Charlotte Fire Crews Return After Eight Days Assisting Asheville
Published on October 09, 2024
Charlotte Fire crews navigate the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, providing vital support in Asheville.
By Kevin Campbell
After an eight-day deployment to Asheville, N.C., to assist in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Charlotte Fire Department crews returned home Thursday afternoon, having provided essential firefighting and emergency services to a city reeling from flooding, power outages, and extensive storm damage.
The Charlotte Fire Department sent 12 firefighters to Asheville following a request from the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal. Their mission was to relieve Asheville Fire Department personnel, who had been working around the clock since the storm hit, giving those firefighters the opportunity to take care of their own families and homes.
"Our firefighters were there to ensure that Asheville’s fire service continued without interruption," said Charlotte Fire Chief Reginald Johnson. "While Asheville’s firefighters needed time to address personal challenges, our crews stepped in, and I couldn't be prouder of their selfless commitment to helping others. This is what the fire service is all about—supporting our communities, and each other, when it’s needed the most."
Responding to the Call
The devastation brought by Hurricane Helene left Asheville's infrastructure in a precarious state. Roads were blocked by fallen trees and debris, and much of the city was without power or running water. With fire hydrants offline, firefighting efforts were significantly more complex, requiring tankers to shuttle water to fire scenes and other critical facilities.
Charlotte Fire Captain Cory Schellhase was stationed at Asheville Firehouse 13 with his crew. During their time there, they responded to multiple structure fires, including one where flames had breached the roof and there was concern that people could be trapped inside. "We had no running water, so every structure fire required tankers to bring water to us," Schellhase explained. "It added a lot of logistical complexity, but we had great support from the tankers."
In addition to firefighting, Schellhase and his team were involved in medical response and welfare checks. “The majority of our calls were medical, assisting citizens who didn’t have access to their medications due to the power outages,” Schellhase said. "We were the first to arrive in many cases, and our job was to stabilize the situation until further assistance arrived."
A Tough Environment
Captain Nathan Jones, stationed at Asheville Firehouse 2, said that navigating the debris-covered roads and downed power lines was one of the most challenging aspects of the deployment. His crew was responsible for covering the River Arts District and Biltmore Village, areas heavily impacted by the storm. "There were a lot of road closures, and the computer systems in our fire trucks weren’t working due to the power outages. It was a challenge just figuring out how to get to the calls," said Jones. "Luckily, we had an acting driver from Asheville who knew the area and helped us find our way around."
Jones’ team handled a variety of emergency situations, from overdoses and medical emergencies to welfare checks on elderly residents living in government housing. Many of these individuals had gone days without power or running water and needed assistance. “We did a lot of welfare checks on people who hadn’t been able to leave their homes or get help,” Jones said. "It was tough, but it felt good to be able to provide support during such a difficult time."
Pictured here are Charlotte Fire's dedicated firefighters who spent eight days in Asheville, providing crucial support while Asheville’s crews attended to their homes and families after the storm. Thank you for your selfless service, representing Charlotte Fire with pride and commitment.
Unfamiliar Terrain
For many of the Charlotte firefighters, working in a city they weren’t familiar with added another layer of difficulty. Without access to electronic mapping systems, crews had to rely on local knowledge and often had to reroute due to blocked roads. Captain Vander Kolk and his crew were stationed at Asheville Firehouse 4, contributing to the overall firefighting effort as they adapted to the unique challenges presented by the damaged city.
Vander Kolk’s crew, like all of Charlotte’s deployed personnel, worked alongside Asheville firefighters and other emergency teams, providing critical support to residents and ensuring essential services continued throughout the week. Their efforts exemplified the spirit of cooperation that defines the fire service.
A Coordinated Effort
The deployment was part of a larger mutual aid effort coordinated by the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal, which mobilized resources from across the state to support Asheville. Over 200 Charlotte firefighters volunteered to be part of the mission, and 12 were selected to represent the department. They were deployed across multiple Asheville firehouses and integrated seamlessly into the local teams.
“Our firefighters worked hand-in-hand with Asheville personnel and other first responders from across the state,” said Chief Johnson. “This level of cooperation and collaboration is what allows us to respond to large-scale disasters like Hurricane Helene. It’s a testament to the strength of the firefighting community.”
Returning Home
After eight days of around-the-clock service, the Charlotte crews returned home with a sense of pride in what they accomplished, though they were quick to deflect attention from themselves. "This is just what we do," said Schellhase. "If something like this ever happened in Charlotte, Asheville would be here to help us. We’re all part of the same family."
Chief Johnson echoed that sentiment, adding that the deployment exemplified the values of the Charlotte Fire Department. "I am incredibly proud of our firefighters for their service in Asheville," Johnson said. "They put the needs of others above their own and stepped in when it mattered most. Their actions reflect the core values of our department—service, teamwork, and commitment."
As the Charlotte Fire crews return home, they leave behind a grateful city and a strengthened bond with their fellow firefighters in Asheville. Though the work was difficult, the opportunity to help a neighboring community recover from disaster is something that will resonate for years to come.