Charlotte Fire Expands Staffing Ahead of Winter Storm

Charlotte Fire Captain Jarad McCarn stands with a brush truck staged for winter weather operations. Brush trucks are used during storms to handle downed trees and power line calls, helping keep engine and ladder companies available for higher-priority emergencies. 

Beginning Saturday, Charlotte Fire will activate additional companies and personnel across the city as part of its winter storm response plan. The expanded staffing posture is designed to maintain response coverage, reduce strain on existing crews, and ensure firefighters can operate safely as weather conditions deteriorate. 

“When we see a storm like this approaching, our focus is on being proactive,” said Charlotte Fire Battalion Chief John Lipcsak. “We know from experience that call volume increases, and the types of calls we receive change. This plan allows us to stay ahead of that demand.” 

As part of the activation, Tankers 35, 37, and 22 will be staffed as additional engine companies, each operating with four firefighters. While tankers are often associated with water supply operations, Charlotte Fire’s fleet is designed to allow those units to function as full engine companies when needed.

Charlotte Firefighter Jeems Pears stands with Tanker 22, which is staffed as an additional engine company as part of Charlotte Fire’s winter storm response. Tankers are configured to operate as engine companies to provide added coverage during high-demand periods. 

“The tankers in the city are set up to operate as engine companies,” Lipcsak said. “When storms like this roll through, we’re able to staff those units to provide additional coverage for the call volume we expect during the storm.” 

Several brush trucks will also be placed into service across the city, including Brush Trucks 29, 21, 5, 30, and 31. Although these units are typically used for vegetation fires, they play a critical role during severe weather events, particularly those involving fallen trees and downed power lines. 

“During storms, we can equip brush trucks with additional chainsaws and assign them to power line and tree-related calls,” Lipcsak said. “If there’s an unsafe environment around a downed power line, a brush truck can secure the scene and allow an engine or ladder company to return to service for higher-priority calls.” 

Charlotte Fire will also increase safety oversight during the storm by assigning two safety officers instead of the typical single officer. Safety officers monitor scene conditions, assess hazards, and help reduce risk to firefighters operating in icy, windy, or low-visibility environments. 

Winter storms historically lead to a shift in the types of emergencies Charlotte Fire responds to. In addition to structure fires, departments often see increases in emergency medical calls, automatic fire alarms, carbon monoxide incidents, and weather-related hazards.

Charlotte Firefighter Tracy Griffin prepares equipment outside Firehouse 5 as winter weather approaches. Crews across the city are adjusting operations and staffing to respond safely and effectively during hazardous conditions.  

“Normally, you see an uptick in EMS calls, fire alarms, carbon monoxide leaks, and power line calls,” Lipcsak said. “During the height of the storm, overall call volume goes up. Adding these additional companies helps us continue to serve the community without stretching our crews too thin.” 

Past winter weather events, including significant freezes in recent years, have shown how quickly emergency needs can escalate. Extended cold can impact fire suppression systems in residential and commercial buildings, particularly in newer apartment complexes equipped with sprinkler systems. 

“When those systems freeze and a pipe bursts, the water movement can trigger a fire alarm,” Lipcsak said. “Even when there isn’t an active fire, those calls still require a response and add to the overall workload.” 

To support sustained operations, some companies may be repositioned to ensure adequate rest and sleeping space for firefighters working extended shifts. These adjustments allow crews to remain available throughout the storm while maintaining safe work-rest cycles. 

In coordination with Charlotte Fire’s operational response, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management will activate the Emergency Operations Center at 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24. The EOC is expected to remain operational through Monday evening as weather conditions evolve. 

The activation allows city and county agencies to coordinate resources, share situational awareness, and respond efficiently as conditions change. Emergency management officials will work alongside Charlotte Fire, law enforcement, transportation, utilities, and public works to support response and recovery efforts across Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. 

Charlotte Fire Chief Reginald Johnson said the additional staffing and coordination reflect the department’s commitment to preparedness, firefighter safety, and community protection. 

“Our responsibility is to anticipate the needs of our community and prepare our firefighters to meet them,” Johnson said. “By adding staffing, increasing resources, and coordinating with our partners ahead of the storm, we are positioning Charlotte Fire to respond quickly and safely when conditions are at their worst.” 

Along with operational readiness, Charlotte Fire is urging residents to take steps now to reduce risk and help prevent emergencies during the storm. Officials recommend limiting travel during periods of snow or ice, checking heating systems for safe operation, and ensuring smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.

Charlotte Firefighter Jacob Hanes stands in front of Engine 22 as crews prepare for increased call volume during winter weather. Charlotte Fire has added staffing and resources citywide to maintain coverage as conditions deteriorate. 

Residents are encouraged to use space heaters cautiously, keeping them at least three feet away from combustible materials and never leaving them unattended. Generators should never be used indoors or near windows due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Fireplaces should be properly maintained and monitored when in use. 

Charlotte Fire also reminds residents to stay clear of downed power lines and report them by calling 911 rather than attempting to move debris themselves. 

“Winter weather adds a layer of danger to everyday situations,” Johnson said. “Small decisions, like staying off icy roads or using heating equipment safely, can make a significant difference in preventing injuries and emergencies.” 

As the storm approaches, Charlotte Fire will continue monitoring conditions and adjust operations as needed. Additional resources can be activated if weather impacts intensify or extend into the coming days. 

Our goal is simple,” Lipcsak said. “Be ready, keep our firefighters safe, and make sure help is there when the community needs it most.”