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RALEIGH - Here we present our list of the top ten emergency incidents to happen in North Carolina last year.      Some criteria that went into the selection process included: historical significance, size of incident, life hazards, rescues/injuries/fatalities, complexity of command and control issues and the long term impact on firefighters and operations. For each of the departments listed here, these calls represented the "Big One."      Let us know what you thought of this feature. Indicates Link to additional information.    - Six Killed  - North Lenoir Fire Department Primary  - Extensive multi-county Mutual Aid  - Extensive use of aero-medical choppers to Chapel Hill Burn Unit.     Explosion at West Pharmaceuticals January 29, 2003 KINSTON - This incident truly had it all. Explosions, fire, rescues, injuries, fatalities, haz-mat; all in a large scale facility. Initial reports indicated a plane had crashed into the building; some reports even linked the explosion to terrorism. Compilation of Reports on Disaster at the News & Observer (includes photos, multimedia slide shows, video animation of explosion)        - 21 killed on impact  - Automatic 3 Alarm Response plus all BLAZE (ARFF) equipment   Commuter Flight Crashes at Charlotte Douglas International Airport January 8, 2003 CHARLOTTE - Air Midwest Flight 5481 crashed just after take-off, killing all twenty-one on board.      The cause of the crash was eventually linked to faulty maintenance on the part of a private contractor. Timeline of Charlotte Fire Dept Response Initial 911 Calls to CMPD Historical Look at Plane Crashes in N.C.        - 1 million+ square feet  - 34 departments  - 367 firefighters  - 7 ladder trucks  - 24 engines   Largest Structure Fire in Western North Carolina History Destroys Abandoned Mill Complex September 03, 2003 SWANNANOA - One of the most spectacular blazes in North Carolina history struck the small town of Swannanoa in the early morning hours of September 03, 2003. Crews would remain on scene for many days dealing with collapses and haz-mat situations.      Mutual aid responded to the fire from five counties, including a large response from the nearby Asheville Fire Department. Initial Fire Reports (includes map of complex, Carolinas Fire Page Incident Log, list of mutual aid companies, links to off site content) Mutual Aid Report (graphic includes additional pictures, map of mutual aid department with equipment list, cover assignments and numbers of personnel) Swannanoa Fire Department (extensive picture galleries)         Hurricane Isabel Causes Flooding, Reshapes Outer Banks September 18, 2003 EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA - North Carolina's Fire service was again tested by mother nature. Rescue teams from around the state mobilized to respond to the disaster.      Several rescues were successfully executed in very high water. Some departments found themselves a victim to the storm, in some cases finding themselves without equipment or a station. Additional Info         Six Killed by Drunk Driver November 01, 2003 WAKE COUNTY - Six civilians were killed when they were struck by a van operated by an intoxicated driver. They were assisting as the scene of a serious vehicle accident when they were run down. Western Wake, Cary and Raleigh Fire units operated along with Wake and Cary EMS. Additional Info         Six Children Killed in Mobile Home Fire July 09, 2003 ONSLOW COUNTY - Six children were killed, and others seriously injured in a mobile home fire. The fire occurred in the Piney Grove area.           Numerous Rescues Made in Overnight Apartment Fire February 24, 2003 CHARLOTTE - The largest fire in the Queen City in years occurred overnight in a three-story large apartment building. Two firefighters were briefly trapped.         Extensive Mutual Aid for Fort Bragg Warehouse Fire May 28, 2003 FORT BRAGG - Severe water problems hampered operations at a large remote warehouse. Additional Info         Charlotte Fire Responds Mutual Aid to Tank Farm Fire October 08, 2003 ROCK HILL, SC - Heavy foam operations were needed for a fire at a tank farm. An out-of-control driver crashed through the facility, setting off several explosions. Additional Info         Large Warehouse Complex Destroyed in General Alarm Fire December 15, 2003 HENDERSON - Fire destroyed several buildings at the "ETC Incorporated" complex. Several neighborhoods were evacuated due to chemicals in the buildings.

- FireNews.net Staff

Editor's Note: FireNews.net officially went on-line on May 01, 2003. As a result, some incidents that occurred before that time were not able to be as well documented as events after that date.

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