Steele Creek Fire Department

Delayed Post — 3 Alarm Condo Fire

Three days ago at 4:46 p.m., Steele Creek Engine 1, Truck 2, Engine 3, Cars 9, 10, and 11, along with multiple mutual aid departments, responded to a reported structure fire in the Yachtsman Harbor community.

Car 10 arrived and established command of a three-story condo building with smoke showing from the rear. Crews quickly initiated searches and fire attack on a deep-seated fire that originated in the crawlspace and rapidly extended through all three floors and into the attic.

Due to rapid fire growth, extreme heat, and the complexity of the incident, the fire ultimately escalated to 3 alarms with resources responding from across southern Mecklenburg County and northern York County.

After extensive interior operations, crews were removed from the building because of structural integrity concerns. Operations then transitioned to a defensive attack utilizing master streams from Charlotte Fireboat 38, Ladder 26, and Steele Creek Truck 2.

This incident also presented several unique water supply challenges involving a dry hydrant, double drop tank operation, and eventual water supply support from Fireboat 38.

Incidents of this magnitude highlight the importance of teamwork, coordination, and communication between multiple organizations operating together toward a common goal.

We would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance throughout this incident:

West Mecklenburg Fire Department, Riverview Fire Department, Bethel SC Volunteer Fire Department, Charlotte Fire Department, Charlotte NC, Charlotte Fire Communications "Fire Alarm" Clover Fire Department, Fort Mill Fire Department, Flint Hill Fire Department, Indian Land Fire District Mount Holly Fire Department, Mecklenburg EMS Agency - Medic, Mecklenburg County Fire Marshal’s Office, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, and the American Red Cross.

The cause is being investigated by the Mecklenburg County Fire Marshall’s Office. Any inquiries can be directed to them.

TRAINING ALERT

This morning marks the start of our annual Lake Wylie Public Safety Boat School. Lake Wylie presents a unique operational environment, spanning two states, multiple counties, and bringing together a wide range of public safety agencies that must be able to work seamlessly together during critical incidents.

Over the next two days, responders will train side-by-side on water rescue operations, drowning response, communications, command coordination, and multi-agency incident management. Trainings like this are critical to ensuring that when an emergency happens on Lake Wylie, the response is coordinated, efficient, and focused on providing the best possible outcome for our citizens and visitors.

This training would not be possible without the strong partnerships between all participating agencies. We would like to thank City of Belmont Fire Department, Mount Holly Fire Department, City of Tega Cay, SC FD, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, NC Wildlife Resources Commission, Gaston County Police, Mecklenburg EMS Agency - Medic, Piedmont Medical Center EMS, and Cornelius-Lemley Fire Rescue for their continued commitment to regional cooperation and public safety.

We would also like to extend a special thank you to TowBoatUS Lake Wylie and Lake Wylie Marine Commission for their continued support of this training and for providing lunch for all participating personnel.

Please use caution in the main channel near Buster Boyd Bridge and the River Hills/Red Fez Club area as crews conduct multiple training scenarios throughout the event.

We’ve been a little slack on posting lately, so we wanted to catch everyone up and show off some of the great work the members of the Steele Creek Fire Department have been doing.

🚒 Working Building Fire – April 29
Truck 2, Cars 9, and 10 responded to assist West Mecklenburg Fire Department on a commercial building fire on Sam Wilson Road. Truck 2 arrived and was assigned RIT before later performing a secondary search.

🚒 Working House Fire – May 2
Engine 3, Engine 1, Truck 2, and Car 11 responded to assist Tega Cay Fire Department on a working house fire on Lanai Lane. Car 11 operated as the Suppression Group Supervisor while Engine 3 operated the first hose line. Engine 1 and Truck 2 opened up and performed a secondary search.

🚒 Working House Fire – May 5
Engine 1, Truck 2, Engine 3, Tanker 3, and Cars 9 and 10 responded to a working house fire in our response area on West Dixie Drive. We were assisted by Charlotte Fire Department Engine 44, Ladder 17, Battalion 8, along with West Mecklenburg Fire Department Chief 10, Engine 1, and Tanker 4.

CFD Engine 44 arrived to find heavy fire showing from a large outbuilding with extension into the residence/attic space and stretched the initial hose line. Engine 1 completed the primary search, Ladder 17 performed vertical ventilation, West Meck Engine 1 operated the second hose line, Truck 2 handled RIT duties, and the tankers established water supply operations. Car 10 held command.

To finish up this post, all 3 companies and shifts are participating in live burn scenarios this week at Stallings Fire Department. These drills allow our members to work on critical skills to stay proficient while also building teamwork and camaraderie. Big thanks to Stallings FD for the use of their facility.

All of these incidents and trainings are a great example of how well auto aid, mutual aid, and regional training partnerships work together to improve the service we provide to our citizens. We are thankful for these relationships and for the work these departments do together on a regular basis.

Public announcement. In the Palisades community Charlotte Water is intentionally flushing fire hydrants. Please do not report these as an issue.

🚒 Now Hiring: Career Firefighter & Engineer Positions🚒

The Steele Creek Fire Department is now accepting applications for Career Firefighter and Engineer positions!

Operating out of three different stations, SCFD proudly staffs three companies 24/7 — one Engine, one Rescue-Engine, and one Truck Company — serving our community with pride, professionalism, and dedication.

Our department operates with top-of-the-line apparatus and equipment, supporting a rapidly growing response area of 24 square miles, which includes 59 shoreline miles of Lake Wylie, a major stretch of Interstate 485, and mutual-aid operations with all surrounding departments.

We are a progressive, fast-growing department committed to innovation, training, and professional development. Our members have access to specialized programs including drone operations, technical rescue, and water operations, with opportunities to advance through career development and leadership pathways.

At SCFD, we take great pride in putting our citizens first while building a positive, family-oriented culture that values teamwork, integrity, and excellence in service. We believe in investing in our people, supporting continuous learning, and ensuring every member has the tools and mentorship to succeed both on and off the fireground.

📅 The application process will remain open until all positions are filled.

👉 To apply, visit:
https://forms.msfes.net/MSFES/form/SteeleCreekFDEmploymentApplication/formperma/Lphu1W234-mZmA2n3wff-AXglbZd78OFnpxxTZ86a4M

If you have any questions, please email [email protected]

Burn ban in effect

Thank you CPI Security for always supporting us and enhancing our capabilities to provide the best service to our community.

🚒 Now Hiring: Career Firefighter & Engineer Positions🚒

The Steele Creek Fire Department is now accepting applications for Career Firefighter and Engineer positions!

Operating out of three different stations, SCFD proudly staffs three companies 24/7 — one Engine, one Rescue-Engine, and one Truck Company — serving our community with pride, professionalism, and dedication.

Our department operates with top-of-the-line apparatus and equipment, supporting a rapidly growing response area of 24 square miles, which includes 59 shoreline miles of Lake Wylie, a major stretch of Interstate 485, and mutual-aid operations with all surrounding departments.

We are a progressive, fast-growing department committed to innovation, training, and professional development. Our members have access to specialized programs including drone operations, technical rescue, and water operations, with opportunities to advance through career development and leadership pathways.

At SCFD, we take great pride in putting our citizens first while building a positive, family-oriented culture that values teamwork, integrity, and excellence in service. We believe in investing in our people, supporting continuous learning, and ensuring every member has the tools and mentorship to succeed both on and off the fireground.

📅 The application process will remain open until all positions are filled.
📆 Interviews and the practical assessment are tentatively scheduled for the second week of December.

👉 To apply, visit:
https://forms.msfes.net/MSFES/form/SteeleCreekFDEmploymentApplication/formperma/Lphu1W234-mZmA2n3wff-AXglbZd78OFnpxxTZ86a4M

If you have any questions, please email [email protected]

We encourage you to come out and support First Responders and their families this Saturday for Family Day at the Bojangles Coliseum. This is an all day event with something fun for everyone.