04/14/2026
🚒 Mutual Aid in Hoke County – Quint 61’s First Working Incident
Earlier today, West End Fire & Rescue’s Quint 61 responded at the special request of the Pinehill Fire Department in Hoke County to assist with a residential structure fire on Loop Road.
Upon arrival, crews encountered a challenging situation where the fire had compromised the floor system of the home, and burning debris remained active in the basement. Due to the unsafe conditions inside the structure, Quint 61 was utilized to establish an elevated master stream, allowing firefighters to apply large volumes of water directly into the basement area while minimizing the risk of personnel falling through the weakened floor.
Quint 61 was specifically requested because of its smaller size and lower overall weight compared to many traditional aerial ladder trucks. This capability allowed the apparatus to safely navigate a narrow driveway and deploy its compact stabilizers in a limited dirt area directly in front of the residence—demonstrating the value of having versatile apparatus designed for access in tight or rural environments.
Another key factor in this incident was the rural setting, where no fire hydrants were available in the immediate area. Water supply operations were established using tanker shuttle operations, and Quint 61 operated effectively within that system. Its ability to function efficiently without a fixed hydrant supply further highlights the apparatus’s versatility and reliability in non-hydranted, rural response areas, which closely resemble many of the communities we serve.
This incident also marks a significant milestone for our department, as this was the first time Quint 61 has been placed into service at a working incident since being acquired late last year. Seeing the apparatus perform successfully in a real-world, rural environment reinforces the importance of having adaptable equipment capable of meeting a wide range of operational challenges.
Departments assisting on scene included:
• Pinehill Fire Department
• Aberdeen Fire & Rescue
• Pinebluff Fire & Rescue
• Puppy Creek Fire Department
• Hoke County Fire Marshal’s Office
We appreciate the trust placed in us by our mutual aid partners and are always ready to respond when called. Strong partnerships, specialized equipment, and coordinated operations ensure we can provide effective service—no matter the setting. 🔥💪🏼
