Gaston Fire & Rescue

08/09/2026

🏆 GASTON CADETS SHINE IN HAW RIVER! 🏆

Yesterday, our cadets traveled to Haw River, NC to compete in the Alamance County Junior Firefighter Competition, where they put their training, teamwork, and skills to the test.

Throughout the day, they competed in:
🔥 Quick Dress
🪢 Knot Tying
🏃 Relay Race
🛠️ Forcible Entry
🚒 Hose Advancement
💦 Water Polo
🚨 Rapid Response Challenge

At the end of the competition, Gaston Fire & Rescue finished 2nd Place Overall! 🥈

We also brought home two outstanding individual honors:
🥇 Cadet Darren McGee - 1st Place in Quick Dress
🏆 Cadet Kylar McLean - MVP

We couldn’t be prouder of this group. These cadets continue to put in the time to train, learn, and improve, and yesterday’s results showed just how much that hard work is paying off.

Congratulations to all of our cadets on an outstanding day and for representing Gaston Fire & Rescue so well in Haw River!

🔥 The future of the fire service is looking bright! 🚒

08/02/2026

🎉 Happy Birthday to Captain Alex Wood! 🎉

Captain Wood has proudly served Gaston Fire & Rescue for the past 8 years and is a certified North Carolina Firefighter, Technical Rescuer, Level I Instructor, PADI Public Safety Diver, and credentialed EMT.

In addition to his service with our department, Alex works full-time with the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office.

Thank you for your continued dedication and service to our department and community. Please join us in wishing Captain Alex Wood a very happy birthday! 🚒🎂

07/12/2026

This is what Kids Fire Camp is all about.

A former Kids Fire Camp camper recently put his training into action when his sister began to pass out. He stayed calm, caught her, placed her safely on her side, kept her alert and called for help.

We are incredibly proud of this young man and grateful to the family for sharing their story. Kids Fire Camp is more than just a summer camp. It teaches practical skills, confidence, and lessons that can make a real difference when someone needs help.

Read the full story:
https://www.gastonfirerescue.org/newsroom/former-kids-fire-camp-participant-puts-training-into-action

07/10/2026

🔥 Brush Fire – I-95 Northbound 🚒

This afternoon, the 12 House responded to a brush fire along I-95 North near mile marker 177.5.

Approximately one-quarter acre of wooded area burned. Shifting winds and a heavy layer of dry pine straw contributed to the fire’s spread, while a nearby field fortunately helped limit its advancement.

One northbound lane of I-95 was closed during the incident for approximately an hour.

Crews used booster lines, Indian packs, and hand tools to establish containment. As the fire neared full containment, wind gusts of up to 17 mph caused several areas to reignite, including fire burning within trees. Crews were able to keep the fire inside the established perimeter until a heavy downpour assisted with final extinguishment.

This incident is another reminder of how quickly outdoor fires can spread when dry vegetation and changing winds are present.

07/10/2026

Swift Water Teams Rescue Stranded Male on Roanoke River

This afternoon, Gaston Fire & Rescue responded to a report of a male stranded near the Roanoke River by the I-95 bridge. Initial information stated the caller was on the side of the road in a white company truck and reported that his friend had been fishing on the river, became stuck, and could not get back.

Units responded to the bridge area and deployed a drone in an attempt to locate the subject. Two swift water rescue teams were then deployed and navigated downriver, where they located the male beside an island in thigh-deep water.

The subject was safely brought back to the landing and turned over to EMS. He had no injuries and refused transport.

The subject advised that the river was low when he crossed, but the water level suddenly rose, preventing him from returning safely and being stranded for approximately 2 hours in the water.

Gaston Fire & Rescue reminds everyone to use caution around rivers and waterways. Water levels can change quickly, especially near rivers, bridges, and dams.

Please wear a properly fitted personal flotation device when fishing, boating, wading, or spending time near the water. A PFD can save your life.

07/05/2026

🎉🎂 Happy Birthday, Michelle Ricks! 🎂🎉

Today we want to wish a very happy birthday to Michelle Ricks!

Michelle has been a dedicated member of the 12 House for 8 years and currently serves as our Treasurer. In addition to helping keep things organized behind the scenes, Michelle is also a PADI Surface Support Specialist and is always willing to help out at our Kids Fire Camp.

She is also well known for bringing the Christmas spirit as Mrs. Claus during the holiday season.

Michelle’s dedication, support, and heart for our department and community do not go unnoticed.

Join us in wishing her a very happy birthday! 🚒🤶🏼

07/04/2026

🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day from Gaston Fire & Rescue! 🚒

We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable 4th of July with family and friends. Please celebrate responsibly, use caution with fireworks, and remember those who continue to serve and protect our freedom.

Have a safe and happy holiday! 🚒🇺🇸

07/02/2026

06/29/2026

Kids Fire Camp 2026 wrapped up this past Saturday.

Every camper finished the week certified in CPR and first aid, completed the Hug-a-Tree program, and put everything they learned to the test on competition day in front of their families.

It meant a lot to have several leaders come speak to our campers and their families on graduation day:

Corey Mercer - NC Department of Insurance
Tony Bailey - NC OSFM
Joel Faircloth - NC Association of Rescue and EMS, Inc.
Kimberly Mack - Office of Congressman Don Davis

Thank you for taking the time to talk to these kids about the road ahead of them.

Here are the first place awards from competition day:

Best Sportsmanship: Red
Best Team Spirit: Purple
Best All-Around: Yellow
Best in Field Events: Yellow
Best in Skill Events: Yellow

Water Tug-O-War: Orange
Command Post: Red
Bucket Brigade: Yellow
Firefighter Relay: Yellow
Technical Rescuer Relay: Yellow

CPR Compressions: Yellow
Rescue Knots: Yellow
SCBA Donning: Orange

A huge thank you to Servpro of Roanoke Rapids who donated all the food for graduation and cooked it for the campers, their families, and our staff.

06/28/2026

🚨🎂 Special Happy Birthday to Master Underwater CSI Instructor Ronnie McLamb! 🎂🚨

Today we want to wish a very special happy birthday to Ronnie McLamb of Pro Scuba Center, Inc.

Ronnie has been training our members since 2009 and has played a major role in building and strengthening our dive program over the years. Each year, Ronnie teaches over a dozen courses for our department and has trained dozens of our divers in public safety diving, underwater recovery, and underwater crime scene work.

Ronnie is a true asset to our department, our divers, and the public safety diving community. His knowledge, patience, and commitment to doing things the right way have made a lasting impact on The 12 House.

Please join us in wishing Ronnie McLamb a very happy birthday! 🎉🤿

Thank you, Ronnie, for all you have done and continue to do for our team.