Clayton Fire Department

10/22/2026

It's 100 feet tall?!

Students and teachers at Southside Christian School recently got a front-row seat as our firefighters raised the ladder high into the air and showed how it moves and maneuvers.

While it was an exciting sight for everyone watching, the visit also gave our crews a great opportunity to practice operating the truck and sharpen their skills.

The video gives you a quick look at the demonstration. Just imagine seeing it in person!

10/21/2026

“Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!” Those are three words no firefighter ever wants to hear, but every firefighter needs to be ready to respond to.

Clayton Fire Department crews recently joined Wilson's Mills Fire Department for rapid intervention training, which focuses on rescuing firefighters who become trapped or injured during an emergency.

And the risks are real. According to the Firefighter Mayday Survey's first 100 reports, 31% of Mayday incidents involved firefighters falling through a floor, while 23% involved becoming lost or disoriented.

To prepare for situations like these, crews put on their protective gear and Self‑Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) before climbing and crawling through obstacles inside a semi-trailer. These exercises help build muscle memory, so firefighters can react quickly and rely on their training when a fellow firefighter needs help.

It's challenging work, but the goal is simple: Make sure everyone goes home safely.

10/20/2026

The Clayton Harvest Festival is almost here, and Clayton Fire and Police are teaming up to help you make the most of it.

They have a few tips to share before you head downtown October 22–25. And apparently, a little friendly competition is already brewing ahead of Saturday's vendor fair.

Watch to see what they're up to!

10/18/2026

Who says fire safety has to end when Fire Prevention Week is over? Our crews kept the school visits going last week with stops at Little Believer's Academy and Southside Christian School.

There's something fun about seeing a fire truck pull up at school, especially when you get the chance to see it up close and spend time with our firefighters.

A big thank you to both schools for inviting us out and making us part of your day. We always enjoy the chance to get out of the station and into the classroom.

Keep those invitations coming, Clayton! Who will we see next?

10/15/2026

842 children! That's how many kids our crews connected with during Fire Prevention Week.

Between their regular duties and emergency calls, firefighters were busy visiting daycares, preschools, and schools across Clayton, bringing different trucks and plenty of excitement with them.

We love these visits just as much as the kids do. They're a chance for children to get to know their local firefighters and learn safety lessons they can share at home. Most importantly, we want our youngest residents to know that firefighters are their friends and are always there to help.

It was a packed week, but seeing those excited faces made every stop worth it. Take a look at some of the fun we had along the way.

10/12/2026

The National Weather Service has confirmed that an EF-0 tornado touched down in Clayton on Sunday, October 11 with winds reaching 85 mph.

The storm damaged trees, homes, and power lines along its path. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

Crews from Clayton's Fire, Police, Electric, and Public Works departments worked together to respond to the damage and help keep our community safe. We appreciate everyone's patience and support following the storm.

Take a look at the preliminary findings below to see where the tornado traveled and how it affected our community.

Confirmed EF-0 tornado in Clayton, NC on Sunday, October 11, 2026.

10/12/2026

The votes are in. Congratulations to Charlotte from West Clayton Elementary School, the winner of our 2026 Fire Prevention Week Art Contest!

Charlotte's artwork received the most likes from the community, earning her a gift card and a ride to school on a Clayton fire truck.

This year's contest challenged 5th and 6th grade students to get creative while sharing an important message about lithium-ion battery safety. From phones to laptops, these batteries are part of our everyday lives, and knowing how to use and charge them safely can help prevent fires.

A big thank you to all our young artists for helping spread the word and to everyone who took the time to vote.

Way to go, Charlotte! We hope you're ready for one unforgettable ride.

10/10/2026

EVENT CANCELED | Fire Prevention Week Open House

We have an important update for families planning to attend Clayton Fire Department's Fire Prevention Week Open House on Sunday, October 11.

Due to the potential for inclement weather, the event at Fire Station 1 has been canceled.

With storms expected in our area, we want to keep families safe while making sure our firefighters are available to respond to any weather-related emergencies.

We know many families were looking forward to meeting our firefighters, exploring the station, and enjoying the activities. We're disappointed we won't get to spend the afternoon together, but we hope to welcome everyone back to the station another time.

We appreciate your understanding and encourage everyone to keep an eye on the weather this weekend.

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What are you doing tomorrow afternoon?

We’re opening the doors at Clayton Fire Station 1 and would love to see you!

Our Fire Prevention Week Open House is happening from 2 - 5 p.m., Sunday, October 11.

Bring the family to meet our firefighters, explore the station, and get a closer look at fire safety.
There will be plenty to experience along the way, including our smoke house trailer, fire trucks, and a visit from Sparky the Fire Dog and Ash from the Clayton Pup Patrol.

We’ll also reveal the winner of our Fire Prevention Week Art Contest.

It’s free, open to everyone, and a chance to spend part of your Sunday with Clayton Fire.

10/09/2026

Our final entry is here!

Natalie from Cooper Academy took a hands-on approach to this year’s theme, creating a 3D reminder about the dangers of damaged lithium-ion batteries.

Like this post to cast your vote for Natalie. And don’t forget to check out our other two finalists from earlier this week before choosing your favorite.

The artwork with the most likes wins, and we’ll announce the winner at our Fire Prevention Week Open House on Sunday, October 11.

Great work, Natalie!

10/08/2026

The fire service is a family, and when one department suffers a loss, that loss is felt by firefighters everywhere.

The Clayton Fire Department stands with our brothers and sisters of the Durham Fire Department as they mourn the tragic loss of one of their own.

Our hearts are with the fallen firefighter’s family, the firefighters injured in this morning’s fire, and everyone whose lives have been touched by this tragedy.