Fire departments from multiple Moore County agencies responded to a residential structure fire on Tuesday morning on Loop Road in Hoke County. Though the fire was in Raeford, units as far away as West End Fire & Rescue assisted at the request of Pinehill Fire Department.
To help combat the blaze, West End Fire & Rescue brought a vehicle known as a “quint.” Quints are described as versatile vehicles that combine the functions of a fire engine and a ladder truck into a single unit. It provides five essential capabilities: a pump, a water tank, a fire hose, an aerial device (ladder), and ground ladders.
According to West End Fire & Rescue, crews responding with Quint 61 encountered a “challenging situation” when they arrived. The fire had compromised the home’s floor system, and burning debris remained active in the basement.
Due to unsafe conditions inside the structure, firefighters deployed Quint 61 to “establish an elevated master stream,” which allowed crews to apply large volumes of water directly into the basement while reducing the risk of personnel falling through the weakened floor.
“Quint 61 was specifically requested because of its smaller size and lower overall weight compared to many traditional aerial ladder trucks,” explains a Facebook post from West End Fire & Rescue. “This capability allowed the apparatus to safely navigate a narrow driveway and deploy its compact stabilizers in a limited dirt area directly in front of the residence—demonstrating the value of having a versatile apparatus designed for access in tight or rural environments.”
The rural location also posed challenges, as no fire hydrants were available nearby. Crews established a water supply using tanker shuttle operations while Quint 61 operated within that system.
The incident marked the first time Quint 61 has been placed into service at a working fire since West End Fire & Rescue acquired the apparatus late last year, the department said.
Departments assisting at the scene included Pinehill Fire Department, Aberdeen Fire & Rescue, Pinebluff Fire & Rescue, Puppy Creek Fire Department, and the Hoke County Fire Marshal’s Office.
No additional details about injuries or the cause of the fire were immediately available.
“We appreciate the trust placed in us by our mutual aid partners and are always ready to respond when called,” writes West End Fire & Rescue. “Strong partnerships, specialized equipment, and coordinated operations ensure we can provide effective service—no matter the setting.”
To sign up for the free Sandhills Sentinel breaking news e-newsletter, please click here.
Photo via West End Fire & Rescue.
