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Service in the Spotlight
Satwana Hurdle, Assistant Director of Emergency Management
Emergency management is essential in keeping our community safe and minimizing the damage caused by natural and man-made disasters. The primary element in emergency management is prevention: putting into place plans and procedures to help respond quickly and effectively to any emergency. Learn how RFD's new division, led by Assistant Director Satwana Hurdle, focuses on this work.
Ask the Fire Chief
Raleigh Fire Chief Herbert Griffin
In this issue, Fire Chief Herbert Griffin answers the question, "What impacts has the global supply chain struggle had on the fire industry?" Read more
Submit your question to Chief Griffin by visiting the Ask the Fire Chief webpage.
Lithium-Ion Batteries: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe
Many electronic scooters use lithium-ion based battery packs.
Lithium-ion batteries have taken the world by storm in recent years. They are the most popular battery storage option today, controlling more than 90 percent of the global grid market. RFD has seen a steep increase in lithium-ion battery incidents during the past few years, and the numbers are continuing to increase.
Keeping Score: 2023 Quarter 1 Fire Statistics
The number of total fires in Raleigh decreased from 308 fires in the last quarter of 2022 to 254 fires during the first quarter of this year. Fires related to the two leading causes – unattended cooking and inappropriately discarded smoking materials – increased slightly during quarter 1 of 2023. There were 45 cooking fires, compared to 43, and 10 smoking material fires, compared to eight.
Looking Back: Does Raleigh Fire Have Two Birthdays?
Raleigh's Central Fire Station on West Morgan Street in 1900.
Did you know that the Raleigh Fire Department is both more than 110 years old and also over 170 years old? That's because there have been two iterations of RFD. The current organization was created in 1912, when a full-time, fully paid (career) fire department was created. Sherwood Brockwell was hired as a first Chief of the department. He led the department until 1914, when he was hired as the first state fire marshal. He held that position until his death in 1953.
Retirements and Promotions
The Raleigh Fire Department recently held a luncheon to honor those colleagues who have retired. See also who was recently promoted.
