We Appreciate Our Firefighters!
Every year, Firefighters Day is celebrated on May 4th to honor the work done by firefighter professionals to protect people and property. The main aim of this day is to recognize and honor professional firefighters across the world. International Firefighters’ Day is a way to say thank you to the firefighters for all that they do to keep our communities safe.
Our Lake Lure Firefighters and surrounding Volunteer Firefighters recently came together on a Sunday in March 2022 when a tree fell on a power line in the wooded area between Proctor Road in Lake Lure and the Chimney Rock State Park Ticket Booth. The impact caused a fire to break out in the midst of a hazardous environment. The fire quickly spread as weather conditions, including winds and low relative humidity values, increased fire danger. Crews were on the scene shortly after the fire started. Working together, Firefighters were able to contain the fire to a 3-4 acre region. According to Lake Lure Fire Chief/Emergency Management Coordinator Dustin Waycaster, "the fire was successfully extinguished and no one was hurt during the incident. Crews remained on the scene to ensure the fire did not resume. We are grateful for the support of all paid and Volunteer Firefighters, Forestry Rangers, and Duke Energy for responding so quickly to ensure a positive outcome in this situation".
We want to give special thanks to our dedication and capable Firefighters, especially the over 100 Volunteers in the following local Fire Departments in Lake Lure, Bills Creek, Chimney Rock, and Fairfield Mountains for their faithful service every day. We rely on our Volunteer Firefighters and appreciate their many contributions.
EARTH ANGELS IN UNIFORM
So little do we realize, the many things you do, or how much they affect our lives as each day we go through
Because each time disaster strikes, on you we can depend
to demonstrate your expertise as helping hands you lend.
So graciously you do your job with all the help you give
and often risk your own life that someone else might live.
When something tragic happens we’ll always find you there,
this special group in uniform with which none can compare.
The tragedies you cover are too numerous to tell;
like fires, floods, and tornadoes and small children in a well.
In daylight or in darkness, clear weather or a storm
we’ll find you Guardian Angels in a Fireman’s Uniform.
We Need You: If you are not already serving, consider joining one of our local Fire Departments as a Volunteer Firefighter. Benefits include free training and educational opportunities, membership in the NC Firemen's Association, membership in the NC Fire and Rescue Association, wellness program and use of physical fitness equipment, an annual physical exam, and Accident/Sickness Disability Insurance. In fact, Volunteer Firefighters with 20 years or more of service receive monthly retirement benefits of $174 per month. Lake Lure Fire Chief/Emergency Management Coordinator Dustin Waycaster stated, “We depend on our Volunteer Firefighters and we welcome community members to join any of our local Fire Departments. There are many opportunities to serve as Volunteer Firefighters or even in an administrative role. We appreciate all of our Volunteers and the community’s support of our local Fire Departments”.
