News
Brinkley St. Working Fire
February 12th, 2012
On February 12th at 06:09 Cornelius and Davidson fire departments were alerted for a structure fire on Brinkley Street. Units arrived on scene to heavy smoke and fire showing from the front of a single story residential structure. Huntersville Fire Department, station one, was added for the working fire. Cornelius Engine 3's crew stretched a line to the front door and began attacking the fire. Davidson Engine 1 arrived and laid a line to Engine 3 for water supply. Cornelius Ladder 4 arrived and conducted a primary search confirming all occupants were out of the house. Huntersville crews arrived on scene and controlled the utilities and formed the rapid intervention team. Crews worked aggressively and were able to get the fire under control quickly. During the time of this fire several other emergencies were handled thanks to Davidson and Huntersville's assistance.I77 MVA With 1 Trapped
December 10th, 2011
On December 8th around 10:00 AM Cornelius, Huntersville, and North Meck fire and rescue departments were dispatched to an Motor Vehicle Accident on Interstate 77, south bound, with entrapment. Cornelius Rescue 4 and Engine 4 arrived on scene within minutes and confirmed that the driver of the car was, in fact, trapped. Rescue 4 and Engine 4 went right to work using the hydraulic rescue tools from Cornelius' Rescue to free the driver. Huntersville Engine 11 arrived on scene and helped remove the driver once the doors were forced open and the roof was flapped. The driver was quickly accessed and stabilized so that MEDIC could treat and transport the patient. The extrication time was quick and MEDIC was immediately able to transport the patient to the hospital. Very special thanks to Huntersville Fire Department for the help and support on this multi-agency incident.Working Fire - Norman Shores Dr.
October 28th, 2011
On October 28th at 0107 Cornelius and Huntersville Fire Departments were dispatched to a possible structure fire on Norman Shores Drive. As E4 came down the street it was obvious that this would be a working fire in a large home. Davidson Fire was added as the working fire company for a RIT team. C-12 (J. Robinette) assumed command and E4 began fire attack. H&L 44 arrived shortly after E4 and assisted stretching additional lines inside the house. Huntersville E2 located a hydrant and with some creative driving was able to forward lay into E4. The crew from Huntersville conducted a primary search of the entire house to ensure that no one was still inside the home. Additional crews from Cornelius and Huntersville arrived and assisted with the fire suppression. Due to the large size of the house crews remained on scene for an extended period of time for overhaul.Donations Needed for Dare County
October 18th, 2011
The Cornelius FD is collecting donations that will be distributed to firefighters and the communities in Dare County. The area has suffered substantial damage from Hurricane Irene causing many people to lose the basic necessities as well as employment. Please see the letter below which outlines what things are needed. Thanks so much! Cornelius Fire Department will be accepting donations to assist firefighters and the surrounding communities in Dare County, North Carolina. The fire department will be accepting these donations at Cornelius Fire Station 1 (19729 S. Main Street) and Cornelius Fire Station 2 (19230 Charlestown Lane) until November 2nd. As many of you know, Hurricane Irene devastated the North Carolina coast causing countless citizens to lose their jobs as well as homes. These donations will be going to Glenn Rainey whom is the Deputy Chief of Colington Fire DepartmentI-77 Pin Job
September 16th, 2011
On September 15th around 2230 Cornelius and Huntersville along with North Meck Rescue Squad were dispatched to I-77 southbound for a traffic accident just past exit 25. While enroute units were advised that the driver of the car was pinned in his vehicle. North Meck R-7 arrived on scene with a SUV under a tractor trailer with the driver heavily entrapped. R-4 arrived and began utilizing the hydraulic rescue tools to free the driver. As other units arrived on scene a protection hand line was stretched to the accident area. The scene became an all hands working event in an effort to free the driver. Due to the extended extrication time and the severity of the accident a helicopter was called to the scene to transport the patient to the hospital. Huntersville E-33 established a landing zone for the helicopter on the interstate. The patient was loaded onto the helicopter and sent to the hospital. All of the agencies involved worked extremely well together which led to a successful outcome of the incident.Firefighters Complete 9/11 Stair Climb
September 13th, 2011
On Sunday September 11th firefighters Justin Ranson, EJ McCormick, and Bill Schick along with hundreds of other firefighters participated in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at the Duke Energy building in downtown Charlotte. This event is held as a fundraiser for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Participants climb 110 stories just as the first responders did inside the world trade center.343 firefighters made the climb signifying the 343 FDNY firefighters that died on 9/11/2001. Each firefighter making the climb carries a photo of a FDNY member that died with them as they climb. FF Ranson made the climb with several members from Davidson FD,FF McCormick made the climb with Charlotte E-14, and FF Schick made the climb with Charlotte L-1. It's events like this that truly represent the brotherhood within the fire service and that the members that die in the line of duty will never be forgotten.MVA With Entrapment on Statesville
August 31st, 2011
On Tuesday August 30th around 1500 Cornelius was dispatched to 1882 Statesville Road for a traffic accident. While enroute crews were updated that there was a person trapped in one of the vehicles. Rescue 4 arrived on scene and Chief 10 (Guerry Barbee) established command of a head on collision with a confirmed entrapment. Engine 6 arrived and its crew stretched a protection hand line to the scene. Crews utilized the hydraulic rescue equipment to remove the driver’s door and free the patient. Davidson Engine 1 was requested to the scene to establish a landing zone for a helicopter from MedCenter Air. Due to an extended estimated time of arrival for the helicopter it was cancelled. The driver of the other vehicle was treated by MEDIC and fluid leaks from both vehicles were controlled. Responding Units: Cornelius: R4, E6, C-9 Davidson: E1 MEDIC: 2 ALS Units, 1 SupervisorCrews Battle Previously Burned House
August 30th, 2011
On Saturday morning August 27th at 0445 Cornelius and Davidson Fire Departments were alerted for a structure fire on Meadow Crossing Ln. While en route crews were advised that the house on fire was one of the previously burned homes from a fire several months ago. Cornelius E3 arrived to a fully involved house fire. C-19 (Sam Huskins) took command and requested and additional engine company from Huntersville. C-12 (J Rob) arrived on scene and assumed command of the incident. Command ordered the first line off the truck go to protecting the exposure on the "B" side of the burning house. Crews quickly established a water supply and began attacking the burning house with E3's deck gun. Cornelius L4 set up and finished attacking the fire. Davidson FD and Huntersville FD assisted with overhaul and RIT. This fire has been deemed an arson and anyone with any information that may be able to help solve the caseCrews Handle Truck Fire on I77
August 7th, 2011
On August 6th at 1651 Cornelius was dispatched to I77 for a vehicle fire. While en route central advised responding crews that the truck in addition to being on fire was also carrying a diesel fuel tank in the bed of the truck. On August 6th at 1651 Cornelius was dispatched to I77 for a vehicle fire. While en route central advised responding crews that in addition to being on fire the truck was also carrying a diesel fuel tank in the bed of the truck. E4 and E3 arrived and found a Ford F-350 with fire in the engine compartment. C-19 (Huskins) took command and both trucks worked to handle the fire before it was able to spread to the diesel tank. R4 and Huntersville FD also handled a MVA on the interstate during this incident. R4 and Huntersville FD also handled a MVA on the interstate during this incident. R4 and Huntersville FD also handled a MVA on the interstate during this incident.Firefighters Attend Funeral
August 4th, 2011
On Tuesday August 2nd three firefighters from Cornelius along with thousands of other firefighters attended the funeral of Asheville Fire Department Captain Jeff Bowen. Captain Bowen made the ultimate sacrifice and died in the line of duty on July 28th while fighting a fire in a medical facility. It's times like these that truly show the brotherhood that exists within the fire service. It is estimated that over 2500 people attended Captain Bowen's funeral. We ask that you keep the Bowen family and the Asheville Fire Department in your thoughts as they go through this difficult time. We would also like to thank Captain Huskins, FF Amadeo, and FF Ross for representing Cornelius at the funeral. We would also like to thank Captain Huskins, FF Amadeo, and FF Ross for representing Cornelius at the funeral. We would also like to thank Captain Huskins, FF Amadeo, and FF Ross for representing Cornelius at the funeral.MVA Close Call
July 22nd, 2011
On July 22nd around 1200 Cornelius was dispatched to 18510 Statesville Rd for a motor vehicle accident. E3 arrived to find a single car that had left the road on Statesville Rd., traveled through the BP gas station front lawn, struck a car, became airborne, and finally came to rest on top of another car in the next door parking lot. The State Highway Patrol was on scene prior to E3's arrival and was assisting the patient from the car. Rescue 4 was special called to the scene due to the stability of the car however, since the Highway Patrol had already assisted the patient from the car the Rescue Company was canceled. E4 arrived and assisted with patient care and controlling a fuel spill. Rescue 4 was special called to the scene due to the stability of the car however, since the Highway Patrol had already assisted the patient from the car the Rescue Company was canceled.MVA - One on it's side
July 20th, 2011
On May 20th at 1643 Cornelius Fire Department responded to Bailey Rd & Statesville Rd for a reported vehicle accident with entrapment. R4 arrived on scene and found a multi vehicle accident with one car rested on its side. R4 found one person still inside the car. The crew immediately began stabilizing the car with struts and cribbing to ensure no further injuries occurred. E4 arrived on scene and provided patient care. After the scene was stabilized and the patients were assessed all units cleared the scene. On May 20th at 1643 Cornelius Fire Department responded to Bailey Rd & Statesville Rd for a reported vehicle accident with entrapment. R4 arrived on scene and found a multi vehicle accident with one car rested on its side. R4 found one person still inside the car. The crew immediately began stabilizing the car with struts and cribbing to ensure no further injuries occurred. E4 arrived on scene and provided patient care. After the scene was stabilized and the patients were assessed all units cleared the scene.House Fire w/ Davidson FD
July 19th, 2011
On July 8th at 18:23 Davidson and Cornelius Fire Departments were alerted to a possible house fire on Robert Walker Dr. En route units were advised that there was smoke coming from the roof and the caller could hear smoke alarms sounding. Davidson 10 arrived with heavy smoke showing and assumed command. Davison E3 arrived and stretched an 1 3/4" attack line into the house. Cornelius E3 arrived, secured a water supply, assisted Davidson with opening up the house, and effecting a knock down on the fire. Cornelius R4 checked for extension into the crawl space finding a small gas fed fire. Crews quickly secured utilites and knocked the fire in the crawl space down. E3's crew exited the building and were assigned to cut a ventilation hole to help crews operating inside ensure the fire was out. Crews remained on scene and overhauled the house with the help of Mt. Mourne and Odell Fire Departments.Apartment Fire - Woods Lane
July 12th, 2011
On Sunday night, July 3rd, 2011 at 2150 hrs Cornelius and Huntersville Station 2 companies were dispatched to a possible apartment fire. While enroute, companies were advised of multiple calls into the 911 center reporting fire from an apartment. Huntersville 904 (Dep. Chief B. Reagan) arrived on scene with heavy fire and smoke from a 2 story wood frame apartment and assumed command. Huntersville Engine 22 arrived and stretched an 1 ¾” attack line to the protect the exposures. Cornelius Engine 4s crew arrived shortly thereafter and was assigned suppression on the second floor. Hook and Ladder 44 arrived on scene and was assigned a primary search of the fire building. Once the primary was complete Hook & Ladder 44’s crew began to open ceilings and expose the fire. Rescue 4’s crew arrived and was assigned RIT duties. Additional crews on scene advanced a 2 ½” hose line, using two hand lines…
Working House Fire - Coachman's Trace
June 6th, 2011
At 01:35 on May 31, 2011 Cornelius and Davidson Fire Departments were dispatched for a structure fire in the area of Coachman’s Trace and Glenhill Dr. Cornelius Engine 6 arrived on scene and reported that there was a two story house with fire through the roof. Capt. Bridges arrived shortly after Engine 6 and assumed Command. Engine 6, with 4 personnel (3 paid, 1 volunteer) arrived and pulled a 2” hand line and began protecting the exposure on the B Division. Capt. Bridges pulled 200’ of supply to the hydrant and secured the water supply for Engine 6. The siding had already melted off of that structure and it was imperative that the first water be applied directly to the exposure to cool the surface and keep the second house from igniting. Ladder 4 arrived and set up in the “A” Division. Ladder 4’s crew (3 paid, 1 volunteer) advanced a 1.75” line into the main house fire and started attacking the fire in the attic. MVA With Rollover - Jetton Road
April 26th, 2011
On Easter Sunday, Cornelius Fire and Rescue companies were alerted for a motor vehicle accident involving an overturned vehicle on Jetton Road near the intersection of West Catawba Avenue. Engine 4 quickly arrived to find a two vehicle collision with one vehicle overturned on the passenger side. The driver, a male patient, was restrained and entrapped in the overturned vehicle. Engine company crew began gaining access to the driver as Cornelius-9 (J. Barbee) arrived on scene and assumed command. Rescue 4 arrived within minutes and immediately stabilized the vehicle and took over rescue operations. The patient was extricated quickly and turned over to the awaiting Medic crew for transport to the nearest trauma center. Cornelius companies cleared after approximately one hour, turning the scene over to the Cornelius Police Department for investigation. (Photo credits: Kelly O'Hara)
Small Fire - Picasso's Sports Bar
April 19th, 2011
On April 19, 2011 at approximately 1800 hrs, Cornelius and Huntersville Fire Departments were alerted for a possible structure fire at Picasso’s Sports Bar on Torrence Chapel Rd. Cornelius 16 (G. Shaner) arrived on scene within 2 minutes of dispatch to find smoke showing from Division A of a one-story restaurant and assumed command. Engine 4 was first in and assigned suppression, stretching an 1 /34” attack line to Div A. The fire was found to be in a column in front of the sports bar. The crew from E-4 opened the column using hand tools and extinguished the fire. Hook and Ladder 44 arrived on scene and the crew set the aerial up to check the roof for any extension. Cornelius R-4 and Huntersville E-22 assisted with suppression and overhaul. No fire was found on the interior of the sports bar or in any adjacent unit of the building. The cause of the fire was determined to be discarded smoking materials in a flower bed outside the structure.Working Fire - Marina Shores Apartments
April 12th, 2011
On March 12, 2011 Cornelius and Huntersville Fire Departments were dispatched to Nautique Blvd for a working apartment fire. While enroute dispatch advised that one occupant may still be inside the fire apartment. Captain John Lang arrived on scene and advised all units that there was smoke visible from the third floor and assumed command. Engine 4 arrived and sent personnel to the fire apartment to conduct a primary search. Hook & Ladder 44 arrived and advanced the apartment line to the fire floor. Engine 3 arrived, secured a water supply and laid the supply line to Engine 4. Deputy Chief Guerry Barbee arrived on Engine 3 and assumed command from Captain Lang. Captain Lang was then assigned Division 3. Engine 4’s crew advised that the primary was complete but they could not locate the fire. Rescue 4’s crew arrived and proceeded to the second floor to check for fire and conduct a primary. Structure Fire With Multiple Homes Involved
April 8th, 2011
At 02:18 on April 8th, 2011 Cornelius Fire was dispatched for a structure fire in the area of Coachman’s Trace and Meadow Crossing Lane. During the response Central advised that they were receiving multiple calls on this incident. Cornelius 20, Capt. Drew Bridges was responding and advised he had a large column of smoke and to upgrade to a working fire an add Huntersville FD. Capt. Bridges arrived at 10250 Meadow Crossing Lane to find a two story residential structure with fire through the roof and fire involving two adjacent exposures, Capt. Bridges then assumed Command. Engine 3, with 5, arrived and pulled a 2.5” hand line and began protecting the exposures. Engine 3’s crew made a stop on the exposure house on the D division and then repositioned to the exposure on the B division. The remainder of Engine 3’s crew pulled a 2” hand line and assisted with exposure protection. Ladder 4 arrived and set up in the “A” Division...Working Apartment Fire - One Norman Square
March 9th, 2011
On March 6, 2011 Cornelius and Huntersville Fire Departments were dispatched to a smell of natural gas coming from an apartment on One Norman Boulevard on the west side of Cornelius. Captain Lang, Cornelius 17, was near the address and responded in his personal vehicle. Upon arrival Capt. Lang spoke to occupants to determine which apartment the smell was coming from. He then gained entry into the third floor apartment where he encountered heavy smoke throughout the apartment. Engine 4 arrived an deployed the Apartment Line (a hose load on our trucks that is used for apartment and large building fires) to make an attack on the fire. Chief Barbee arrived on scene shortly afterward and assumed Command of the incident. Hook & Ladder 44 was assigned search and rescue and performed a primary search of the apartment to ensure there were no fire victims inside. During the search of the involved unit...40 Years of Service, and Still Going
March 4th, 2011
Join me in congratulating Mike Fox, AKA “Big Ham”, for 40 years of service to Cornelius–Lemley Fire Rescue and the Town of Cornelius. Mike’s 40th anniversary was March 1. To put things in perspective, he has served us longer than most of our members have been alive! The average age for our firefighters is 37. Mike has held every position in the department from firefighter to chief. He retired from the Mecklenburg County Fire Marshalls Office in December of 2009 as The Fire Marshall. He continues to be an active, valued member whose leadership is called on regularly. Mike has raised the bar and set the standard for each member to strive to reach. Big Ham, To say “Thank You” seems insignificant compared to what you have done for our department, town, and county. You are the icon for Cornelius–Lemley Fire Rescue. We are truly blessed to have had you as a member.
3 Car MVA- Bailey Rd & Statesville Rd
February 9th, 2011
On February 8th, 2011 at 17:01 Cornelius-Lemley Fire Rescue was dispatched to a traffic accident with four vehicles involved at the intersection of Statesville Road and Bailey Road. Cornelius 16 arrived in the operations vehicle, established command, confirmed three vehicles were involved with six possible patients, and there was no entrapment nor fire found. Rescue 4 was the first apparatus on scene, their crew of four firefighters began patient care and stabilized the vehicles. Engine 4’s crew of four arrived, assisted the Rescue crew with patient care as well as control the hazardous fluids leaking from the vehicles. Three patients were placed in spinal protocol...Bailey Road Middle School - Suspicious Package
February 2nd, 2011
On February 2nd, 2011 Cornelius Fire was dispatched to assist Cornelius Police with a suspicious package at Bailey Middle School. Cornelius Engine 6 arrived on scene and was briefed by Cornelius Police on the situation. The school was evacuated and Cornelius Fire Department along with command staff from CPD, CMPD, Fire Marshals and Medic staged until the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Bomb Squad arrived on scene. Once the Bomb Squad arrived on scene Cornelius firefighters were briefed on the bomb technicians suit and were readied to effect the rescue of the bomb technician in case of a detonation. Bomb Squad personnel made entry to identify that the object in question was not a bomb, posed no threat and the incident was placed under control. Paid and volunteer firefighters responded to the incident while additional fire personnel staffed Cornelius fire station 2.MVA - Overturned With Entrapment
January 27th, 2011
On January 27, 2011 at 07:51 Cornelius-Lemley Fire Rescue was dispatched to a vehicle accident with one overturned at the intersection of West Catawba Avenue and Interstate 77. Rescue 4 arrived to find a motor vehicle accident involving two cars with one on it's roof. Upon investigation one patient was found to be entrapped in the overturned vehicle. Firefighters from Rescue 4 stabilized the vehicle and began removing the passenger side doors to gain entry and provide emergency medical care to the patient. Engine 3’s crew arrived, provided patient care and assisted with the extrication. The patient was free at 08:04 and removed to awaiting Medic personnel. One Engine from Davidson Fire Department was added to the call for additional manpower but was canceled prior to their arrival. Cornelius units were on scene for approximately forty five minutes.Engine 5 Rollover Accident
December 16th, 2010
On December 16th, 2010 Cornelius Engine 5 was responding to a reported structure fire in a commercial occupancy in Huntersville, NC. Engine 5 was traveling emergency traffic, with regard to the rainy and potentially icy conditions, South on Poplar Tent Rd. While responding, Engine 5 traveled onto a stretch of road encased with heavy black ice that was not visible from inside the cab which resulted in a loss of traction from the rear wheels as the road began to turn. The Engineer driving the apparatus took strict evasive maneuvers; however, the truck continued to slide for approximately 100 yards before the front right of the truck slid off of the road and the rear of the truck continued on ice. The end result was Engine 5 rolling over and coming to rest on the roof. Four firefighters were riding in the apparatus and sustained no injuries, though each were checked, all have been released by a physician for normal duties.