Wade Hampton Fire and Sewer District

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Wade Hampton Fire and Sewer District

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10/28/2026

NATIONAL FIRST RESPONDERS' DAY: RECOGNIZING THOSE WHO ANSWER THE CALL

When an emergency happens, it takes more than one person (and sometimes more than one agency) to make a difference.

Today, on National First Responders' Day, we recognize the firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, and dispatchers who serve and protect our communities every day.

Whether it's responding to a fire, helping someone dealing with a medical emergency, working a wreck, or assisting during severe weather, first responders are called to make important decisions in situations where every second counts, and while each agency has its own responsibilities, successful emergency response depends on something they all share: teamwork.

From dispatchers who gather critical information and send help, to law enforcement who secures a scene, to EMS who provides lifesaving care, and firefighters who protect lives and property, every role is important.

We're fortunate to work alongside dedicated public safety professionals throughout Greenville County who share our commitment to serving others.

On this National First Responders' Day, we thank our fellow first responders for their professionalism, dedication, and willingness to answer the call, day or night.

To the families who support them through long shifts, missed holidays, and unexpected calls away from home, thank you, too.

Different uniforms. Different responsibilities. One shared mission. Serving and protecting our community.

10/26/2026

WHEN THE TONES DROP, WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

You've probably seen a fire truck pull out of the station with lights and sirens, but have you ever wondered what happens between receiving an emergency call and leaving the station?

Responding to an emergency involves more than just jumping on the truck and heading down the road.

When dispatch alerts our firefighters to a call, a careful sequence of events begins.

THE ALERT: Firefighters receive information about the type of emergency and its location. Whether it's a structure fire, vehicle accident, medical emergency, or another call for assistance, those first details help determine how crews prepare.

GETTING READY: Firefighters put on the appropriate gear for the call. Depending on the emergency, that could mean full firefighting turnout gear or other protective equipment.

THE RESPONSE: Crews get on their trucks, secure their seat belts, and confirm they're ready to respond. As the truck heads out, firefighters continue receiving information from dispatch and begin considering what they may encounter when they arrive.

THINKING AHEAD: Is someone trapped? Are there hazardous materials involved? Will additional equipment or personnel be needed? These are just some of the questions firefighters may begin working through before reaching the scene.

Thanks to regular training, standard procedures, and teamwork, a lot of this happens in seconds.

While getting to an emergency fast is important, getting there safely matters just as much.

The next time you see one of our trucks responding to a call, remember that the work began long before the crew arrives on scene.

Preparation, training, and teamwork help make every second count.

10/19/2026

🍂 FALL YARD CLEANUP? DON'T FORGET ABOUT FIRE SAFETY.

Fall is a great time to get outside, enjoy the cooler weather (that's finally showing up), and tackle some yard work, but as the leaves begin to fall and pine needles, branches, and other debris collect around your property, it's also a good time to think about fire prevention.

Dry leaves and other vegetation can become fuel for a fire, especially when they accumulate near your home, deck, garage, or outdoor equipment.

The Wade Hampton Fire Department encourages residents to keep fire safety in mind while getting their yards ready for the colder months.

Here are a few things to add to your fall cleanup checklist.

✅ Clear leaves, pine needles, and other debris away from your home's foundation, porches, decks, and outdoor structures.

✅ Check underneath decks and around sheds where dry leaves and other combustible materials can collect unnoticed.

✅ Keep firewood, brush piles, and other combustible materials a safe distance from your home.

✅ Remove accumulated leaves and debris from around outdoor heating equipment and other potential ignition sources.

✅ Be careful when using outdoor equipment, and allow hot engines and exhaust components to cool before storing equipment near combustible materials.

One more thing. Don't assume burning your yard debris is the easiest or safest way to get rid of it. Outdoor burning can spread quickly when conditions are dry or windy. Always check local regulations and current burning restrictions before considering any outdoor fire.

A little extra attention during fall cleanup can help prevent an emergency later.

Enjoy the season, take care of your property, and help us keep our community fire-safe.

10/12/2026

🧯 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS: KNOW WHEN TO USE ONE, AND KNOW WHEN TO GET OUT. 🧯

Having a fire extinguisher in your home or business is a smart safety precaution, but knowing when to use it and when to leave the firefighting to the professionals is just as important.

Fire extinguishers are designed to put out small, contained fires before they have a chance to spread. They are not intended to fight a growing fire or replace the need to evacuate and call 911.

If a fire breaks out, your first priority should always be getting everyone to safety.

Before attempting to use a fire extinguisher:

▪ Alert everyone nearby and make sure others are getting out.
▪ Call 911 or have someone else make the call.
▪ Make sure the fire is small, contained, and not spreading.
▪ Keep a clear escape route behind you so you can get out quickly.
▪ Only attempt to use an extinguisher if you know how to operate it and can do so safely.
▪ If the fire is growing, smoke is building up, or you have any doubt about your safety, get out, stay out, and let firefighters handle it.

We want our residents to be prepared for emergencies, but we also want everyone to understand that no property or possession is worth risking a life.

Remember, a fire extinguisher is a safety tool. Knowing when NOT to use it can be just as important as knowing how to use it.

10/09/2026

Our Wade Hampton firefighters enjoyed being part of Mitchell Road Christian Academy’s Public Servants’ Day, bringing Engine 88 and Ladder 88 to campus for a special visit during Fire Prevention Week.

Events like this are a great reminder of the special relationship between public safety professionals and the communities we serve. For our firefighters, it's an opportunity to step away from the emergency calls for a little while and connect with the children and families who count on us every day, and what better way to get students interested in fire safety than bringing a fire engine and a ladder truck right to their school?

While the trucks and equipment are impressive, there's an important message behind every visit. We want children to understand that firefighters are their friends, that knowing what to do in an emergency matters, and that everyone (no matter their age) has a role to play in preventing fires and keeping their families safe.

Public Servants' Day also provides an opportunity to recognize the many men and women who dedicate their careers to helping others. We're proud to be part of that larger public service family and grateful for opportunities to introduce students to the people and equipment behind the work we do.

A special thank you to Mitchell Road Christian Academy for including the Wade Hampton Fire Department in this year's celebration. We appreciate the warm welcome and the opportunity to share a little of what we do with your students.

We hope the students enjoyed seeing Engine 88 and Ladder 88 as much as our crews enjoyed bringing them.

Fire Prevention Week may last just a week, but our commitment to protecting and educating our community continues all year long.

10/08/2026

Our firefighters enjoyed spending time with the children and staff at Disciples United Methodist Church Child Development Center yesterday as part of Fire Prevention Week.

Aside from our trucks, the kids had another special treat. A big thank you goes to Fire Marshal Steven Carpenter with Tyger River Fire Department, who is also a member of Disciples United Methodist Church, for helping arrange a mini fire truck to the day's activities.

Visits like this are about much more than fire trucks, though. They're an opportunity to introduce young children to important fire safety concepts, help them feel comfortable around firefighters, and encourage conversations about fire safety at home. Building that familiarity and understanding at an early age can make a real difference when an emergency happens.

Of course, we also know that seeing a fire truck up close can be pretty exciting when you're a preschooler (or an adult, for that matter)!

We appreciate Disciples United Methodist Church Child Development Center for welcoming our crews and giving us the opportunity to spend time with their students. We also appreciate Fire Marshal Carpenter and our friends at Tyger River Fire Department for helping make the visit even more memorable.

Fire prevention starts with education, and it's never too early to begin learning how to stay safe.

10/08/2026

Earlier this week, Wade Hampton firefighters had a great time visiting the children and staff at Edwards Road Baptist Church Child Development Center for a special Fire Prevention Week demonstration.

Crews from Engine 86, Squad 86, and Battalion 86 brought the trucks out to give the children an up-close look at some of the equipment our firefighters use every day and to talk about the important role firefighters play in keeping our community safe.

Visits like this are an important part of fire prevention education. They provide an opportunity to introduce basic fire safety lessons in a fun and memorable way, while also helping children become comfortable around firefighters and understand that firefighters are there to help them during an emergency.

Getting to see the fire trucks up close is always a highlight, too. 🚒

We appreciate Edwards Road Baptist Church CDC welcoming our crews and giving us the opportunity to spend time with their students. Fire safety education starts early, and we’re always glad to partner with schools and childcare centers throughout our community to help build those important safety habits.

Thank you for having us!

10/06/2026

🔥 Fire Prevention Week at Preschool! 🚒

Yesterday, Wade Hampton firefighters had the opportunity to spend some time with the students and staff at one of our local preschools as part of Fire Prevention Week.

Our crews brought the fire trucks along for the visit, giving the kids a chance to see some of the equipment firefighters use and learn a little more about what we do. Visits like this are also a great opportunity to introduce children to firefighters in a friendly, positive setting and begin teaching important fire safety lessons at an early age.

Fire Prevention Week is about more than talking about fire safety. It’s about helping children become familiar with firefighters, understand that we’re there to help in an emergency, and start building good safety habits they can take home and share with their families.

A big thank you to the preschool for inviting us to visit and for helping make fire prevention and safety education a priority for their students.

We always enjoy spending time with the youngest members of our community (especially when we get to bring the trucks).

10/05/2026

🔥 It’s Fire Prevention Week! 🔥

October 4-10 is Fire Prevention Week, and this year’s theme focuses on something most of us use every single day: rechargeable batteries.

“Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower.”

Lithium-ion batteries power our phones, tablets, laptops, power tools, toys, e-bikes, e-scooters, and many other devices. They make life more convenient, but damaged batteries or improper charging can cause them to overheat, catch fire, or even explode. That’s why developing safe charging habits is so important.

Governor Henry McMaster has officially proclaimed October 4-10 as Fire Prevention Week in South Carolina, encouraging South Carolinians to support the fire prevention, safety education, and community outreach efforts of fire and emergency services across our state.

Here are a few simple ways to charge into fire safety:
🔌 Use the cord and charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer.
📱 Charge phones, tablets, laptops, and other devices on a hard, flat surface. Don't charge on beds, sofas, or under pillows.
🌡️ Pay attention to warning signs. If a battery or device becomes unusually hot, changes shape, swells, leaks, or gives off an unusual odor, stop using it.
🔋 Unplug devices when they are fully charged.
🚲 Charge larger devices, such as e-bikes and e-scooters, away from exits so they don't block your escape route in an emergency. NFPA guidance also emphasizes using properly certified products and manufacturer-approved charging equipment.

Fire prevention isn't just something to think about during one week in October. Small choices we make every day can reduce the risk of a fire and help keep our families and homes safe.

Throughout Fire Prevention Week, take a few minutes to look around your home at what you're charging and how you're charging it.

Charge safely. Stay alert. Help prevent fires before they start.

09/28/2026

If a fire started in your home tonight, what would you do if the way you normally get out was blocked by smoke or fire?

It's something we hope you never have to face, but it's something every family should think about before an emergency happens.

Most of us move through our homes the same way every day. We use the same hallway, the same stairs, and the same doors. During a fire, your normal route may not be safe, though.

That's why a good home fire escape plan should include a backup.

▪ Know at least two ways out of bedrooms and other areas of your home whenever possible.

▪ Make sure windows that could serve as emergency exits open properly and aren't blocked by furniture or other items.

▪ Keep hallways, stairs and doorways clear so you aren't trying to navigate around clutter during an emergency.

▪ If smoke or fire blocks your planned escape route, don't try to push through dangerous conditions. Use your secondary route if you can do so safely.

▪ Make sure children understand that they should never hide from a fire or from firefighters. They need to get outside if they can safely do so. If they can't escape, they should close the door between themselves and the fire and make their location known.

Your family shouldn't have to figure out an escape plan while a smoke alarm is sounding.

Walk through your home this week and ask everyone, “What would we do if we couldn't get out the way we normally do?”

Then practice the answer.

Address

2400 Wade Hampton Boulevard
Greenville, SC
29615

Telephone

(864) 244-9824

Website

http://www.whfd.org/

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