North Charlotte Today

Engine 24, a new addition to Charlotte Fire, will serve the south side of Charlotte, highlighting the city's focus on public safety. The engines are strategically placed at three locations to optimize their reach. Charlotte Firehouse 24 on Pineville-Matthews Road will cover the busy south side, which is seeing growth in both residential and commercial areas. This location requires efficient emergency response due to its high population density and traffic.

Engine 33 is set to handle emergencies in the northern region of Charlotte, enhancing protection for its neighborhoods. Located at Firehouse 33 on Mt Holly-Huntersville Road, this engine will support a rapidly developing community with growing schools and businesses.

Engine 23 is prepared to enhance response capabilities on the eastern side of Charlotte. It will be stationed at Firehouse 23 on East W.T. Harris Boulevard, serving a diverse area with both residential and commercial properties.

These engines represent Charlotte Fire's dedication to city-wide safety and modern firefighting needs. Each SMEAL model engine is mounted on a Spartan MetroStar chassis with a Cummins L9 engine and an Allison Transmission for optimal performance. They feature a WATEROUS 2-stage 2000 GPM pump for consistent water flow and have tanks for water and foam to maintain operations without frequent resupply.

Chief Johnson stated: “These engines are more than just fire trucks; they are mobile response units that give our teams the tools to handle a variety of emergencies.” The engines also play a crucial role in medical emergencies where quick response is vital.

The engines incorporate environmentally friendly features like an auxiliary power unit (APU) that reduces idling, conserving fuel and lowering maintenance costs. This aligns with the department's commitment to sustainability as the city grows.

The investment was made possible by support from the City of Charlotte and its residents. Chief Johnson expressed gratitude: “We are grateful to the people of Charlotte and our city leaders for prioritizing the safety and well-being of our community.”

The new engines enhance Charlotte Fire’s ability to respond across the city efficiently, representing an investment in community safety as the population grows. They symbolize a commitment to meeting evolving needs with advanced tools.

Residents can be assured that Charlotte Fire is ready for future challenges with these new additions reflecting values of safety, responsiveness, and care across all areas of the city.