00

Dear Friend of the CFD, we would like to make you aware of a new service we are making available beginning today.

The present and emerging communications channels present a constant challenge to communicate timely and accurate information to our friends and partners. One of our core values is to constantly re-evaluate technology and look for ways to improve service. With that being said, CFD Office of Media & Public Affairs will begin making "video news reports" (VNR's) available when deemed appropriate.

This service will afford us to provide you with the most up to date incident information (from on-scene, office, etc.) via video and can be viewed live over the Internet or viewed at your convenience as a podcast. All VNR's will be recorded and available to view on the CFD Bambuser site www.bambuser.com/channel/CharlotteFireDept.

We invite our friends and partners to take full advantage of this opportunity by subscribing to this service. If you are not following CFD on Twitter @charlottefire or @charlottefd, we invite you to do so now. You will be notified when CFD is broadcasting via email and/or @charlottefire (Twitter). Broadcasts may also be viewed on our News & Information page at www.charlottefiredept.blogspot.com

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight
Public Information Officer
Office of Media and Public Affairs
Charlotte Fire Department

Natural Gas Release Forces the Evacuation of 22 Homes

2012-02-03T11:19:00.005-05:00

Charlotte NC – A Natural gas release forced the evacuation of 22 homes in the Westover Hills community Tuesday morning, January 31, 2012. At least 30 residents were displaced from their homes for almost two hours.

At 11:04 AM Firefighters were called to investigate an odor of natural gas in the 1300 block of Bethel Road. Crews arrived to find a strong odor of gas and after further investigation determined the odor was emitting from sewer manholes.

Utilizing specialized gas meters, Haz-Mat Teams and utility workers from Piedmont Natural Gas Company determined gas levels had reached explosive levels and made the decision to evacuate the immediate vicinity. Residents displaced as a result of this incident were provided temporary shelter in a local transit bus.

Haz-Mat Teams and utility workers were able to control leak by shutting off the gas feed to an isolated area and began the arduous task of ventilating the sewer space and rendering homes safe for residents to return. (26) Firefighters were called to control the leak and bring the incident under control in 1 hour and 47 minutes. Utility workers worked throughout the day to restore gas service to the residents affected.

Methane gas commonly referred to as natural gas was released into the sewer system when utility workers accidentally bore through a service line. There were no injuries associated with the incident.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight
Public Information Officer
Office of Media and Public Affairs
Charlotte Fire Department

Charlotte Fire Officials Seek Assistance With Southwest Arson Spree

2012-02-02T22:11:00.008-05:00

Charlotte NC – The Charlotte Fire Investigation Task Force is seeking information in regards to a spree of arson fires that took place within a period of 4 hours early Sunday morning, January 20^th, 2012.

The first of 5 fires was reported at 4:24 AM involving a dumpster in close proximity to a commercial structure at 7607 Nations Ford Road. Firefighters quickly knocked down the fire. There was no damage to the structure.

Firefighters would respond to 2 additional fires within a 45-minute time span. Both fires involved dumpsters on the properties of Nations Ford Elementary School and the Heavenly Light Independent Church located at 8300 Nations Ford Road and 7410 Nations Ford Road respectively. Crews again were able to quickly control these fires without any damage to the structures.

The most significant of the 5 fires occurred at 5:52 AM at 6724 Nations Ford Road. Firefighters arrived to observe heavy fire conditions involving the rear portion of a retail tire establishment. An aggressive and well-coordinated fire attack resulted in the fire being confined mainly to the rear exterior portion of the structure. Unfortunately, smoke, fire, and fire control damage did involve some interior portions of the structure. Damage was estimated at up to $30,000.

The last fire reported at 7:43 AM occurred at Waddell High School, 7030 Nations Ford Road. Firefighters returning to their quarters from the previous fire observed smoke issuing from the rear of the school. Crews arrived to find two dumpsters that had been destroyed by fire and were still smoldering. Firefighters extinguished the remaining fires and easily brought the incident under control within a few minutes. There was no damage to any structure.

The Charlotte Fire Investigation Task Force is appealing to the community for assistance with identifying who is responsible for setting these fires. Although no one was injured at these incidents, arson can pose a serious threat to us all. Your friends at the Charlotte Fire Department are asking anyone with information pertaining to these fires to call Crime Stoppers at 704.334.1600.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight

Public Information Officer

Office of Media and Public Affairs

Charlotte Fire Department

3 Seriously Injured When Vehicle Slams Into Building

2012-01-18T22:50:00.005-05:00

Charlotte NC – 4 Persons were injured, 3 with life-threatening injuries on Sunday January 15^th, 2012 after an SUV slammed into an east Charlotte apartment building.

At 9:55 PM, Charlotte Firefighters responded to a single vehicle collision at 5737 Electra Lane. Firefighters from nearby Station 3 were first to arrive and reported a SUV that had crashed into apartment building. The SUV breached a wall and came rest in an occupied dwelling trapping two people under the wreckage.

The passengers of the SUV, a mother and young child were able to exit the vehicle without assistance. The young child was transported to Carolinas Medical Center with what was described as life-threatening injuries. Firefighters and Heavy Rescue Technicians worked tirelessly to free the two victims trapped under the wreckage utilizing specialized rescue apparatus. Urban Search and Rescue personnel worked to assess and shore up the breach in the structure.

A total of (4) patients were transported to Carolinas Medical Center; (3) with life-threatening injuries and 1 with non-life-threatening injuries. (22) Firefighters were summoned to affect the rescues and bring the incident under control in 18 minutes.

Responding Companies: Engine 3, Ladder 29, Rescue 3, Battalion 4, USAR 1

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight

Public Information Officer

Office of Media and Public Affairs

Charlotte Fire Department

7 Narrowly Escape Burning Home

2012-01-18T22:34:00.006-05:00

Charlotte NC – (7) Occupants narrowly escaped a burning home in east Charlotte early Sunday morning January 15^th, 2012.

Charlotte Firefighters were dispatched to a reported structure fire at 1:01 AM at 7609 Ivy Hollow Drive. Firefighters from nearby Station 23 arrived and reported heavy smoke and fire emitting from a two-story house.

Crews quickly sprung into action mounting an aggressive fire attack and accounting for the occupants. Two occupants were said to be asleep on the 2^nd floor when the fire occurred and were forced to jump out a window because the fire blocked the stairway. Five others self-evacuated from the 1^st floor after a smoke alarm alerted them to the fire.

Fire crews encountered “Collyer’s Mansion” type conditions that hampered firefighter’s suppression efforts, however firefighters were resilient in their efforts until knocking down the fire and bringing the incident under control in 26 minutes.

The fire began in the kitchen and was caused by food left cooking on the stove. Monetary damage estimates were still being tabulated at the time of this report. The Carolinas Chapter of the American Red Cross responded to assist the (7) occupants displaced as a result this fire. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

Kitchen fires remain the number cause of residential fires. Your friends at the Charlotte Fire Department remind you to “Stay Alert”, by not leaving food cooking unattended, “Stay Safe”, by avoiding cooking when your sleepy, and “Stay Alive”, by not allowing yourself to become distracted when cooking.

Responding companies: Battalion 4, Battalion 2, Engines 23, 40, 15, 34, Ladder 23, Rescue 3

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight

Public Information Officer

Office of Media and Public Affairs

Charlotte Fire Department

Firefighters Support “Steve’s Coats for Kids”

2012-01-10T16:31:00.013-05:00

Charlotte NC – For the past 3 years the Charlotte Fire Department (CFD) has partnered with WSOC TV and Crisis Assistance Ministry http://www.crisisassistance.org/ to support “Steve’s Coats for Kids” http://www.wsoctv.com/coats/index.html. For the 4th year, Charlotte Fire Stations will proudly serve as official collection sites for this local charity through January 13th.

Chief Meteorologist Steve Udelson is asking you to go through your closets or buy new coats to help keep local kids warm this winter. Crisis Assistance Ministry Director Carol Hardison told Steve, there are just so many families still reeling from the economy. “For the low income citizens of our community, it’s not better yet,” Hardison said. “We are still seeing the same number of people, which is twice the number of people we had before this recession hit.” There is a desperate need right now for thousands of warm coats. So, now through Jan. 13, we are asking you to donate new and gently used coats for children of all sizes.

We have witnessed hundreds of local area kids go hungry and unprotected from the elements. The population of Charlotte continues to persevere through extraordinarily difficult times and the need has never been greater. Your friends at CFD ask for your assistance in helping local children “Stay Warm, Stay Safe, and Stay Alive” this winter. Click on the link below to locate your neighborhood Fire Station. http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/Fire/FireStations/Pages/default.aspx

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight
Public Information Officer
Office of Media and Public Affairs
Charlotte Fire Department

Off-Duty Charlotte Firefighter Answers The Call

2012-01-03T21:54:00.006-05:00

Charlotte NC – An off-duty Firefighter is credited with alerting a sleeping couple of a fire burning in their home on New Year’s Day.

The day began like most for Charlotte Firefighter Henry Calle. He was relieved from duty at Fire Station 31 and began his familiar trek home early Sunday morning just before 7:30 AM. While traveling Mallard Creek Road, the smell of smoke caught Calle’s attention and almost simultaneously he observed smoke out of the corner of his eye. Henry turned his vehicle around and headed in the direction of the smoke. Within moments he arrived at 9916 Mallard Creek Road and observed heavy smoking issuing from the attic of the 2-story home.

Calle called 911 and alerted them of a working structure fire, however he was unable to verify whether anyone was in the residence. Henry ran to the front of the home where he feverishly knocked on the door. He heard a dog barking, however, there was no answer.

Instinctively Calle grabbed a rake found in the yard and after finding the front door blocked, he used the rake to break a window. He reached in the window, moved the couch and made entry into the burning home. The couple living in the home was awakened by the breaking glass and was greeted by Henry (still in uniform) who identified himself as a Charlotte Firefighter. Calle informed the couple of the fire in the attic of their home and escorted them to safety.

On-duty Firefighters joined their colleague minutes later and were able to knockdown the fire and bring the incident under control in 21 minutes. Fire Investigators said the fire began in the attic and the cause was electrical in nature. Damage estimates stand at $15,000.

Because of his observant, instinctive, and heroic actions personal injury was certainly averted. Henry Calle is a probationary Firefighter who joined the ranks of the Charlotte Fire Department in March of 2011. When asked why he willingly risked his own personal safety not knowing whether anyone was in the burning home, Calle said, “This is what we (firefighters) do, I just happened to be off-duty.”

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight

Public Information Officer

Office of Media and Public Affairs

Charlotte Fire Department

Fire Claims Life of Myers Park Man Day After Christmas

2011-12-28T23:07:00.019-05:00

Charlotte NC – The Charlotte Fire Department responded to an apartment fire that sadly claimed the life of a Myers Park man the day after Christmas.

At 7:18 Monday evening December 26^th, Battalion 1 http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/Fire/FireStations/Pages/battalion01.aspx, Engines 6, 1, 2, and Ladder 1 were dispatched to a reported structure fire at 1142 Queens Road in Myers Park http://g.co/maps/qf5eq.

Firefighters arrived on scene in less than 5 minutes and reported a working fire involving a large 2-story apartment building. Battalions 3 & 4, Engine 8, and Rescue 10 were dispatched to assist. A neighbor told firefighters they believed the lone occupant was still inside. Fire companies sprinted into action forcing entry into the single apartment, initiating a fire attack, and a performing hasty search.

Additional fire companies evacuated adjoining apartments and assisted with search efforts by providing vertical ventilation allowing smoke and super-heated gases to escape. This practice also tends to facilitate increased visibility. Firefighters encountered heavy smoke and “Collyer’s Mansion” conditions inside the fire apartment, which hampered search efforts.

The fire was knocked down and the incident brought under control in 18 minutes. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, firefighters were unable to save the lone occupant and thus, the fire tragically claimed the life of a 55 year-old man.

The Charlotte Fire Investigation Task Force spent much of the evening investigating the fire and deemed the fire "accidental" in nature and stated the most probable cause as candles. It was also noted the victim’s apartment was without electric utility. The victim's official cause of death will be determined by the Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner’s Office. http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/medicalexaminer/Pages/default.aspx. In the wake of a loss of life, the monetary loss cannot truly be tallied, however structural and content damage is estimated at $75,000.

The Charlotte Fire Department extends their condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, for this tragic loss. Your Charlotte Fire Department is saddened by such incidents and finds them extremely difficult to report, especially during the Christmas Holidays. We do so only to highlight safety http://www.usfa.fema.gov/citizens/focus/holiday.shtm and stress the importance of using extreme caution when around or using any open flame device/appliance, regardless of the source. "Stay Alert, Stay Safe, Stay Alive"

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight

Public Information Officer

Office of Media and Public Affairs

Charlotte Fire Department

Firefighters Stress Holiday/Candle Safety

2011-12-21T16:19:00.006-05:00

For many of those served by the Charlotte Fire Department (CFD) http://www.charlottefire.org, the coming days will be anything but a holiday. Fires caused by candles and carelessness with fire will certainly damage homes, dampen spirits - and sadly, may take lives.

As we enter the peak of the holiday season, the men and women of the CFD ask you to join them in putting a stop to these needless and often tragic blazes.

Citing statistics for 2003-2007, our partners at the National Fire Protection Association < http://www.nfpa.org/> (NFPA) report that thirteen percent of home candle fires <http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files/PDF/candlefactsheet.pdf> occuring December, 1.6 times the monthly average.

Why is the CFD sharing this message now?

Many Americans consider candles as benign holiday gifts, or may use them with little thought of safety during Hanukkah, Christmas or Kwanzaa celebrations. Christmas Day remains the peak day for home candle fires with Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day following close
behind.

Candles cause 4% of all home fires in our country and an alarming 6% of home fire deaths. More than one-third of home candle fires start in bedrooms, where 44% of candle associated deaths and half of associated injuries occur.

Annually, an estimated 15,260 home structure fires started by candles are reported to Fire Departments in the United States. These fires result in approximately 166 civilian deaths, 1,289 civilian injuries and a direct property loss of $450 million.

According to the NFPA < http://www.nfpa.org/>:

- More than half of all candle fires start when something that could burn, such as furniture, mattresses or bedding, curtains or decorations,were too close to the candle.

- In one-fifth of the fires, the candles were unattended or abandoned.

- An alarming number of fires are started by people (often children) playing with candles.
- 12% of candle fires start after the candle user falls asleep - a factor that was prevalent in 36% of home candle fire deaths!

For those observing Chanukah:
"Stay Alert"
- Avoid leaving the Menorah unattended when burning.
- Adult supervision is essential when children light the Menorah.

"Stay Safe"
- Place the Menorah in a safe, secure, and well watched area.
- Never place a lit Menorah near curtains, shades, tablecloths, plants, books, or under counters.
- Do not put the Menorah on an unsteady table or surface.
- Assure that infants, toddlers and pets are unable to reach or access the Menorah.
- Store matches and lighters up high and out of children's sight and reach, preferably in a locked cabinet.

"Stay Alive"
- Do not have open flame if medical oxygen is being used in the home.
- Make sure any oil used for the Menorah is stored in a stable holder, well removed from the flame or heat source.

If candles must be used*:

- Extinguish all candles when leaving a room or going to sleep.
- Keep candles at least 12" away from any flammable items, including areas cluttered with holiday decorations - and especially distant from children and pets.
- Don’t burn a candle all the way down — put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.
- Use sturdy non-combustible candle holders that won't tip over easily and are large enough to
collect dripping wax.
- Don't place lit candles in or near windows, blinds and curtains.
- No one should sleep in a room with a lit candle.
- Store candles, matches and lighters up high and out of children's sight and reach, preferably in a locked cabinet.
- Never use a candle if medical oxygen is used in the home.
- Don't use a lit candle when searching for items in a confined space or checking pilot lights or fueling equipment.
- Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage.
- Never use candles for emergency lighting.
- And finally, *please consider the risk versus the reward when using candles this holiday season!*

Happy Holidays from the Charlotte Fire Department.
season<http://www.usfa.fema.gov/citizens/focus/holiday.shtm>

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight
Public Information Officer
Charlotte Fire Department
Office of Media & Public Affairs

Firefighters Make Grab Rescue Man From Burning Home

2011-12-18T21:13:00.014-05:00

Charlotte NC – Firefighters rescued a man after becoming trapped in his burning home on Friday afternoon December 14, 2011.

At 1:47 PM Battalion 4 http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/Fire/FireStations/Pages/battalion04.aspx , Engines 15, 34, 8, and Ladder 1 were dispatched to a reported structure fire at 3711 Shamrock Drive http://g.co/maps/kjkkj. While enroute Charlotte Fire Communications advised responding companies they had received information alerting them of an invalid trapped inside the structure. Firefighters from nearby Station 15 http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/Fire/FireStations/Pages/Fire Station 15.aspx were first to arrive and confirmed a working fire in a one-story wood frame house with a person trapped inside.

The lone occupant was seen at a bedroom window and a firefighter made haste to extricate the occupant through the window; despite his best efforts he was unsuccessful. Moment’s later firefighters forced open the front door and made entry into the smoke filled home. Firefighter Josh Johnson valiantly and without hesitation went past the fire to reach the bedroom where the occupant was found. He then successfully extricated the man to safety where fellow firefighters rendered him care.

A well-coordinated effort of twenty-seven Charlotte Firefighters under the direction of Battalion Chief Keith Rogers resulted in the knockdown of the fire and the incident being brought under control in 7 minutes. The fire began in the kitchen and was caused by food left cooking unattended. The occupant was treated on scene and refused transport. Monetary damage estimates were unavailable at the time of this report, however the household of three was displaced.

Food left cooking on the stove remains the number cause of residential fires. Your Charlotte Fire Department reminds you to “Stay Alert”, Don’t leave food cooking unattended; “Stay Safe”, Avoid distractions while cooking; “Stay Alive”, Avoid cooking when your sleepy.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight
Public Information Officer
Office of Media and Public Affairs
Charlotte Fire Department

Kerosene Heater Likely Culprit After Raging Fire Destroys Home

2011-12-15T23:19:00.005-05:00

Charlotte NC – Fire Investigators determined household furnishings left to close to a kerosene heater was the likely cause of raging fire that destroyed a home on Tuesday afternoon, December 13th, 2011.

Fire Companies responded to the call for service at 2:09 PM and reported a seeing a heavy plume of smoke while enroute. Firefighters from nearby Station 21 were first to arrive at 2424 Sloan Drive http://g.co/maps/pkh4h just minutes later and found a two-story, wood frame house overtaken with heavy fire and smoke conditions.

Crews sprinted into action establishing a water supply and prepared to engage in an intense firefight. An aerial device on a 105-foot Ladder Company http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/Fire/Apparatus/Pages/Engines%20and%20Ladders.aspx was utilized to deliver a deluge of water to knockdown the bulk of the flames after firefighters were forced to retreat from the well-entrenched fire. Fire Crews moved in swiftly and extinguished the remaining flames.

A well-coordinated effort of twenty-seven Charlotte Firefighters under the direction of Battalion Chief Scott Zander resulted in the knockdown of the fire and the incident being brought under control in 28 minutes. There were no known injuries associated with the fire, however the home was deemed a total loss and the occupants were displaced.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight
Public Information Officer
Office of Media and Public Affairs
Charlotte Fire Department

Firefighters Rescue Man Trapped In Storage Tank

2011-12-07T21:19:00.008-05:00

Charlotte NC – On Monday, December 5th, 2011 Firefighters rescued a man trapped in a storage tank at BC Paint Works in north Charlotte.

Charlotte Firefighters received the call for service at 10:24 AM and arrived at 7335 Orr Road http://g.co/maps/wahtk just minutes later to find a male worker conscious and alert, but entrapped in an 18” pipe inside a 13’ high X 7’ wide storage tank. The worker entered the tank to perform maintenance and became wedged inside the pipe.

Firefighters and rescue specialists engaged in a technical rescue going through great lengths to extricate the worker. Carefully and with precision rescue technicians utilized specialized rescue tools including a metal cutting saw to breach the 18’ pipe and eventually free the trapped worker.

A well-coordinated effort of twenty-six Charlotte Firefighters under the direction of Battalion Chief Phillip Bosche resulted in the successful extrication of the worker in 80 minutes. The worker was transported by MEDIC to Carolinas Medical Center for evaluation.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight
Public Information Officer
Office of Media and Public Affairs
Charlotte Fire Department

Vehicle Rams Into Apartments Injures 1

2011-11-17T21:55:00.006-05:00

Charlotte NC – A vehicle with three occupants crashed into one apartment building, flipped, crashed and came to rest alongside a second building seriously injuring one of the passengers in the vehicle.

Firefighters received the call for service on Monday, November 14th at 7:35 PM and arrived just a few minutes later to observe a mid-sized SUV that had came to rest on its side after crashing into two apartment buildings. The vehicle and the buildings sustained significant damage. Firefighters and bystanders said the scene resembled a war zone.

Heavy Rescue and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) crews worked tirelessly to stabilize structural components of the two buildings, while one of the three persons riding in the vehicle was treated for serious injuries. The patient was promptly packaged and transported to Carolinas Medical Center as a priority patient.

Six apartments were affected by the crash and the occupants displaced. The Red Cross was summoned to the scene and assisted the occupants with procuring temporary housing. Damage was estimated at $75,000.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight
Public Information Officer
Office of Media and Public Affairs
Charlotte Fire Department

University City Apartment Fire Damages 4 Units Displaces Occupants

2011-11-17T07:16:00.005-05:00

Charlotte NC - An apartment fire near the campus of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte damaged 4 units and displaced a number of occupants on November 13, 2011.

Firefighters responded to multiple reports of a structure fire at 8934 University City Boulevard at 7:18 PM. They arrived just a few minutes later to find heavy smoke and fire emitting from a first floor unit of a large two-story apartment building.

Acting on a report of a person being trapped, crews sprinted into action initiating a hasty search and mounting an aggressive fire attack. After a thorough search of the structure, no one was found. The well-coordinated efforts of 48 Charlotte Firefighters resulted in the knockdown of the flames and the incident being brought under control in 32 minutes.

Fire Investigators determined the cause of the fire to be accidental. There were no injuries associated with this incident. The American Red Cross was summoned to the scene and assisted displaced residents.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight
Public Information Officer
Office of Media and Public Affairs
Charlotte Fire Department

Firefighters Knockdown, Snuff Out Apartment Fire

2011-11-01T15:27:00.004-04:00

Charlotte NC – An aggressive fire attack allowed firefighters to knockdown and snuff out an apartment fire in east Charlotte early Monday evening.

Charlotte Fire Communications received the first of several phone calls at 5:07 PM reporting an apartment fire at 6644 Idlewild Road. While enroute fire crews reported seeing a large column of smoke in the horizon and prepared themselves for the ensuing battle.

Firefighters from nearby Station 3 were first to arrive and reported heavy fire and smoke emitting from the second floor and attic space of a two-story fourplex apartment building.

Crews scurried into action stretching hoselines and searching the building for occupants. A Ladder Company was assigned to provide vertical ventilation by cutting a hole in the roof allowing heat, smoke, and superheated gases to escape.

Firefighters soon gained the upper hand on this well-entrenched fire and knocked down the flames before it could consume the entire attic space. A well-coordinated effort of 31 Charlotte Firefighters resulted in the incident being brought under control in 13 minutes.

A total of 13 occupants were displaced and were assisted by the American Red Cross. Fire Investigators said the fire began in the kitchen of a second floor unit and caused an estimated $200,000 in damage. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight

Public Information Officer

Office of Media and Public Affairs

Charlotte Fire Department

Firefighters Stop Raging Apartment Fire

2011-11-01T07:44:00.004-04:00

Charlotte NC – Firefighters stopped a raging fire from destroying an apartment building late Thursday evening October 27^th, 2011 in south Charlotte.

At 10:49 PM Charlotte Fire Communications began receiving multiple phone calls reporting an apartment fire at 5100 Cherrycrest Lane http://g.co/maps/ffywg. Firefighters from nearby Station 12 http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/Fire/FireStations/Pages/default.aspx arrived a short time later and reported heavy smoke & fire issuing from the second floor of a large two-story six-unit apartment building.

Observing the heavy and rapidly evolving fire conditions, firefighters immediately summoned for additional resources and mounted an aggressive fire attack. Fire companies scurried into action deploying hoselines and searching the structure to ensure all residents made the exodus from the structure safely.

As the raging flame broke through the roof firefighters were resilient in their efforts to stop the forward progress fire. A well-coordinated effort of 48 Charlotte Firefighters resulted in the knockdown of the fire in less than 30 minutes.

Fire Investigators said the fire began in the kitchen and was caused by food left cooking on the stove http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/Fire/Divisions/FireandLifeSafety/Pages/Kitchen%20Fire%20Safety%20Tips.aspx. Damage caused by the fire, smoke, water, and fire control efforts were estimated at $200,000. There were no injuries to report, however at least 6 apartments were affected as a result of this fire.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight

Public Information Officer

Office of Media and Public Affairs

Charlotte Fire Department

Elderly Woman Dead After Early Morning Apartment Fire

2011-10-29T22:58:00.010-04:00

Charlotte NC – The death of an elderly woman rocked a small senior citizen community after firefighters found her in a burning apartment at 5939 Fairmarket Place http://g.co/maps/f8gkg Thursday morning, October 20, 2011.

Charlotte firefighters initially responded to a medical alarm at the same address and arrived to find heavy smoke pouring from one unit of a one-story residential fourplex. The lone fire company immediately summoned additional firefighters to the scene, sprinted into action initiating a fire attack, and began a search of the burning apartment unit.

Firefighters soon discovered the lifeless body of an elderly woman, extracted her out of the apartment, and began resuscitation efforts. The woman was transported to Carolinas Medical Center Main and pronounced dead a short time afterwards. The deceased has been identified as 70 year-old Betty Childs and was the sole occupant of the apartment unit. The Mecklenburg County Coroners Office will determine the official cause, time, and manner of death. http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/medicalexaminer/Pages/default.aspx

According to Battalion Chief Rusty Garrison, “the home was fitted with a smoke alarm”, http://charmeck.org/CITY/CHARLOTTE/FIRE/DIVISIONS/FIREANDLIFESAFETY/Pages/Smoke%20Alarms.aspx however the dwelling was not equipped with residential fire sprinklers. The fire began in the kitchen and was caused by food left cooking on the stove http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/Fire/Divisions/FireandLifeSafety/Pages/Kitchen%20Fire%20Safety%20Tips.aspx and caused an estimated $5000.

A well-coordinated effort by 35 Charlotte Firefighters confined the fire to the unit of origin, allowing them to knockdown the flames in less than 20 minutes. There were no additional injuries to civilians or firefighters.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight

Public Information Officer

Office of Media and Public Affairs

Charlotte Fire Department

Gas Leak Forces Evacuation

2011-10-10T15:58:00.003-04:00

Charlotte NC – A natural gas leak in the storm drain system forced residents of an east Charlotte neighborhood to evacuate on Tuesday September 27th, 2011.

Charlotte firefighters were called to investigate an odor of natural gas in the 1800 block of Lansdale Drive at 5:44 PM. When they arrived, firefighters acknowledged a faint odor of gas and began the tedious task of identifying the source.

Using gas detectors, firefighters found a manhole with readings conducive to a natural gas fire and/or explosion in a resident’s yard. This prompted a response from the fire department hazardous materials response team and the evacuation of several residents in the immediate vicinity.

Technicians from Piedmont Natural Gas arrived and traced the leak to a check valve in the storm drain system. Fire department hazardous material technicians and Piedmont Natural Gas technicians worked to minimize the leak until the area was deemed safe. Residents were allowed to return homes a short time later.

(21) Firefighters were called to the scene to control the leak and bring the incident under control in 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight
Public Information Officer
Office of Media and Public Affairs
Charlotte Fire Department

Firefighters Rescue Man Trapped in Machinery

2011-10-07T19:57:00.005-04:00

Charlotte NC – Firefighters rescued a worker after a boulder shifted and trapped him in the Bobcat excavation machine he was operating.

Charlotte firefighters responded to 7109 Robinson Church Road just before 2 PM on Tuesday September 27th, 2011. They arrived minutes later to discover a man pinned in the seat of a Bobcat by a boulder some 15o feet off the road. Crews scurried into action to free the man utilizing specialized rescue tools.

Because of the anticipated extended extrication time, a Med Center Medevac Helicopter from Carolinas Medical Center was requested and a LZ was established a short distance away from the scene. Rescuers worked tirelessly using technical rescue equipment to lift the boulder off the machinery and freed the man. Miraculously, the man was not seriously injured, however he was transported to an area hospital by ground for further evaluation. (25) Firefighters were summoned to the scene to affect the rescue in 32 minutes.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight
Public Information Officer
Office of Media and Public Affairs
Charlotte Fire Department

Firefighters Knockdown Fire Involving Haz-Mat

2011-10-05T22:57:00.003-04:00

Charlotte NC – Firefighters knocked down a fire involving hazardous materials at an east Charlotte business Tuesday morning September 20, 2011.

While engaged in a routine area survey firefighters observed a column of smoke issuing from a commercial business located at 8601 Monroe Road and requested a working fire assignment. Once on scene firefighters made haste and deployed hoselines in an attempt to knockdown the flames impinging on several 55-gallon drums of fuel oil and Benzene.

Crews quickly knocked down the flames and confined the fire to the loading docked with minimal damage to the interior of the structure. The fire began on the loading dock when sparks from workers cutting copper pipe ignited a container of open fuel oil.

(31) Firefighters were summoned to the scene and brought the incident under in 1 hour and 11 minutes. Inbound lanes of Monroe Road, a major thoroughfare were closed forcing motorists to seek alternate routes for an extended period. There were no injuries to civilians or fire personnel.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight
Public Information Officer
Office of Media and Public Affairs
Charlotte Fire Department

30 Displaced After Fire Races Through Condos

2011-09-25T18:19:00.004-04:00

CHARLOTTE NC – 30 occupants of an east Charlotte condominium complex were displaced after a fire raced through their condominium Sunday evening just before 8 pm on September 18th, 2011.

Charlotte firefighters were alerted to the call after fire communications received multiple phone calls reporting a structure fire at 4947 Central Avenue. Firefighters arrived quickly and confirmed a working fire involving a 2-story condominium. Because of the heavy smoke and fire conditions racing through the structure firefighters immediately transmitted a 2nd Alarm summoning additional manpower and resources to the scene.

Firefighters scurried into action deploying hoselines, establishing a patent water supply, and initiating a search to ensure everyone had escaped. After mounting an aggressive and well-coordinated fire attack, firefighters were able to knockdown the flames and bring the incident under control in 29 minutes.

A total of (53) firefighters were called to battle the fire. Due to the heavy fire damage, additional firefighters were brought to the scene to stand watch over the structure and ensure the fire was completely extinguished. The fire caused an estimated $200,000 in damage and affected (13) units. Fire Investigators said the fire began in the kitchen and was caused by food left cooking on a stove. The Red Cross was on hand to assist occupants affected by the fire.

Fire Officials remind the public that kitchen fires are the number #1 cause of residential fires. To avoid a kitchen fire in your home, your friends at the Charlotte Fire Department offer these fire safety tips:

· Don’t leave the kitchen when cooking
· Don’t cook when you’re sleepy
· Don’t allow yourself to become distracted when cooking

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight
Public Information Officer
Office of Media and Public Affairs
Charlotte Fire Department

Traffic Collision Involving School Bus Claims the Life of 1

2011-09-18T20:37:00.002-04:00

CHARLOTTE NC – A late afternoon traffic collision involving a Charlotte-Mecklenburg School bus claimed the life of the sole occupant in the SUV struck by the school bus.

Charlotte firefighters responded to the reported motor vehicle accident at the intersection of North Sharon Amity and Milton Roads just after 4 pm on Thursday, September 15, 2011. Fire crews arrived quickly and observed a school bus with extensive damage to the front-end and a SUV that had rolled over and come to rest on its roof.

Firefighters made haste to account for the occupants of both vehicles and make assessments for injuries. The bus driver and approximately 50 students from Devonshire Elementary School displayed no obvious signs of injuries, however the occupant of the SUV was critically injured and trapped in the vehicle.

Firefighters and Heavy Rescue Technicians worked tirelessly using specialized equipment to free the occupant from the vehicle in 8 minutes. Sorrowfully and despite their efforts, 34-year-old Ana Delia Rodriquez Umana had succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead on scene. The traffic collision was investigated by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight
Public Information Officer
Office of Media and Public Affairs
Charlotte Fire Department

18 Displaced After Fire Races Through Condos

2011-09-18T16:24:00.005-04:00

CHARLOTTE NC – At least 18 occupants were displaced from their homes after a fire raced through their north Charlotte condominium complex Monday evening, September 12, 2011.

Charlotte Firefighters responded to a reported fire at the Orchard Trace Condominiums just after 8:30 pm. Fire companies reported seeing heavy smoke billowing in the vicinity of the reported fire while enroute to the incident.

Fire crews arrived on scene and reported heavy fire conditions involving the second floor and flames visible through the roof of a large 2-story condominium. Firefighters scurried into action by deploying hoselines and searching the structure for occupants. Due to the intense fire conditions and potential for injury or loss of life, a 2nd alarm was transmitted bringing additional manpower and resources to the scene.

As the raging fire raced through the attic space, portions of the roof exhibited familiar signs of a catastrophic failure. Firefighters were forced to retreat and temporarily take up a defensive position and utilize and aerial ladder to rain down thousands of gallons of water to stop the forward progress of the flames.

After a hard fought firefight, the fire was knocked down and brought under control in 49 minutes by 50 firefighters. All occupants self evacuated prior to firefighters arriving. Three occupants sustained minor injuries, one of which was transported to Carolinas Medical Center-University.

Fire Investigators determined the fire began in a closet off the outdoor patio and mostly likely was caused by an electrical short. Occupants stated they attempted to extinguish the fire prior to the arrival of firefighters, but their attempt proved futile. Eight units sustained damage as a result of the fire and are uninhabitable. The American Red Cross assisted 18 occupants. Damage is estimated at $400,000.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight
Public Information Officer
Office of Media and Public Affairs
Charlotte Fire Department

Firefighters Knockdown Stubborn House Fire

2011-09-18T16:16:00.008-04:00

CHARLOTTE NC – Charlotte Firefighters battled a stubborn house fire just outside the city limits on Mount Holly Road Tuesday afternoon around 3 p.m.

Firefighters from the City of Charlotte arrived on scene to find a large two-story home with heavy fire and smoke conditions involving the first and second floors. Charlotte firefighters sprinted into action and engaged in an intense firefight with the raging flames and were soon joined by volunteer firefighters from Mecklenburg County.

The vacant home located at 10901 Mount Holly Road, was constructed in the 1960’s house had been subject to multiple additions and renovations during the past 50 years. Firefighters were forced to navigate around holes that had been cut in the floor in near zero visibility because of the dense smoke conditions, however they were resilient in their efforts to knockdown the flames and bring the incident under control in 1 hour and 35 minutes.

(27) Firefighters were called to battle the blaze that caused extensive damage to the home. One firefighter was transported to Presbyterian Hospital for minor injuries. Fire Investigators were summoned to the scene to determine where and how the fire began.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight
Public Information Officer
Office of Media and Public Affairs
Charlotte Fire Department

3 Arrested in Connection With Westside House Fire

2011-08-24T22:03:00.002-04:00

CHARLOTTE NC – Investigators with the Charlotte Fire Department Fire Investigation Task Force arrested 3 juveniles in connection with west side house fire on Sunday, August 21, 2011.

Firefighters responded to reports of a house fire on Bradford Drive at 4:03 PM. Crews arrived a short time later to find a 1-story house with heavy smoke and fire showing. Firefighters made haste to engage in a firefight to stop the progress of the flames that involved much of the attic space.

The fire was knocked down and brought under control in approximately 15 minutes. (27) Firefighters were called to the scene. Sunday evening Fire Investigators arrested and charged (3) juveniles with “burning an unoccupied structure” & “carelessness with fire.” The home was vacant at the time of the fire and caused an estimated $45,000 in damage. There were no injuries reported.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight
Public Information Officer
Office of Media and Public Affairs
Charlotte Fire Department

Ammonia Release Prompts Haz-Mat Response

2011-08-23T22:37:00.007-04:00

CHARLOTTE NC – Firefighters and Haz-Mat Teams responded to an ammonia release at a southwest Charlotte business on Monday, August 22, 2011.

The first call reporting a strong odor of ammonia was received by Fire Communications from a worker at 12700 General Drive. Fighters from nearby Fire Station 26 arrived a short time later and confirmed a chemical release. Fire crews began evacuating the immediate vicinity, however because of the time of the incident, impact on business operations were minimal.

Haz-Mat Teams arrived on scene and began the arduous task of identifying the source of the release. Haz-Mat Technicians traced the ammonia release back to a leaking refrigerant pump at 11922 General Drive, Pro Flowers. This business was actually a short distance away from where the call originated from, but was within the same industrial complex. Crews donned self-contained chemical suits which resembled space suits and were resilient until the leak was stopped.

(43) Firefighters were called to the scene to control the leak in 3 hours and 51 minutes. An estimated 1000 pounds of ammonia was released, however the release posed no hazard to the area beyond the industrial complex. Haz-Mat Technicians said the ammonia dissipated in the atmosphere shortly after it was released. There were no injuries reported.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight
Public Information Officer
Office of Media and Public Affairs
Charlotte Fire Department

Firefighters Knockdown House Fire Control Gas Leak

2011-08-21T22:00:00.004-04:00

CHARLOTTE NC – Charlotte Firefighters extinguished a house fire and controlled a gas leak at the same location on Friday afternoon, August 19th, 2011.

Firefighters were dispatched to reports of a house on fire at 1:38 PM. Crews from nearby Fire Station 23 arrived at 1:40 PM and reported a well-entrenched fire involving the attic of a 1-story residential structure at 6406 Blue Jay Lane.

Firefighters quickly deployed hoselines into the attic, where they engaged in a brief firefight and seized control of structure. A gas leak occurred as a result of flame impingement on the gas meter but was brought under control not long after the bulk of the fire was knocked down.

The residents of home were not present at the time of the fire and were displaced as a result of the fire. Twenty-seven Firefighters were called to knockdown the fire and needed 16 minutes to bring the incident under control. The fire appears to have begun in the attic, however the cause remains under investigation. The were no injuries reported.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight
Public Information Officer
Office of Media and Public Affairs
Charlotte Fire Department

More Than 50 Firefighters Summoned to South Charlotte House Fire

2011-08-17T22:20:00.006-04:00

CHARLOTTE NC – More than 50 Charlotte Firefighters were summoned to the scene of a south Charlotte house fire on Saturday August 13, 2011.

The first of several calls to Fire Communications was received at 2:38 Saturday afternoon. While responding firefighters reported seeing a large plume of smoke from several blocks away.

Within minutes crews from nearby Fire Station 16 arrived at 3800 Willowood Drive and reported a fully involved detached garage with flames extending into a two-story home. Firefighters sprinted into action and raced to stop the raging fire from destroying the home. Crews advanced hoselines and searched the home to ensure all the occupants had exited. Firefighters were able to account for (6) occupants who resided at the home. During the intense firefight one firefighter was injured and transported to Presbyterian Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Flames consumed the detached garage, however firefighters were tireless in their efforts to stop the spread of the fire. (50) Firefighters were needed to knockdown the fire and bring the indent under control in (39) minutes. An additional (22) firefighters were summoned to the scene to assist with extensive salvage and overhaul operations.

Damage caused by fire, smoke, water, and fire control is estimated at $150,000. A family of six was displaced. The fire appears to have begun in the garage, however the cause remains undetermined. Red Cross representatives were on hand to assist the family and firefighters.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight
Public Information Officer
Office of Media and Public Affairs
Charlotte Fire Department

Lightning Strike Sets Home Ablaze

2011-08-14T19:17:00.002-04:00

CHARLOTTE NC – A lightning strike set a home ablaze on Monday evening August 8th in south Charlotte.

At 8:33 PM Charlotte Firefighters responded to reports of “fire coming through the roof,” of a large 2-story home at 11615 James Jack Lane. Crews from neighborhood Fire Station 32 were first on scene and reported heavy fire and smoke conditions involving a 4,000+ square foot residential structure.

Firefighters initiated an aggressive fire attack, but quickly realized the potential of this large fire to consume the dwelling. As a result of this threat, a second alarm was transmitted bringing additional firefighting resources to the scene. Crews made haste to search the structure and quickly ascertained the occupants had escaped without harm. A working fire alarm system and smoke alarms may have contributed in their safe exodus of the home.

Crews climbed ladders to gain access to the roof where they used chainsaws to cut sections of the roof allowing heat, smoke, and products of combustion to escape. This ventilation practice also aids in stopping the forward progress of the fire.

Firefighters were resilient throughout an intense firefight until the bulk of the fire was knocked down. 60 Firefighters were summoned to the scene and brought the fire under control in 28 minutes. The fire caused an estimated $70,000 in damage and there were no injuries to report.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight
Public Information Officer
Office of Media and Public Affairs
Charlotte Fire Department

Gas Leak Forces Evacuation Temporarily Displaces More Than 50

2011-08-13T21:10:00.004-04:00

CHARLOTTE NC – Firefighters evacuated 24 structures, mostly homes after a major natural gas leak was detected in the 900 block of Rowan Street on Monday August 8th.

Firefighters detected a strong odor and discovered the leak returning to their fire station shortly after 10 AM. Haz-Mat Technicians assigned to the Haz-Mat Response Team and determined the methane gas was emitting from the sanitary sewers and presented an immediate danger to residents in the immediate vicinity.

Firefighters and workers from Charlotte Mecklenburg Utilities removed manhole covers to allow the concentrated gas vapors to dissipate until safe readings confirmed by Piedmont Natural Gas and the Haz-Mat Response Team. City Transit buses were called to the scene to provide temporary shelter for 54 people who were displaced from their occupancies for 1½ hours.

Twenty-three firefighters were summoned to bring this incident under control in 2 hours and 50 minutes.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight
Public Information Officer
Office of Media and Public Affairs
Charlotte Fire Department

Firefighters Rescue Residents & Motorists 2 Perish in Flash Floods

2011-08-13T20:55:00.005-04:00

CHARLOTTE NC – Firefighters rescued numerous motorists and residents trapped by flash flood water, but were unable to save a mother and daughter who were swept away after attempting to cross rain-swollen Irvins Creek in southeast Charlotte.

On Friday August 5, 2011 shortly after 11:30 AM a strong line of severe thunderstorms moved across the Charlotte Metropolitan area bringing torrential rain totaling close to 7” in some parts of the city over a period of four hours. Firefighters scurried to respond to a total of 476 calls for service during this period, an abundance of these calls were storm related, 86 of these calls for service were flood related responses, 31 calls for service were in response to persons in distress because of flash flooding.

As floodwaters continued to rise, Swift-Water Rescue Technician donned dry-suits as they made haste to rescue some and evacuated others. Firefighters utilized boats powered by outboard motors to reach and extricate residents from their homes in several communities.

Shortly before 3 PM firefighters responded to a report of people in Irvin Creek near Sardis Road North and Coronation Boulevard. Crews arrived a short time afterwards and were advised by law enforcement officials that there were possibly three missing persons last scene in the creek. One person was accounted for within minutes, two others later identified as a mother and daughter were still missing.

A hasty search was initiated consisting of areas from last known position of the missing persons downstream. Sadly, the body of 43-year-old Gracie Nell Johnson was discovered downstream a short time later. Search efforts were suspended for the evening as darkness approached. Search efforts resumed on Saturday and after an exhaustive search, firefighters discovered the body of 16-year-old Rianna Tarell Johnson.

More than 70 buildings were damaged in Friday’s flooding, the worst in Charlotte- Mecklenburg in nearly three years. The flooding affected more than 100 homes. Although no monetary value can be placed on the loss of life, preliminary damage estimates stand at $1.5 million.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight
Public Information Officer
Office of Media and Public Affairs
Charlotte Fire Department

Firefighters Free Man Trapped Under Vehicle

2011-08-13T20:51:00.002-04:00

CHARLOTTE NC – Early Saturday morning on July 30, 2011 Charlotte firefighters responded to a reports of a man trapped under a vehicle after being struck by the same.

Firefighters arrived a short time afterwards and reported a adult male trapped and pinned under the rear axle of a minivan. Rescue Technicians assigned to a Heavy Rescue Company determined that there was little working room beneath the vehicle and choose to utilize high-pressure airbags to lift the vehicle off the patient.

This tactic proved to be fruitful and the patient was freed. The lone male patient was treated on scene and transported to an area trauma center with serious injuries. 18 Charlotte Firefighters were called to the scene to effect the physical rescue in 17 minutes.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight
Public Information Officer
Office of Media and Public Affairs
Charlotte Fire Department

Raging Fire Races Through Home Displaces Family

2011-08-13T20:36:00.006-04:00

CHARLOTTE NC - On July 29th at 7:30 pm, Charlotte Firefighters responded to a raging house fire after receiving multiple calls reporting the incident.

As firefighters responded to the call for service, a large plume of dark smoke was visible from several blocks away. Fire companies from nearby Fire Station 31 arrived at 5910 Shining Oak Lane and reported heavy smoke and fire conditions involving a 2300 square foot 2-story home.

As the fire ripped through the attic, a portion of the roof collapsed on one side, preventing firefighters from making entry. Firefighters raced the clock as they worked intensely to stop the spread of the flames and save the two homes on either side of the burning home.

Despite their valiant efforts the raging inferno, which had consumed a large portion of the home prior to their arrival had gained the upper hand and forced firefighters to take a defensive posture. Fire crews reverted to the use of a large caliber water stream flowing from a 105-foot Ladder Company to knockdown the bulk of the fire. Shortly thereafter the fire darkened and the smoke began to lighten. Firefighters used hoselines to extinguish and mop up the remaining fire.

The fire appeared to have begun in the garage and quickly extended into the bonus above consuming everything in its path. Thirty firefighters were summoned to knockdown the raging fire and bring the incident under control in 1 hour and 6 minutes. An additional 20 firefighters were called to assist in the complete overhaul of the structure. Damage to the structure is estimated at $100,000. There were no injuries reported and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight
Public Information Officer
Office of Media and Public Affairs
Charlotte Fire Department

Family Escapes Early Morning Apartment Fire Unharmed

2011-06-24T13:47:00.006-04:00

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On June 22nd, 2011 at 4:45 a.m., (9) Companies of Charlotte Firefighters, (1) Heavy Rescue Company, (1) Deputy Chief, (3) Battalion Chiefs, and (2) Fire Investigators under the direction of Battalion Chief Peter Skeris responded to a reported apartment fire at 3742 North Sharon Amity Road near the Hickory Grove community. Fire companies enroute to the incident observed a large column of smoke in the vicinity of the call for service and summoned for reinforcements.

Firefighters from nearby Station 23 were first to arrive and reported heavy fire conditions involving a large 2-story apartment building. An aggressive fire attack was launched as fire crews secured a patent water supply and deployed multiple hose lines in an effort to stop the forward progress of the raging fire. Additional fire crews made haste to search the structure to ensure all occupants had safely evacuated the premises.

The occupants of the fire apartment were awakened by a smoke alarm an escaped unharmed. No injuries were reported and after a swift and thorough search of structure, all occupants were accounted for. Fire Investigators concluded the fire began in the kitchen and was caused by food left cooking on the stove. Monetary damages were not immediately available.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight | Captain
Information Officer
Office of Media & Public Affairs
Charlotte Fire Department

Lightning Strike Sets Home Ablaze, Firefighter Injured

2011-06-24T13:25:00.007-04:00

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On June 21st, 2011 at 10:39 p.m. (10) Companies of Charlotte Firefighters, (1) Heavy Rescue Company, (1) Deputy Chief, (3) Battalion Chiefs, and (2) Fire Investigators, under the direction of Battalion Chief Stanley Reed, responded to reports of a structure fire at 2915 Polo Ridge Court in south Charlotte. This call for service was one of dozens firefighters responded to as a result of severe thunderstorms moving through the region. Between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. firefighters responded to more than 100 calls for service.

Fire companies from nearby Station 24 arrived first and reported heavy fire showing from a large two-story home and immediately summoned reinforcements. Firefighters sprinted into action and established a water supply from a nearby hydrant. Hose lines were advanced in an effort to knockdown the well-entrenched fire engulfing the attic and roof space.

While engaged in an intense firefight, the 2nd floor ceiling gave way crashing down on a crew of firefighters on the 1st floor. As a result of this incident one firefighter was injured and quickly extricated to the exterior of the structure by fellow firefighters. He was transported an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to make a full recovery.

The occupants of the residence escaped unharmed and there were no additional injuries to report. Sixty-six firefighters were summoned to knockdown the fire and bring the incident under control in 33 minutes. Fire Investigators determined the fire began as the result of a lightning strike and caused an estimated $250,000 in damage.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight | Captain
Information Officer
Office of Media & Public Affairs
Charlotte Fire Department

Charlotte-Mecklenburg EM Embraces Emerging Communications Channels

2011-06-01T16:44:00.009-04:00

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management Office (CMEMO) has officially launched an additional communication platform to provide the population of Charlotte-Mecklenburg with emergency messaging. Via Twitter, you can now follow Emergency Management @CharMeckEM. With over 100 people currently following @CharMeckEM this provides CMEMO with the ability to notify a segment of the population with up-to-date information on a variety of emergency preparedness issues and topics.

"It is incumbent for Emergency Management to stay abreast on how our culture is embracing new technology. Using emerging channels of communication like Twitter provides us another venue to share timely information regarding Severe Weather Warnings, Emergency Preparedness, and Significant Incidents that may impact the population of Charlotte-Mecklenburg", said Michael Tobin, Emergency Management Planner, CMEMO.

By having an additional line of communication, CMEMO is able to provide a short, quick and effective message tool to get the message out to the population. Although the number of people using Twitter is still growing every day, it is an important segment of the population that wants to stay informed with up-to-date information. CMEMO will still continue to communicate through our traditional means of press releases, reverse 911 and other means but this is an additional tool for the toolbox. The strategy and planning that goes into notifying the public is a vital role that Emergency Management takes very seriously.

With @CharMeckEM now on line at Twitter and garnering a following, the future of mass-communication will take CMEMO to Facebook and YouTube as well as a revised and updated website. A very important responsibility of emergency management is to inform the public of potential hazardous situations so they can take the appropriate actions. The emergence of social media channels provides an additional platform for communication.

Submitted by:

Mark Basnight | Captain
Information Officer
Office of Media & Public Affairs
Charlotte Fire Department

Firefighters Respond to EMS Call and Encounter Working House Fire

2011-05-31T23:26:00.007-04:00

On May 22, 2011 at 7:51 AM, (5) Companies of Charlotte Firefighters, (1) Heavy Rescue Company, (1) Deputy Chief, (2) Battalion Chiefs, and (3) Fire Investigators under the direction of Battalion Chief Tom Link responded to a structure fire on Carved Tree Lane in North Charlotte.

Firefighters from neighborhood Fire Station 22 were initially dispatched to an EMS call for service at the same address and staged one block away awaiting the arrival of law enforcement due to the nature of the emergency. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officers arrived on scene and notified fire communications of a house on fire with one person injured and another reportedly still inside the dwelling. Engine 22 immediately proceeded to the scene and simultaneously a working fire assignment was dispatched.

Within moments firefighters from Station 22 arrived on scene and confirmed a working fire with smoke and fire showing from a 2672 square foot 2-story single family home. Fire crews initiated a fire attack and search for the occupant reported still inside the smoke filled home. Additional fire crews provided horizontal ventilation to allow heat, smoke, and super-heated gases to escape the structure and assist the interior crews in searching for the occupant.

Within minutes the male occupant was located lying across a bed in an upstairs bedroom and extricated from the structure where medical care was administered. The occupant was unresponsive but had a pulse and was breathing. The occupant was transported to Carolinas Medical Center with potentially life threatening. In addition another occupant who had self-evacuated was transported with potentially life threatening injuries.

(31) Firefighters were summoned to knockdown this fire, effect a rescue, and bring the incident under control in 18 minutes. Monetary damage estimates were not immediately available and the cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Charlotte Fire Department Fire Investigation Task Force.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight | Captain
Information Officer
Office of Media & Public Affairs
Charlotte Fire Department

Fire Tears Through Apartment Clubhouse

2011-05-31T23:21:00.005-04:00

On May 19th, 2011 at 8:40 PM, (9) Companies of Charlotte Firefighters, (1) Heavy Rescue Company, (1) Deputy Chief, (3) Battalion Chiefs, and (3) Fire Investigators under the direction of Battalion Chief Mike Wilson were dispatched to a reported structure fire at 2705 New England Street.

A large column of smoke was visible to companies from Station 27 approximately two miles away and Fire Communications increased the response to a working fire assignment. Firefighters from Stations 22, 27, 36, arrived within moments of each other at 8:45 PM and encountered a large two-story apartment clubhouse heavily involved with fire. Fire command was established and additional resources were summoned to the scene equivalent to a second alarm assignment.

Fire crews engaged in a fierce firefight with this well-entrenched fire by deploying a 105-foot aerial device to ventilate dormer windows and flow massive amounts of water into the well-involved attic. Progress was noted when the bulk of the fire began to darken and firefighters made haste to stretch hoselines into the interior of the structure and knockdown the fire that remained.

(44) Firefighters were needed to knockdown the fire and bring the incident under control in 26 minutes. Two tenants utilizing an exercise room at the time the fire was discovered escaped unharmed and there were no injuries to report. The origin and cause of the fire remain under investigation. Damage is estimated at $90,000,00.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight | Captain
Information Officer
Office of Media & Public Affairs
Charlotte Fire Department

Intentionally Set Fire Destroys Church Building

2011-05-08T18:09:00.004-04:00

On April 30^th, 2011 at 1:53 PM (6) Companies of Charlotte Firefighters, (1) Heavy Rescue Company, (2) Fire Investigators, and (2) Battalions Chiefs under the direction of Battalion Chief Mike Wilson were dispatched for a reported building fire at 6237 Rumple Road, Bible Presbyterian Church. Due to numerous 911 calls and a smoke column visible from two miles away, a working fire assignment was added at 1:54 PM.

Firefighters from nearby Engine Co. 22 arrived at 1:55 PM and reported heavy fire in a one-story vacant apartment building behind the church sanctuary. A large brush fire was also spreading from the fire building and threatening exposures. Fire crews engaged in an intense firefight with the well-entrenched fire and were beginning to make progress, but conditions were not tenable enough for search crews to enter. Firefighters used an aerial master stream to control the brush fires and protect an exposed shed building.

As conditions improved crews enter the structure from windows and searched the building, the search proved negative. Firefighters were resilient until all smoldering fires were extinguished. (31) Firefighters were needed to knockdown the fire and bring the incident under control in 23 minutes. There were no injuries to firefighters or citizens, and the building was a total loss.

Fire Investigators determined this fires as well as the fire, which occurred on March 30th, 2011, were intentionally set. Anyone with information pertaining to the cause of these fires is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704.334.1600.

Eternally committed to duty & service,

Mark Basnight | Captain

Public Information Officer

Office of Media & Public Affairs

Charlotte Fire Department

Firefighters Make Quick Work of Apartment Fire

2011-05-08T17:50:00.011-04:00

On April 29th at 11:59 a.m. (9) Companies of Charlotte Firefighters, (1) Heavy Rescue Company, (2) Deputy Chiefs, (4) Battalion Chiefs, and (3) Fire Investigators responded to a structure fire at 2527 Arnold Drive.

The initial call for service was to check an appliance in an apartment. While fire companies were enroute additional information was received from property residents indicating a possible kitchen fire. Firefighters from neighborhood Fire Station 15 arrived quickly and reported heavy smoke issuing from a 2-story apartment building comprised of (8) units, four units on the front side and four on the rear side.

Crews sprinted into action advancing hoselines into the fire apartment and searched the structure to ensure all occupants had exited the safely. (48) Firefighters were summoned to knockdown the fire and bring the incident under control in 11 minutes. The occupant of the fire apartment indicated she had been cooking and could have left the stove on. Fire Investigators confirmed the cause to be food left cooking on the stove. The fire caused an estimated $30,000 in damage to due fire, smoke, water, and fire control. A family of (6) was displaced as a result of fire.

Food left cooking unattended remains the number one cause of residential fires. Charlotte Fire Officials remind the population to:

*Stay Alert – Never leave the kitchen while food is cooking on the stovetop.

*Stay Safe - Avoid distractions while cooking.

*Stay Alive – Avoid cooking when you are sleepy or tired.

... (more info)

Eternally committed to duty & service,

Mark Basnight | Captain

Public Information Officer

Office of Media & Public Affairs

Charlotte Fire Department

Firefighters Rescue Man From Burning Home

2011-05-08T17:41:00.005-04:00

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On April 29th, 2011 at 12:59 a.m. (5) Companies of Charlotte Firefighters, (1) Heavy Rescue Company, (2) Battalion Chiefs, and (2) Fire Investigators under the direction of Battalion Chief David Moore responded to a residential fire alarm activation at 4505 Parliament Court.

Firefighters from nearby Station 28 arrived minutes later and reported smoke showing from a 1-story home. The crew from Engine 28 was aware that the lone occupant was a handicap and made haste to enter the smoke filled home. Without a hose line, firefighters promptly searched the structure and located the man on the floor of his bedroom. The crew quickly extricated the man from the residence to crews waiting outside. He was transported to area trauma center for evaluation and treatment. Additional fire crews quickly deployed hoselines to extinguish the flames and confined the fire to the rear portion of the home.

(27) Firefighters were called to knockdown the fire and bring the incident under control in 36 minutes. No injuries to firefighters were reported. The Charlotte Fire Investigation Task Force has determined the fire cause to be accidental and electrical in nature. Damage to the structure and contents caused by the fire, fire control, smoke, and water were estimated at $60,000.

Eternally committed to duty & service,

Mark Basnight | Captain
Public Information Officer
Office of Media & Public Affairs
Charlotte Fire Department

80 Plus Firefighters Battle Massive Apartment Fire

2011-04-15T16:06:00.006-04:00

On April 13th, 2011 at 4:06 AM, (18) Companies of Charlotte Firefighters, (1) Heavy Rescue Company, (1) Urban Search and Rescue Company, (1) Field Communications Unit, (5) Battalion Chiefs, (3) Deputy Chiefs, (1) Deputy Fire Marshal, and the Fire Investigation Task Force under the direction of Deputy Chief Pete Key responded to a major emergency at 609 N. Davidson Street near uptown Charlotte.

While returning to quarters from a previous assignment, a fire company discovered working fire in a large 3-story apartment building in the First Ward community of Charlotte. Firefighters from Station 8 reported heavy fire and smoke conditions enveloping the 3rd floor of this 17655 square foot multi-family dwelling.

Firefighters sprinted into action and began notifying and evacuating the occupants. Additional fire crews arrived within minutes and engaged in an intense firefight with the well-entrenched blaze which had self-vented through the roof. Several 105-foot aerial ladder trucks were positioned for rescue and at least one was utilized to provide an elevated master stream to fight the massive blaze. As fire crews worked to extinguish the blaze, one adult was rescued after being trapped on a third floor balcony. That resident and two others were transported to a local trauma center for minor injuries.

Over (80) firefighters were summoned to knockdown the enormous blaze and bring the incident under control in 51 minutes. Although the building was equipped with a fixed fire suppression system, it was later determined that it was inoperable at the time of the fire. After a thorough investigation, two citations were issued on Thursday totaling $400 for violation of North Carolina State Fire Code section 901.6, “failure to properly maintain a fire protection and suppression system.” The fire was caused by the improper disposal of charcoal ashes from a hibachi grill and caused an estimated $500,000 to $1,000,000 in damage.

Submitted by:

Mark Basnight | Captain
Public Information Officer
Office of Media & Public Affairs
Charlotte Fire Department

Family of 6 Escape House Fire

2011-04-13T14:14:00.008-04:00

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On Thursday April 7th, 2011 at 1:25 p.m. (6) Companies of Charlotte Firefighters, (1) Heavy Rescue Company, (2) Battalions Chiefs, (1) Chief Fire Investigator, and (2) Fire Investigators under the direction of Battalion Chief J.A. Winkles responded to a reported structure fire at 6701 Edenwood Place in East Charlotte.

The 911 call was received from a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Animal Control Officer on Coronado Drive after observing heavy smoke issuing from the rear of the residence on Edenwood Place. The Animal Control Officer witnessed the family dog in harms way and made haste to free the pet from its restraints. The pet was safely extricated and was uninjured. Firefighters from nearby Station 3 arrived a few minutes later and reported heavy smoke showing from the rear of a 2-story single family home.

Teams of firefighters performed several tasks such as advancing hoselines to engage the fire, searching the home, and establishing a patent water supply. An additional fire crew provided ventilation for the interior operations by cutting a hole in the roof to allow heat, smoke, and super-heated gases to escape. A well-coordinated fire attack resulted in knockdown of the fire in 13 minutes.

Fire Investigators with the Fire Investigation Task Force determined the cause of the fire to be unattended cooking, with a damage estimate of $30,000. The Carolinas Chapter of the Red Cross assisted a family of six. Smoke detectors were present in the upstairs of the residence and activated. There were no civilians injuries related to the fire, however a neighbor was treated on scene for difficulty breathing.

Submitted by:

Mark Basnight | Captain
Public Information Officer
Office of Media & Public Affairs
Charlotte Fire Department

Carbon Monoxide Alarm and Alert Mom Save the Day

2011-04-13T13:59:00.005-04:00

Tuesday March 29th started off like most days for Misheal Brown. Mother of 4 young children and a wife, Misheal went through her daily routine and at the end of the day, she put her children to bed for the evening. Home alone with her children this particular evening Misheal was preparing to retire for the evening herself.

Suddenly the carbon monoxide alarm activated and Misheal smelled an odor of gas. Mrs. Brown went to investigate the alarm and shortly thereafter began experiencing the classic symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Soon after she called 911. Engine and Ladder 40 arrived at 10:51 p.m. and found elevated levels of carbon monoxide in the residence and escorted Mrs. Brown and her 4 children from the home.

Misheal was treated on scene and was not transported. Using gas detection meters, firefighters and the local gas utility company determined the cause of the carbon monoxide exposure to be a faulty water heater. “Having a carbon monoxide alarm in our home was very important to me and it paid off,” said Misheal. She and her children are alive and well today because she choose to “Stay Alert” by recognizing something was wrong, “Stay Safe” by ensuring she had a working carbon monoxide alarm in her home, and “Stay Alive” by calling 911 alerting responders of an emergency.

Submitted by:

Mark Basnight | Captain
Public Information Officer
Office of Media & Public Affairs
Charlotte Fire Department

Early Morning Hotel Fire Forces Guests to Evacuate

2011-03-29T21:05:00.011-04:00

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On March 28th, 2011 at 4:09 a.m. (6) Companies of Charlotte Firefighters, (1) Heavy Rescue Company, (3) Battalion Chiefs, and (2) Fire Investigators, under the direction of Battalion Chief Paula McDaniel responded to reports of a structure fire at 6300 Morrison Boulevard, The Double Tree Hotel.

Firefighters from nearby Station 16 arrived minutes later and were met by members of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department informing them of a fire on the fourth floor. After making their way to the fourth floor, fire crews discovered that the sprinkler system extinguished a fire at one of the guest rooms. As a result of this, firefighters were left with the task of smoke removal. A well coordinated evacuation plan resulted in all hotel guests exiting the building safely.

The Charlotte Fire Investigation Task Force has determined that this fire was intentionally set and an arrest has been made with charges pending. Anyone with information pertaining to this fire is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704.334.1600. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Damage caused by the fire, smoke, water, and fire control is estimated at $15,000. One injury unassociated with this fire was reported.

Eternally committed to duty & service,

Mark Basnight | Captain
Public Information Officer
Office of Media & Public Affairs
Charlotte Fire Department

Firefighters Battle Stubborn Nightclub Fire

2011-03-23T19:08:00.007-04:00

On March 18th, 2011 at 8:39 AM (10) Companies of Charlotte Firefighters, (1) Heavy Rescue Company, (3) Battalion Chiefs, (4) Fire Investigators, and (2) Fire Inspectors under the direction of Battalion Chief Mike Wilson were dispatched to a reported building fire at 421 East Sugar Creek Road.

Firefighters from nearby Fire Station 15 arrived at 8:42 and reported smoke showing and water flowing from a large two-story commercial building. The building was originally the Tryon Mall Cinemas, and had been renovated for use as a nightclub. At the time of the incident the business was closed. After an initial investigation, first-due companies reported that it appeared a sprinkler might have controlled a small fire. Further investigation revealed signs of two additional fires.

Reports from interior fire crews were that moderate smoke conditions persisted and that they were encountering additional fires. Based on the size of the structure and the maze-like interior, a second alarm was struck at 9:00 AM. After further investigation, it was discovered that there was no sprinkler system and the water encountered was the result of burst water lines. Multiple doors were forced on the structure so that interior crews had multiple escape routes.

Firefighters utilized three aerials (Ladder Companies) to gain access to the roof of the structure where a roof opening was cut and all natural roof openings to allow heat, smoke, and superheated gases to escape. This process maximized the exhaust of smoke from the structure, thus improving visibility and accountability for interior crews.

After firefighters completed their initial search of the building, the fire was declared under control at 9:41 AM. There were no injuries to firefighters or citizens. Fire Investigators determined the fire was intentionally set. Fire Investigators are asking anyone with information pertaining to this fire to call Crime Stoppers at 704.334.1600

Submitted by:

Mark Basnight | Captain

Public Information Officer

Office of Media & Public Affairs

Charlotte Fire Department

Duke Energy Nuclear Plant Safety

2011-03-23T10:53:00.006-04:00

Many of you may have questions or concerns as you compare nuclear operations here in the Carolinas with the incident that unfolded in Japan.

Seismic history and water supply are critical considerations in locating a building site for a plant. Our nuclear plants (Catawba, McGuire, & Oconee) are not located in the same proximity to the ocean as Japan’s, so we can eliminate the tsunami effect, but here is operational information that may help with concerns about earthquakes/tremors in our service area.

Nuclear plants in the United States are built to withstand an earthquake equivalent to or greater than the largest known earthquake in the region they are located. For Duke Energy plants, this is based on the Charleston, S.C., earthquake that occurred about 200 years ago. Steel reinforced concrete containment structures, coupled with multiple, redundant safety and plant shutdown systems, are designed to withstand the effects from earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods.

All three Duke Energy nuclear stations have seismic instrumentation to record earthquake-induced ground motions at the site. The instruments in the control room are very sensitive and detect extremely low levels of ground motion. Plant operators use the recordings to evaluate the level of earthquake motion at the site and determine if it must shut down. Our procedures require us to shutdown at when low levels of ground motion are detected.

Duke’s nuclear plants can shut down safely even if outside power sources are disrupted. An independent backup power supply is available to cool the fuel in an emergency situation. Step-by-step procedures are used by operators to respond to any type of natural disaster. While Duke Energy operators routinely train on these procedures, they have never had to implement these procedures for earthquake events.

If a plant shuts down due to an earthquake, a detailed physical inspection is done to evaluate the impact of an earthquake at the site and the condition of the plant structures, systems and equipment. In the event of an earthquake, Duke Energy staff would analyze the recordings and the inspection results before restarting the reactor. Operators then perform extensive inspections prior to restarting the plant.

If an earthquake exceeds the maximum operating basis and has to shutdown, the plant cannot restart without U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission approval, following extensive inspections to determine if it is safe to resume power production.

This information was posted with permission from Duke Energy Government & Community Relations. For more information go to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission website at: http://www.nrc.gov/

Tim Gause, Duke Energy Carolinas

Submitted by:

Mark Basnight | Captain

Public Information Officer

Office of Media & Public Affairs

Charlotte Fire Department

Early morning House Fire Claims the Life of Woman, Firefighters Rescue 1

2011-03-09T21:08:00.000-05:00

On March 7, 2011, at 8:24 a.m. (6) Companies of Charlotte Firefighters, (1) Heavy Rescue Company, (2) Deputy Chiefs, (2) Battalion Chiefs, and (2) Fire Investigators under the direction of Battalion Chief Gregory Sharpe responded to a structure fire at 1005 W. 4th Street in the Frazier Park community.

While enroute Fire Communications informed responding fire companies of a report stating people were trapped inside the home. Firefighters from nearby Station 5 arrived in less than five minutes and reported flames and smoke showing from a 1454 square foot 1-story house. CFD crews sprinted into action by stretching hoselines to engage in a firefight with the well-entrenched flames. While conducting a systematic search of the home firefighters encountered an adult male and were able to extricate him out a window.

Sadly and despite the prompt work of firefighters, an elderly female was located in a sitting room without the vital signs of life. She was pronounced deceased at the scene. The adult male was transported to an area trauma center with life-threatening injuries. As a result of the diligent effort of 27 firefighters, the fire was knocked down and brought under control in 35 minutes.

The cause of the fire was electrical in nature and began in a sitting area of the home. Damage caused by fire, smoke, water, and fire control are estimated at $120,000. Two puppies were safely removed by firefighters and reunited with family members. Although a monetary loss exists, one cannot truly be tabulated when there is loss of life. A positive identification of the deceased as well as the manner and time of death will be determined by the Mecklenburg County Coroner’s Office.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight | Captain

Public Information Officer

Office of Media & Public Affairs

Charlotte Fire Department

Firefighters Make Quick Work of Condo Fire

2011-02-26T14:26:00.010-05:00

On February 22, 2011, at 12:19 p.m. (12) Companies of Charlotte Firefighters, (1) Heavy Rescue Company, (3) Deputy Chiefs, (3) Battalion Chiefs, (1) Deputy Fire Marshal, (1) Chief Fire Investigator, and (2) Fire Investigators responded to a structure fire at 505 Donatello Avenue near the NODA community.

Firefighters from nearby Station 7 arrived within minutes at the Renaissance Lofts Condominiums and reported heavy fire conditions on the 3rd floor balcony of a large 3-story condominium. CFD crews sprinted into action and stretched hoselines to engage the raging fire that was extending into the attic space. Teams of Firefighters searched the building for occupants endangered by the fire to ensure they were out of harm’s way.

A well-coordinated fire attack affected by (56) Firefighters resulted in the fire being knocked down the fire and brought under control in 22 minutes. The fire began on a 3^rd floor balcony and was caused by the careless disregard of smoking material. Damage caused by fire, smoke, water, and fire control are estimated at $25,000 - $30,000. Eight residents were displaced and three feline were safely removed by firefighters and reunited with their owners. No injuries associated with this incident were reported.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight | Captain

Public Information Officer

Office of Media & Public Affairs

Charlotte Fire Department