On Thursday a family struggling to stay warm due to the cold weather had a fire relating to their kerosene heater. According to the occupants, after fueling the heater it "blew-up" and caught the home on fire. Initially, several occupants were trapped in the home but were able to eventually escape through a window while the fire department was enroute.

CPFR Engine 214 arrived on-scene and reported heavy fire from multiple sides (divisions). Two attack lines were deployed, one to the front (Division A) of the structure and one to the right-rear (Division C/D). Command requested Whispering Pines Engine 511 to lay a supply line from a hydrant approximately 400 feet away.

As the hydrant was charged it was quickly determined that the hydrant was a "dead-hydrant" with no water on it. Fire personnel adapted to a tanker shuttle while Moore County Public Utilities was contacted to determine what the issue was with the hydrant. It was soon determined that the hydrant was shut off at the valve, once MCPU cut the hydrant on water was restored to the hydrant. Water supply was returned to the supply line from the hydrant as the fire was being knocked down.
This fire was a quick moving fire that spread throughout the residences and endangered the occupants and firefighters as they entered the structure. While firefighters are taught to adapt and overcome issues, water is the primary means of extinguishment. Interrupted water supply can be life threatening and will obviously destroy additional property. CPFR staff members test and flow every hydrant annually to insure proper flow and pressure. CPFR flowed the malfunctioning hydrant on July 16, 2020 and it was determined to operate properly. It is extremely important that the water department and the fire department have a strong working relationship.

This fire was investigated by Moore County Public Safety, other responding units included: Whispering Pines Fire/Rescue, Southern Pines Fire/Rescue, Carthage Fire/Rescue, Moore County EMS and the Moore County Sheriff's Office. The local Red Cross is supporting the family of 4 adults and one toddler that lost their home with clothing and temporary housing.