Charlotte Fire Communications "Fire Alarm"

We are the 24hr emergency communications center of the Charlotte Fire Department. Farmer. in 1869. In 1900, Charlotte had 26 pull alarms .

Known as 'Alarm', we ensure a prompt response to more than 120,000 calls per year. #FirstDueEverywhere Charlotte Fire Communications (Fire Alarm - KRM783) is a Division of the Charlotte Fire Department. Located on the second floor of Station 1; Fire Alarm assures the prompt response to more than 120,000 calls for service each year, answering more than 250,000 emergency calls each year. The Charlot

te Fire Department is an Internationally Accredited Agency with 43 fire stations strategically located throughout the City. The various Divisions of the Charlotte Fire Department include: Administration, Operations, Communications, Training, Fire Investigations, Fire Prevention, Fire & Life Safety, Logistics and Emergency Management. How Fire Alarm Began: The pull box alarm was one of the first devices the public could use to alert firemen of an emergency. Prior to the pull box citizens had to run to the town square ring a large bell and continuously yell “fire” until the fire fighters arrived on scene to battle the blaze. In April of 1852, the first practical prototype of the fire telegraphic alarm was developed by two men, Dr. William Channing and Moses G. They acquired a patent in 1854, but it was bought by a man named John Gamewell in 1859. Gamewell now possessing the patents and regional rights to market the fire alarm joined forces with Kennard & Co. and the two began to mass produce the devices and formed the Gamwell Fire Alarm Telegraph Co. Over the next few years Gamewell garnered almost 95% of the pull box alarm market and by 1890 he had systems in 500 cities. The company still exists today and the name has become synonymous with fire protection. By 1911 the count was 48 and over the next 50 years the city would add almost 800 additional units. In 1961 there were 846 functioning alarms; a great number had to be added to service newly annexed areas of Mecklenburg county during the early 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s. With the emergence of the 911 system coupled with the growing abundance of telephones and excess of prank/false calls generated, the late 1970’s saw the removal of the GameWell pull boxes. Charlotte disconnected its boxes on Oct 1, 1979 and they were all completely removed by 1987. There are still some cities like Boston that have kept their master boxes in working order in case of total electrical or wireless failure (since the boxes are telegraph based they do not rely on electricity) Most cities like Charlotte, destroyed them, auctioned them off, or placed them in museums. A lot have ended up in homes of men and women in or associated with the fire service and they have even been turned into street art. NOTE: This website is independently operated and maintained. Any information contained on this site is not endorsed or approved by the Charlotte Fire Department. The views presented do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the Charlotte Fire Department, City of Charlotte, or its leadership. Questionable, dishonest, or other inappropriate content may be reported to Charlotte Fire Department Administration at 704-336-4174.

05/31/2026

*HEADS UP* We have a scheduled Helicopter flyover this afternoon for the Soccer Match at BOA Stadium. Apache Helicopters - no cause for concern - should be cool!

05/23/2026

Another new chapter, another new beginning and FIRE ALARM was able to announce it as always. ALL calls for service start with ALARM! First Due Everywhere and Heard From Anywhere! Sending the swarm.

Photos from Carolina Brotherhood- Honoring The Fallen & Their Families's post

05/22/2026

Hot off the press! The Carolina Brotherhood Ride is coming up fast! As is tradition, our FieldComm will be right there with them, all the way, ensuring clear comms.

Photos from Charlotte Fire Communications "Fire Alarm"'s post

05/20/2026

Earlier today, FieldComm 3 and Car 600 responded to what would eventually become a 3-Alarm Fire in Steele Creek’s response area. FieldComm arrived on scene and operated as a Chief’s Aid for the Incident Commander.

05/20/2026

*TRUIST CHAMPIONSHIP* This week was a long, and successful week. With the PGA and the Truist Championshio in town, we deployed and staffed the mobile command post all week. Our FieldComm members as well as partners from CMEMO, CMPD and Atrium Health staffed and provided coverage for the entire week. We even entertained fellow professionals from Buncombe and Yadkin Counties to ‘ride along’ with us this week.

05/20/2026

*Training* This week we also hosted monthly FieldComm training. Our FieldComm Team is a diverse one, made up of members from ALARM - but also members of CMPD, CLT Airport, Emergency Management, the City Radio Shop, City General Services and Fire Operations. We are so fortunate to have this experience and willingness to serve the team!

05/20/2026

*TRAINING* This morning our Division Operations Manager hosted a table top exercise with ALARM’s Leadership Team. The exercise topic was ‘Center Evacuation and Critical Equipment Failure Drill’. Some very good discussions, ideas and decisions were made. Very proud of our leaders and junior leaders for exercising what a very bad day looks like for us!

05/10/2026

Today we recognize the incredible mothers in our Comm Center and throughout the Charlotte Fire Department.

The same strength, patience, compassion, and sacrifice that make them amazing mothers are the qualities they bring to their work each day. Their dedication- both at home and on the job- does not go unnoticed.

To all moms: thank you for all you give, the load you carry- often without recognition, and for the countless lives you shape through your love and sacrifice.

Happy Mothers Day from Alarm.

05/04/2026

Today, on International Firefighter Day, Alarm wants to recognize our Operations Division.

To the firefighters who answer every call with courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication- we say thank you.

Thank you for the long hours, the missed holidays, the physical & emotional weight you carry.

We witness your sacrifice, your grit, and your deep commitment to serving the Citizens of Charlotte.

From Communications to Operations, we are grateful to serve alongside you: united in purposes and driven by service.

Claim ownership or report listing

Want your business to be the top-listed Government Service in Charlotte?

Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.

Location

Charlotte

Telephone

(704) 336-2441

Website

http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/Fire

Address

221 N Myers Street
Charlotte, NC
28202

Charlotte Fire Communications "Fire Alarm"

Share

Location

Category

Telephone

Website

Address