Charlotte Fire Department

05/16/2026

Charlotte Fire Department responded to two fires this morning.
Around 2:20 AM, we were dispatched to a garage fire within the City of Charlotte. Then, just before 7:00 AM, firefighters responded to a vehicle fire in Chester Township.

05/14/2026

Today, all of our fire apparatus completed their annual pump testing to ensure they are operating safely and effectively when called into service. 🚒💦

Annual fire pump testing is conducted in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, specifically NFPA 1911. These tests verify that each apparatus pump can deliver the required water flow and pressure needed for firefighting operations. During testing, pumps are operated at various capacities and pressures to confirm performance, reliability, and overall readiness.

Below are a few pictures from today’s testing operations. 📸

05/06/2026

🚒 This morning, a 12-year-old child was crossing the roadway on his way to school when he was unfortunately struck by a vehicle. We are very thankful to report that, considering the circumstances, the child sustained only minor injuries.

Not only did we have a very quick response due to the incident occurring directly in front of our West Side Fire Station, but Lieutenant Smith also witnessed the incident and responded immediately to assist.

Unfortunately, the child’s bicycle was damaged beyond repair during the accident. 🚲 After the incident, members of the Charlotte Fire Department decided to come together to help and went to our local Wal-Mart to purchase the boy a new bike, with department members contributing toward the purchase.

After hearing the story and why we were purchasing the bike, the Wal-Mart manager generously advised that the department could have the bike at no cost.

Earlier today, we had the opportunity to deliver the new bike to the child. We would like to extend a huge thank you to Walmart Supercenter for their generosity and support for our community.

⚠️ This incident also serves as an important reminder about bicycle and pedestrian safety. As the weather improves and more children are outside riding bikes and walking to school, we encourage everyone to stay alert, slow down in residential and school areas, and watch carefully for pedestrians and bicyclists crossing roadways. We also encourage parents to remind children to use crosswalks when available, wear helmets, and remain aware of traffic around them. 🚸🚴

We wish the young man a speedy recovery and hope he is back out enjoying his new bike very soon!

05/04/2026

🚨 Saturday Night Structure Fire – Chester Township 🚨

On Saturday night at 11:47 PM, our department was dispatched to a report of a garage fire attached to a home with flames visible in Chester Township.

First arriving units were on scene at 11:57 PM, traveling approximately 9.2 miles. Upon arrival, crews found the garage portion of the structure fully involved. Firefighters quickly confirmed that no occupants were inside the home.

Once again, our mini-pumpers proved their value. Within 5 minutes of arrival, crews had the fire knocked down and successfully contained it, preventing extension into the main living area of the home.

Additional units arrived shortly after, along with mutual aid from neighboring departments, to assist with full extinguishment, salvage, and overhaul operations.

🐾 Two cats were safely rescued from the home
✅ No firefighter injuries were reported

The cause of the fire has been determined to be unintentional.

We appreciate the continued support from our neighboring departments, EMS, Eaton County Dispatch and the community. Great work by all crews involved. 🚒

05/01/2026

🚒 Fleet Friday – Charlotte Fire Department & Rural Fire Association Mini-Pumpers: Then & Now 🚒

Recently, an article out of Florida—shared with us by former Rural Fire Association member Ron Converse—highlighted North River Fire District and their new Rescue unit, noting a return to the mini-pumper / fast attack concept. The article specifically pointed out how these smaller units help reduce mileage and wear on larger apparatus.

Here in Charlotte, this isn’t a new idea… it’s something we’ve been doing for decades.

Charlotte’s first mini-pumper dates back to 1980, and today we continue that tradition with two mini-pumpers in service, staffed 24/7, operating out of our two fire stations.

These units are truly the backbone of our daily response:
🔥 First on scene to nearly every call
💧 275-gallon water tanks with onboard foam systems
🩺 Licensed Basic Medical Response units
🛠️ Equipped with the “Jaws of Life” and a wide range of rescue tools
🚑 Ready to investigate or mitigate almost any emergency we’re dispatched to

As a combination department, with a full-time staff supported by a strong volunteer force, these mini-pumpers allow us to deliver fast, effective service while keeping costs manageable for our community.

🚨 And they make a real difference where it matters most.
Fires can double in size every minute, and for a smaller department, getting water on the fire 3–5 minutes sooner can be the difference between a room-and-contents fire and a total loss. These units allow us to act fast—often arriving ahead of larger apparatus and beginning suppression or rescue operations immediately.

Over the 40+ years that our department has operated with this concept, we’ve proven its value time and time again. These units allow us to:
✔️ Respond to emergencies faster
✔️ Initiate fire suppression or rescue operations quickly
✔️ Operate with a compact, efficient, and versatile piece of apparatus
✔️ Maintain lower operational and maintenance costs

🚒 On larger incidents, their role is just as critical.
Mini-pumpers are often used to protect exposures—neighboring homes, buildings, or vehicles threatened by a large fire—helping stop fires from spreading and limiting overall damage.

We’ve also responded to countless vehicle crashes where conditions rapidly escalated. In several instances, while en route we’ve been advised that a patient is pinned and the vehicle is on fire. These units allow crews to arrive quickly, begin fire suppression, and perform rescue operations without delay.

These trucks have truly seen it all—from everyday calls to high-risk, time-critical emergencies—and have become a lasting legacy within our department.

💡 The reality is:

A new mini-pumper costs approximately $375,000
A traditional full-size pumper can exceed $900,000
Maintenance costs are significantly lower on these smaller units

The number of lives protected and property saved by utilizing this concept over the years is significant. It’s safe to say these vehicles are absolutely irreplaceable in helping our department provide full-time service at a fraction of the cost.

📸 Below are multiple photos and dash cam images of our mini-pumpers—past and present—highlighting the evolution of these essential units.

Charlotte didn’t just adopt this concept… we’ve been leading it for over 40 years—and we’re still proving its value today. 🚒

04/16/2026

🚒 New Gear Arrival! 🚒

Cinder and Claire are excited to share that new turnout gear is starting to arrive and be distributed to our members!

This upgrade is made possible through a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) that the Charlotte Fire Department proudly secured in partnership with the Vermontville Fire/EMS Department. Together, this grant provided a total savings of $217,000.00, allowing us to outfit our firefighters with new coats, pants, boots, hoods, gloves, and helmets.

🔥 Did you know?
Firefighter turnout gear has a 10-year service life. After that, regardless of condition, it no longer meets current safety standards and must be replaced. Thank you to Fire-Dex and Axes & Irons for making this project happen.

04/15/2026

Tornado Watch for Allegan, Barry, Bay, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Clare, Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Huron, Ingham, Ionia, Isabella, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lake, Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Mason, Mecosta, Midland, Monroe, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oakland, Oceana, Osceola, Ottawa, Saginaw, St. Clair, St. Joseph, Sanilac, Shiawassee, Tuscola, Van Buren, Washtenaw and Wayne County in MI until 4:00am EDT 4/15/26.

04/14/2026

Another unusual service call this morning—but as always, we’re happy to help wherever needed.

Our department responded to a report of a wild turkey crashing through a second-floor window of a home. Upon arrival, crews were able to safely secure the bird. Thankfully, it was uninjured, and we were able to release it back into an appropriate area.

Just another reminder that not every call we respond to is fire-related—but our mission remains the same: protecting life and property, no matter the situation.

04/14/2026

Eaton County is currently in an ENHANCED risk for severe weather tonight. 👀

🕗 Timing:
The greatest risk is expected between 8:00 PM tonight and 4:00 AM tomorrow morning.

🌩️ Potential Hazards Include:
💨 Wind gusts reaching or exceeding 75 mph
🌪️ Tornadoes
⛈️ Hail up to 2 inches

Please take time now to prepare:
✔️ Secure outdoor items
✔️ Charge phones and devices
✔️ Have multiple ways to receive weather alerts overnight

04/11/2026