Charlotte Fire Department

Heroes in Action: Charlotte Firefighters Reflect on Supporting Asheville After Hurricane Helene Our Charlotte Fire crews are back home after spending eight days in Asheville, helping the community recover from the devastation of Hurricane Helene. From battling structure fires to providing emergency medical care, our firefighters stepped up when it mattered most. Read the full story of their mission and the impact they made: https://bit.ly/4888VqP

Charlotte Fire Crews Return After Eight Days Assisting Asheville in Hurricane Helene Aftermath Today, we proudly welcome home the incredible Charlotte Fire crews who spent the past eight days in Asheville, supporting their fellow firefighters and the community in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Our 12 firefighters answered the call when Asheville needed backup, providing critical emergency services as local crews took time to care for their families and homes affected by the storm. Stationed across Asheville, our team faced challenging conditions—no power, no running water, and roads blocked by debris. Despite these obstacles, they tackled structure fires, medical emergencies, and welfare checks, ensuring that the residents of Asheville had the protection and care they needed. Captain Cory Schellhase, Captain Nathan Jones, Captain Vander Kolk, and their crews operated out of multiple Asheville firehouses, adapting quickly to the unfamiliar terrain and working alongside Asheville firefighters and emergency teams from across the state. Their mission was to provide seamless fire protection while Asheville’s firefighters took a well-deserved break to address their personal needs. We couldn’t be prouder of our team’s commitment, resilience, and spirit of service. Over 200 Charlotte firefighters volunteered to help, and these 12 dedicated individuals stepped up to represent our department. Their work exemplifies the values that make the fire service so special—teamwork, service, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. A huge thank you to our returning firefighters for your outstanding efforts in Asheville. Your dedication shows what it truly means to be part of the firefighting community, and we’re honored to have you back home, safe and sound.

At 4 AM this morning, a new crew from Charlotte Fire gathered at our Operations Center, ready to travel to Yancey County and continue the vital recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene that our initial team began. We are incredibly proud of the tireless work of our first crew, who faced unimaginable challenges with bravery and determination. Now, their fellow firefighters are stepping in to carry the mission forward—another powerful example of the selflessness that defines our team. To the men and women on the road, thank you for your service. We look forward to seeing your impact and continuing the mission of helping Yancey County through these challenging times as part of the ongoing Hurricane Helene recovery effort.

Charlotte Fire mourns the loss of Firefighter Tony Garrison. Firefighter Garrison, who served with both the Fairview Fire Department and Garren Creek Fire Department, tragically lost his life while heroically attempting to make a rescue during the response to Hurricane Helene. A second landslide occurred while he was in the line of duty, taking his life as he worked to protect others. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and fellow firefighters during this devastating time. We also extend our deepest sympathies to all those who have lost loved ones during this storm. Every life lost is a tragedy, and we stand in solidarity with the communities affected by this disaster.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, our Charlotte Fire Swift Water Rescue Team answered the call when Yancey County needed them most. The brave men and women of Charlotte Fire faced overwhelming devastation—flooded homes, washed-out roads, and isolated communities. But through it all, they worked tirelessly, rescuing families, delivering life-saving supplies, and helping this resilient community begin to rebuild. With teamwork, courage, and the relentless spirit of service, Charlotte Fire made a profound impact—one life at a time. We couldn’t be prouder of their dedication, and we stand in awe of the strength and perseverance of the people of Yancey County. This is more than a mission. It’s hope. It’s humanity at its best.

When disaster strikes, heroes rise. As Hurricane Helene ravaged Yancey County, our Charlotte Fire Swift Water Rescue Team stood shoulder to shoulder with the community, saving lives, delivering hope, and showing what it truly means to serve. This story captures their bravery, determination, and the unbreakable spirit of a community facing devastation. From navigating treacherous floodwaters to working alongside local residents, these firefighters embodied courage in the face of overwhelming odds. Read their incredible story, and join us in honoring the heroes who never hesitate to answer the call. Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/47PfjmJ

When tragedy strikes, it's the strength of our community that lifts us up. Firefighter recruit Gerard Singleton faced one of the hardest moments of his life, losing his father while training for his dream job. But he wasn’t alone. His fellow recruits stood with him, embodying the family atmosphere that makes the Charlotte Fire so special. Gerard’s story reminds us all that we’re stronger together. Read how the firehouse family came together to support one of their own, and the impact of unity in the face of hardship. Read the full story here -> https://bit.ly/3Bx4vOc

At the request of the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal and in partnership with the city of Asheville, the Charlotte Fire Department is proud to send our personnel to support structural firefighting efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. With the devastating impact on Asheville, their fire department is pausing services for a week so they can focus on their own recovery. Charlotte Fire will staff three of the 17 companies Asheville is putting into service. In just 8 hours, we had an overwhelming response—208 dedicated members volunteered to help. From that group, 12 firefighters have been selected to represent Charlotte Fire in this crucial effort. Our team’s commitment to helping others is nothing short of inspiring. Thank you to our firefighters for your incredible spirit of service!

Charlotte Fire Assists York County with Rescue Effort. This morning, Charlotte Fire responded to assist York County with the challenging extrication of an adult male pinned by a large tree that fell into a home on the 2000 block of Poinsett Dr. When our teams arrived, three of the four victims had already been rescued, but the fourth was still trapped. Battalion 3, Engine 11, Rescue 10, USAR 1, and Engine 43 worked tirelessly for over an hour to free the individual. Thanks to their teamwork and dedication, the patient was successfully extricated and transported to a local hospital. In the image, you can see the resilience and strength of the patient, who gave a thumbs up to first responders, showing his gratitude and spirit. Our thoughts are with him and his family as he recovers. We’re proud to have been part of this multi-agency effort to bring everyone to safety.

Charlotte Fire Swift Water Rescue Team Activated for Hurricane Helene Response Charlotte Fire’s Swift Water Rescue Team has been activated in response to the impending threat posed by Hurricane Helene. The team, consisting of 17 highly-trained firefighters, will be deployed to the Western North Carolina region to provide critical support in anticipated flood-prone areas. Captain Jeff Bright, the team leader, provided details about the activation, stating, “We received our activation orders at approximately 4:00 PM this afternoon. Our rendezvous time here is set for 7:00 PM, and we will depart shortly thereafter to stage at an equestrian facility in Tryon, North Carolina. Our expected arrival time is 10:00 PM tonight.” The team is prepared to respond to potential flooding caused by the heavy rainfall forecasted for the Western branch area, where up to 12 inches of rain is expected. “We’ve been activated to assist with swift water rescues due to the significant amount of rainfall that has already occurred and the additional downpour anticipated over the next few days,” Captain Bright explained. “In addition to our swift water capabilities, we are also equipped to handle structural collapses if necessary.” The deployment consists of a Type 1 swift water team, whose primary mission is to rescue or evacuate individuals stranded by floodwaters. The team will be bringing essential rescue equipment to manage a range of emergencies that could arise as the storm progresses. This activation is part of Charlotte Fire Department's ongoing commitment to provide specialized emergency response assistance throughout North Carolina and beyond, particularly during significant weather events like Hurricane Helene. “Our team is ready and well-prepared to assist those in need. We are dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of the communities affected by this storm,” Captain Bright affirmed. Charlotte Fire urges residents in the affected areas to stay informed, follow local weather updates, and heed evacuation orders if issued. The safety of the public and first responders is the top priority.