Hemby Bridge Fire Department

11/20/2025

Hemby Bridge Fire Department was honored to participate in a natural disaster simulation hosted by Union County Emergency Management.

These exercises allow us to practice critical decision-making, resource coordination, and learn real-time problem solving skills that directly strengthen our community’s resilience during major storms and large-scale incidents.

11/19/2025

Wayback Wednesday: Fire Department Edition

Today we’re rewinding to June of 2017, when Hemby Bridge Firefighters James Massey and Chris Yates teamed up with Union County Animal Services Deputies for a rescue that was a little smaller and furrier than usual.

Crews responded to reports of a kitten trapped inside a utility pole, and after some careful work and a lot of patience, firefighters and animal services worked side-by-side to safely free the kitten.

It’s a great reminder that service comes in all shapes and sizes, sometimes even whiskered.

⚠️ Fire Safety Tip:
Just like this curious kitten found itself somewhere it shouldn't, small hazards around your home can lead to big emergencies. Take a moment to check your smoke alarms, keep clutter away from heat sources, and secure loose wiring to keep your home and your loved ones safe.n

11/18/2025

Tidbit Tuesday: Fire Department Edition

Ever wonder where terms like Engine, Ladder, Rescue, Tanker, etc… came from? Early fire service equipment varied widely, from bucket brigades to horse-drawn pumpers. As communities grew, the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) and the fire service standardized apparatus types so departments could work together safely and efficiently.

Modern Classifications:
🚨 Engine: Carries hose, water, pump; attacks the fire.
🚨 Ladder/Truck: Aerial operations, rescue, ventilation.
🚨 Rescue/Squad: Technical rescue and specialized tools.
🚨 Tanker/Tender: Brings large amounts of water.
🚨 Quint: Combines pump, tank, hose, ladders, and aerial.
🚨 Utility: Quick Response Vehice for emergency medical incidents, serves as support vehice trasporting staff and equipment

No matter what type of apparatus arrives at your home or business, your safety starts long before we get there. Please remember:
⚠️ Keep hydrants on your property clear of vegetation, snow, and parked vehicles.
⚠️ Maintain at least 20 feet of clearance when parking near intersections and driveways — it ensures our larger apparatus can access your street.
⚠️ Make sure your house numbers are visible day and night so responding crews can find you quickly.
⚠️ As always, check your smoke alarms, practice your home escape plan, and stay fire safe.

11/16/2025

The National Weather Service has issued a **🚩RED FLAG WARNING🚩** for North Carolina counties.
👉Review weather alerts for North Carolina: https://bit.ly/40DsGTW

A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures will create dangerous fire behavior.

Fire danger is elevated across the state. While open burning is permitted during a red flag, it is NOT advised. Please postpone all outdoor burning.

Careless debris burning is the leading cause of wildfires in North Carolina, and you are our best defense against wildfire.
👉For wildfire readiness and prevention tips: preventwildfirenc.org

11/16/2025

11/12/2025

Wayback Wednesday

Today we feature Ralph Rowell and Mike Watts in action on an outbuilding fire involving a tractor. Every challenge they faced helped shape the standards, safety practices, and innovations we rely on today. Because of their perseverance, today’s firefighters operate with better gear, improved communications, and a deeper understanding of fire dynamics, but the heart of the job remains unchanged.

We proudly stand on their shoulders, carrying forward their legacy of commitment and service to others.

⚠️ Fires involving barns, garages, or outbuildings often contain machinery, fuel, and other hazards. Always store flammable materials safely, keep exits clear, and never overload electrical circuits. A few precautions today can prevent a disaster tomorrow.

11/12/2025

🎄Help brighten a child’s holiday by donating new, unwrapped toys through December 3!

All toys donated stay in Union County!

11/12/2025

Keep space heaters 3 feet away from anything that can burn and always turn them off when leaving your home.

Space heaters are most often involved in home heating fires.

Stay safe this winter by keeping space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn, and always turn them off when leaving the room or going to bed.

11/12/2025

As the day closes, we want pause to recognize and honor the brave men and women who have served our nation in the Armed Forces. Their courage, sacrifice, and dedication to protecting the freedoms we enjoy every day embody the same spirit of service that drives us in the fire service.

At Hemby Bridge Fire Department, we are proud to stand beside many veterans among our ranks and within our community. Their leadership, discipline, and commitment to others continue to inspire us all.

To every veteran, THANK YOU for your service, your sacrifice, and your unwavering devotion to duty.

11/11/2025

Tidbit Tuesday: Fire Department Edition

This week, Hemby Bridge Fire Department is completing our annual SCBA fit testing, a critical step in ensuring every firefighter’s respiratory protection is functioning properly and securely.

In the mid-20th century, as smoke inhalation injuries and occupational hazards data became more widely understood, standards began to develop. By the late 1970s and early 1980s, agencies like NIOSH and OSHA pushed for structured, science-based testing protocols to ensure masks created a proper seal under real conditions. Those early efforts laid the foundation for the modern, regulated fit testing we rely on now.

Fit testing isn’t just a requirement, it’s a life-saving measure. Firefighters rely on their SCBA masks to create a safe, sealed environment when operating in toxic atmospheres. Small leaks can make big differences so taking this time to test, verify, and adjust ensures our team can serve safely and effectively.

🚨 Just as we test our equipment, you should test your smoke alarms! Make sure they’re working properly and have fresh batteries. It’s a simple step that saves lives. 🚨

11/05/2025

Wayback Wednesday

Throwing it back to the early 1990s when Hemby Bridge Firefighters were training hard with our brand new Hurst rescue tools, equipment we proudly received through grant funding. These tools were game changers back then and helped our crews safely remove patients from wrecked vehicles during emergencies. This training sharpened our skills and strengthened our commitment to saving lives, a tradition that continues today.

Emergencies can happen fast on the road…

🚨Buckle Up Every Time…No Exceptions!
🚨Eyes on the Road…Hands on the Wheel..Mind on Driving!
🚨Move Over & Slow Down for Emergency Vehicles!
🚨Don’t Drive Distracted…That Text Can Wait!
🚨Weather Changes…Slow Down…Increase Following Distance!

11/05/2025

Today, Hemby Bridge Fire Department was honored to assist with the ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of renovations at Food Lion. This celebration highlighted the improvements designed to enhance the shopping experience for our community!

Ladder 23 joined store leadership, employees, and neighbors for this special moment. We’re grateful for community partners like Food Lion who continue to invest in the people and families we serve.

Welcome to a refreshed shopping experience, Food Lion! We look forward to many more years working together to keep our community safe and thriving.