Greensboro Fire Department 2024-25 Annual Report

Greensboro Fire's Task Force 6 wasjoined by two other teams to form the Trinity Task Force

HELENE HIGHLIGHTS:

Fire Suppression Support One engine company (four personnel), two personnel staffing a water supply unit and a battalion chief deployed to Asheville, covering calls so that local firefighters could focus on their own families and homes. During their assignment, they responded to more than 22 calls for a variety of incidents such as three fully involved structure fires, other non-structural fires, medical calls, motor vehicle accidents and several alarms and assists. Fire & Life Safety Two GFD fire inspectors assisted with building inspections and damage assessments, using advanced reporting technology to provide real time data to central command. In total, they assessed 991 structures. Incident Support Four members of our USAR team served with the Incident Support Team at the regional coordination center, specializing in logistics to ensure the right people and equipment reached the need. Tactical Communications Several areas of Western North Carolina had all communication infrastructure completely destroyed, which included their emergency communications. This meant calls couldn't come in for help and dispatchers could not contact public safety to send help.

A small example of the devastation team members saw as they worked on rescue and search missions. GFD personnel supported Mitchell County dispatch by establishing reliable communications infrastructure, providing internet capabilities, and coordinating a comprehensive radio plan for all mutual aid organizations on scene. Emergency response to Hurricane Helene tested the limits of the personnel who came from far and wide to help. Over nearly a month, GFD deployed 61 personnel in multiple rotations. Hurricane Helene tested North Carolina's emergency response system, but the department rose to the challenge. GFD demonstrated technical expertise, compassion, and resilience that not only saved lives but also helped communities begin the long road to recovery. 13