| On Saturday, Cypress Pointe Fire/Rescue was dispatched on a First Alarm assignment for a structure fire on Den Road in the Southern Pines Fire District, an area commonly known as “Horse Country.”
This area is characterized by larger homes and large barns used for horses. While it is located close to town amenities, it maintains a rural atmosphere. Because of the rural nature of the area, there are no fire hydrants and many of the roads are narrow, single-lane, and unpaved. These conditions create additional challenges for emergency responders.
At the time of the incident, several departments were already participating in a county-wide training event within the Cypress Pointe Fire/Rescue District.
The initial dispatch occurred at 12:22 p.m. for a reported barn fire with visible fire and smoke that was threatening an attached house.
The First Alarm response included Southern Pines Fire/Rescue, Cypress Pointe Fire/Rescue, Aberdeen Fire Department, Whispering Pines Fire Department, Moore County EMS, and the Moore County Sheriff’s Office. Fort Bragg Fire Department Station 8 was also dispatched but did not respond because the station was not staffed.
Upon arrival, the Battalion Chief reported a large, working structure fire involving a two-story barn, with a vehicle also on fire, flame impingement on the nearby residence, and an outside fire spreading across the property. The Southern Pines Battalion Chief assumed command and immediately requested assistance from the North Carolina Forest Service for the outside fire, along with a Second Alarm for additional tankers and manpower.
The Second Alarm response included Pinehurst Fire Department, Pinebluff Fire Department, Carthage Fire Department, and the Moore County Large Animal Rescue Group.
Due to access limitations and the lack of hydrants in the area, crews established a rural water supply operation. A rural hitch was set up in the driveway to the residence using large-diameter hose to supply water to the attack engines from tankers and drop tanks setup on Den Road.
A Third Alarm was later requested to provide additional manpower, bringing West End Fire Department and Crains Creek Fire Department to the scene.
At approximately 12:45 p.m., the Incident Commander reported that the fire had been knocked down and forward progress had been stopped. However, multiple areas of hot spots and open burning remained between the residence, the barn, and the surrounding outside areas.
Fire crews remained on scene conducting suppression and overhaul operations, and all units were not cleared from the incident until after 5:00 p.m.
This large-scale incident once again demonstrated the strong mutual aid partnerships that exist between Moore County fire departments and supporting agencies. The coordinated response highlighted the ability of multiple jurisdictions to work together effectively on complex emergencies.
The Southern Pines Fire Marshal’s Office is currently conducting the fire investigation.
Photos by CPFR personnel and SPFD Firefighter C. White |
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