The Carolina Fire Watch

About The Carolina Fire Watch

🔥 The Carolina Fire Watch North Carolina’s fire service podcast. Industry updates, major events, leadership insight, and real conversations shaping the fire service across the Old North State. Produced in partnership with the NC State Firefighters’ Association. 🎙️ New episodes monthly.

Publisher

Brian Kelly

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

2 Jan 2026

Latest episode

2 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

11 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   2 Nov 2026

   💧🚒 HAULING WATER... HOW TO MAKE IT WORK

   You asked for more, and we listened! Earlier this year, we explored the challenges of getting water to the fireground. Based on listener feedback, we're revisiting the topic with additional experience, practical lessons, and a deeper look at how fire departments can make their water supply systems work when the demands of an incident exceed what's immediately available. In this BONUS EPISODE of The Carolina Fire Watch, we're joined by three fire service leaders: OUR GUESTS 🚒 Chief Wes WilliamsBunyan Volunteer Fire Department 🚒 Chief Scott DailConetoe Volunteer Fire Department 🚒 Chris NewkirkBeaufort County Emergency Services Director WHAT WE'RE DISCUSSING From rural communities without hydrants to municipal water systems where available pressure and volume may not meet fireground demands, water supply planning requires departments to understand their systems, recognize their limitations, and explore every available option. We'll revisit lessons from the QVC distribution center fire in Rocky Mount and discuss: Rural water supply and tanker/tender shuttle operations. Municipal hydrant systems and available water capacity. Combining hydrants, tankers, drafting sites, and other water sources. Identifying target hazards and evaluating water supply needs. Preplanning, training, and testing your district's capabilities. Regional coordination, mutual aid, and sustainable water delivery. Lessons departments can take back and put into practice. The question isn't simply whether you have water. It's whether you can deliver enough water, where it's needed, for as long as it's needed. 📻 THIS MONTH IN NC FIRE SERVICE HISTORY We also take our regular look back at North Carolina's fire service history, featuring Mike Legeros and Legeros Fire Line. 🚨 WATCH. LISTEN. SHARE. 📺 Watch the full video episode here on YouTube! 🎧 Listen to The Carolina Fire Watch on your favorite podcast platform. Whether you're a fire chief, water supply officer, training officer, or firefighter, this is a conversation worth sharing with your department. Take these lessons back to your firehouse. Talk about your water supply. Test your plans. Know your resources before the next big call. ABOUT THE CAROLINA FIRE WATCH The Carolina Fire Watch is a North Carolina fire service podcast hosted by Brian Kelly and produced in partnership with the North Carolina State Firefighters' Association (NCSFA). We cover North Carolina fire service news, training, leadership, lessons learned, history, industry updates, and the people making a difference in our fire service. 🌐 Follow The Carolina Fire Watch:https://linktree.com/thecarolinafirewatch (https://linktree.com/thecarolinafirewatch) 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheCarolinaFireWatch (https://www.instagram.com/TheCarolinaFireWatch)🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@TheCarolinaFireWatch (https://www.tiktok.com/@TheCarolinaFireWatch) Subscribe, share, and help us keep North Carolina's fire service connected! #CarolinaFireWatch #NCSFA #WaterSupply #FirefighterTraining #NCFireService

2. 

   5 Oct 2026

   After Helene: Emergency Management & the Fire Service

   What happens when an emergency becomes bigger than the fire department? In this episode of The Carolina Fire Watch, Hurricane Helene becomes the starting point for a much bigger conversation about emergency management and the fire service. Brian Kelly is joined by Chief Scott Rogers, Executive Director of the North Carolina Emergency Management Association and retired Nash County Emergency Services Chief, and Chief Anthony Penland of the Swannanoa Fire Department. Together, they discuss what Hurricane Helene taught the fire service about preparedness, communications, evacuation, mutual aid, resource coordination, training, recovery and responder wellness. Scott brings the emergency management perspective, including the importance of relationships between agencies, pre-positioning resources, redundant communications, mutual aid systems, community preparedness and emergency management training for fire officers. Anthony brings the perspective of a fire chief who experienced Helene firsthand in Swannanoa, one of the communities hit hardest by the storm. We talk about the realities of operating when communications fail, resources are stretched, communities need to evacuate and the emergency doesn't end when the initial response is over. But this isn't simply a conversation about what happened during Helene. It's about what we learned — and what we can do before the next major disaster. 🔥 Also in this episode: • This Month in North Carolina Fire Service History — a look back at fires at the North Carolina State Fair, with historical insight from Mike Legeros • Carolina Fire Spotlight • Emergency management and fire service coordination • Communications and preparedness • Mutual aid and resource management • Evacuation and community preparedness • Training for fire officers • Long-term disaster recovery • Responder wellness • The Bucket Brigade The Carolina Fire Watch is produced in partnership with the North Carolina State Firefighters' Association (NCSFA). 🎧 Listen, watch and follow The Carolina Fire Watch wherever you get your podcasts. #CarolinaFireWatch #NCSFA #FireService #EmergencyManagement #HurricaneHelene

3. 

   7 Sept 2026

   Who Owns the Problem? Command Lessons from the Metropolitan Fire

   When a large fire starts creating problem after problem, who owns the problem? And how does an Incident Commander keep the incident manageable when the size, complexity, and number of problems continue to grow? In this September episode of The Carolina Fire Watch, Brian Kelly sits down with A.C. Rich, retired Battalion Chief with the Raleigh Fire Department, to discuss command lessons from the March 16, 2017 Metropolitan fire in Raleigh, North Carolina. A.C. was the initial Incident Commander as the incident quickly grew into a large, complex operation involving multiple alarms, exposure protection, mutual aid, resource management, communications, accountability, and the protection of surrounding structures. But this conversation isn't simply about what happened at the Metropolitan. It's about a command philosophy that can be applied to incidents of any size: 🔥 Who owns the problem? The Incident Commander doesn't have to personally solve every problem. Instead, the command system needs to make sure each problem has an owner, the benchmark is understood, and the right resources are assigned to manage it. Brian and A.C. talk about: • Managing a large fire when the problems start multiplying• Establishing and managing benchmarks• Assigning ownership and delegating responsibility• Keeping complex incidents simple• Scaling incident command as the incident grows• Area, branch, and regional command• Resource management and staging• Mutual aid and protecting the rest of the city• Water supply and avoiding assumptions about operational problems• Communications and accountability• Preventing freelancing on a large incident• Exposure protection• EMS and rehab• Unexpected hazards during a major incident• The role of the EOC and 911 center• Transfer of command• Lessons that apply to career, volunteer, and combination departments We're also joined by Mike Legeros of Legeros Fire Line for our monthly look at North Carolina fire service history. Mike's takes a look this month at the history of the Winston Salem Public Safety unit. A special thank-you to Mike Legeros and Legeros Fire Line for helping us keep these stories alive. Each month, we recognize North Carolina fire departments reaching significant milestone anniversaries. This month, we're celebrating departments across the state marking 75-, 70-, 65-, 55-, and 45-year milestones. Congratulations to all of the departments celebrating another year of service to their communities! We wrap up the episode with news, deadlines, upcoming meetings, training opportunities, and other items important to the North Carolina fire service. And, of course, we finish the show with the Bucket Brigade—our chance to ask the guest a few questions that have absolutely nothing to do with fire service operations. The Carolina Fire Watch is a North Carolina fire service podcast focused on the people, issues, history, leadership, training, operations, and stories that matter to firefighters across the Old North State. The show is produced in partnership with the North Carolina State Firefighters’ Association. 🎙️ Host: Brian Kelly🔥 Podcast: The Carolina Fire Watch🤝 Produced in partnership with: North Carolina State Firefighters’ Association Who owns the problem? Maybe the better question is: Does Command really need to own every problem? That's the lesson we're exploring this month on The Carolina Fire Watch. #CarolinaFireWatch #NCSFA #FireService #IncidentCommand #NorthCarolinaFire 📚 THIS MONTH IN NORTH CAROLINA FIRE SERVICE HISTORY🚒 CAROLINA FIRE SPOTLIGHT📰 CAROLINA FIRE WIRE🎲 BUCKET BRIGADEABOUT THE CAROLINA FIRE WATCH

4. 

   3 Aug 2026

   S1 E8 - On Our Worst Day, Our Culture Showed Up | Battalion Chief Lauran Franklin | Salisbury NC Fire Department

   What began as a routine residential structure fire on December 15, 2025, quickly became one of the most significant firefighter survival stories in recent North Carolina history. A violent explosion. Twelve injured firefighters. One department's culture put to the ultimate test. This month on Carolina Fire Watch, Battalion Chief Lauran Franklin of the Salisbury NC Fire Department joins host Brian Kelly to discuss the Laurel Street incident, the moments immediately following the explosion, and the lessons every fire department can take from their experience. Together, they explore: The Laurel Street explosion and roof collapse Firefighter survival and MAYDAY operations Leadership under pressure Operational culture and accountability Low-frequency, high-risk incidents Near miss reporting Firefighter wellness and recovery Building organizations prepared for their worst day Because when catastrophe strikes, you don't rise to the occasion—you fall to the level of your training. Carolina Fire Watch is produced in partnership with the North Carolina State Firefighters' Association and is dedicated to sharing the stories, lessons, and leaders shaping the North Carolina fire service. Congratulations to this month's anniversary departments: Cullasaja Gorge Fire & Rescue – 75 Years Pinecroft-Sedgefield Fire District – 65 Years Lake Rim Volunteer Fire Department – 65 Years Rosman Volunteer Fire Department – 65 Years New Hope Fire Department – 60 Years Bethlehem Community Volunteer Fire Department – 60 Years Moyock Volunteer Fire Department – 55 Years Oak City Volunteer Fire Department – 55 Years Piney Grove Volunteer Fire Department – 55 Years Bethania Fire and Rescue – 55 Years Pine Level Fire Department – 50 Years Westarea Volunteer Fire Department – 50 Years Pinetops Volunteer Fire Department – 50 Years Tryonota Fire Department – 35 Years Cool Spring Volunteer Fire Department – 30 Years Special thanks to Mike Legeros and Legeros Fire Line for their continued efforts preserving North Carolina fire service history. Listen and Subscribe: YouTube: @TheCarolinaFireWatch Spotify Apple Podcasts Amazon Music iHeartRadio Pandora SiriusXM #CarolinaFireWatch #NCSFA #NorthCarolinaFireService #FirefighterTraining #Leadership

5. 

   6 Jul 2026

   S1 E7 Two Calls That Changed Everything | TCFW July Episode (S1E7)

   Every firefighter has a call they'll never forget. Not because it made the headlines. Not because it was the biggest fire. But because it changed the way they think, the way they train, and the way they lead. In this episode of The Carolina Fire Watch, produced in partnership with the North Carolina State Firefighters' Association (NCSFA), host Brian Kelly sits down with Assistant Chief Paul Watlington of the Burlington Fire Department and Training Officer for the Yanceyville Fire Department. Paul shares two defining incidents from early in his career—a first working house fire and the Big Party Night Club Fire—that forever shaped his approach to preparation, situational awareness, leadership, and firefighter development. Through those experiences, he explains why understanding the "why" behind training is just as important as mastering the "how." Before our featured interview, we preview SAFRE 2026 with a representative of the North Carolina State Firefighters' Association, discussing this year's conference highlights, including: • The new Opening Ceremonies format • Recognition of the Firefighter of the Year • The inaugural Timothy L. Bradley Hall of Fame induction ceremony • Scholarship recognitions and leadership transitions • The keynote presentation by retired Chicago Fire Department officer Steve Chikerotis • The joint NCSFA and North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs business session We also recognize North Carolina fire departments celebrating milestone anniversaries during this month's Carolina Fire Spotlight and take a look back at This Month in North Carolina Fire Service History, with historical research and resources courtesy of North Carolina fire service historian Mike Legeros. Whether you're a new firefighter, a seasoned company officer, or a chief officer, this episode is a reminder that every emergency is an opportunity to learn—and every lesson learned is an opportunity to prepare the next generation. In This Episode: 🔥 SAFRE 2026 Preview 🔥 Firefighter of the Year & Hall of Fame Recognition 🔥 Two Calls That Changed Everything 🔥 Leadership Through Experience 🔥 Understanding the "Why" Behind Training 🔥 Preparing Firefighters for the Unknown 🔥 Carolina Fire Spotlight 🔥 North Carolina Fire Service History with Mike Legeros If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your crew. Your support helps us continue highlighting the people, history, and stories of North Carolina's fire service. Follow The Carolina Fire Watch for new episodes, shorts, and updates. Stay safe. Stay engaged. And we'll see you on the next watch.

6. 

   1 Jun 2026

   S1E6 Fit to Serve, Fit for Life: Why Firefighter Wellness Can't Wait

   In this episode of The Carolina Fire Watch, host Brian Kelly sits down with Chief Quentin Cash of the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) to discuss Firefighter Safety Stand Down 2026 and this year's theme, "Fit to Serve, Fit for Life."Firefighter wellness is about more than physical fitness. It includes sleep, recovery, nutrition, behavioral health, injury prevention, and creating a culture that supports firefighters throughout their careers and beyond. Chief Cash shares insights from both the volunteer and career fire service, discusses the importance of Safety Stand Down, and highlights resources available to departments across North Carolina and the nation.In this episode:🔥 Firefighter Safety Stand Down 2026🔥 Fit to Serve, Fit for Life🔥 Volunteer and career fire service wellness challenges🔥 Sleep, recovery, and firefighter readiness🔥 Building a culture of health and safety🔥 Free Safety Stand Down resources🔥 NVFC programs and member benefits🔥 Recruitment, retention, and firefighter longevityWe also recognize North Carolina fire departments celebrating milestone anniversaries in June and highlight 26 departments that achieved improved ISO ratings during the second quarter of 2026.This month's "This Month in NC Fire Service History" segment looks back at historic June fires in Wilmington, North Carolina, including an 1898 waterfront fire and a significant downtown fire in 1974. Historical content was inspired by the work of North Carolina fire service historian Mike Legeros and his ongoing efforts to preserve our state's fire service history. Learn more at facebook.com/legerosfire.The Carolina Fire Watch is produced in partnership with the North Carolina State Firefighters' Association (NCSFA).🎧 Listen and Subscribe:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1od3QahwY7XsXvY0YP2UTy?si=089b9ca12b1f48f1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-carolina-fire-watch/id1866088991Learn More:Safety Stand Down: https://safetystanddown.orgNational Volunteer Fire Council: https://www.nvfc.orgNorth Carolina State Firefighters' Association: https://www.ncsfa.com#CarolinaFireWatch #NCSFA #SafetyStandDown #NVFC #FirefighterWellness #FirefighterFitness #VolunteerFirefighter #FireService #NorthCarolinaFireService

7. 

   7 May 2026

   Firefighters & Politics? Why Legislative Day matters more than you think | TCFW EP 5

   What does the fire service have to do with politics? More than most firefighters realize. In this episode of Carolina Fire Watch, we sit down with Chief Steven Roberson of the City of King Fire Department and President of the North Carolina State Firefighters’ Association, along with Deputy Chief Doug Bissette of Wilson Fire-Rescue Services, to break down the real impact of Fire Service Legislative Day. We cover: 🔥 Why Legislative Day matters more than you think 🔥 How firefighters can effectively engage with legislators 🔥 What actually happens behind the scenes in the legislative process 🔥 The difference between the short session and long session 🔥 Why some fire service bills move forward—and others don’t 🔥 How the fire service can become more unified and impactful This isn’t about politics—it’s about representation, relationships, and making sure the fire service has a voice when decisions are being made. 🚒 Carolina Fire Spotlight This month, we recognize Deputy Chief Kane Johnson of the Morehead City Fire & EMS for his nearly 40 years of service, leadership, and commitment to the next generation of firefighters. We also honor the legacy of Chief Roy S. Spell, past President of the North Carolina State Firefighters’ Association, whose impact continues across North Carolina. 🎧 Listen & Subscribe Follow Carolina Fire Watch for monthly conversations focused on the North Carolina fire service, leadership, and the issues that matter most. 📧 Submit Carolina Fire Spotlight nominations: thecarolinafirewatch@gmail.com

8. 

   7 Apr 2026

   S1 E4 Ready when the Call Comes: Inside North Carolina's SERT Program | The Carolina Fire Watch S1E4

   🚨 Ready When the Call Comes: Inside North Carolina’s SERT Program 🚨 What does it really mean to be ready when the state calls? In this episode of The Carolina Fire Watch, we break down the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) and how fire departments across North Carolina coordinate, deploy, and respond during major incidents. From wildfire season to hurricanes this is a system every firefighter in North Carolina needs to understand. 🎙️ Featuring: 🏆 Chief Anderson, Greenville Fire Rescue March Madness Winner 🚒 Tony Bailey, North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal (Ratings & Inspections Division) 🔥 In this episode, we cover: •    What emergency rostering actually means •    The difference between rostering and deployment •    How departments are selected and deployed during large-scale incidents •    Why self-dispatch is not allowed •    What your department should be doing NOW to prepare 📜 Also in this episode: •    Carolina Fire Spotlight: Chief Michael Jordan (Maysville Fire & EMS) •    The story of the Goldsboro Rescue Squad (1953) •    The evolution of rescue, EMS, and statewide response in North Carolina •    NEW Carolina Fire Watch merch announcement 🎯 Why this matters: With increasing call volume, staffing challenges, and more complex incidents statewide coordination is more important than ever. This episode connects the past, present, and future of the fire service in North Carolina. 👍 If you got value from this episode: •    Like the video •    Subscribe to the channel •    Share it with your department 👇 Drop a comment: Is your department rostered and ready? #CarolinaFireWatch #NCSFA #FireService #SERT #NorthCarolinaFire

9. 

   2 Mar 2026

   S1 E3 Turf, Trust & The Mission: Planning the Future of the Fire Service | March Episode The Carolina Fire Watch

   What happens when pride, planning, and purpose collide? This month on The Carolina Fire Watch, we explore the evolving mission of the fire department and what it means to lead in a time of growth, shifting expectations, and increasing scrutiny. From turf challenges to strategic planning and community risk reduction, this episode tackles the big questions facing today’s fire service: • Are we operating as a system beyond the fireground? • How should departments prepare for the future? • What role does leadership play in building trust and sustainability? If you're a firefighter, officer, chief, or public safety leader, this conversation will challenge and inspire you. #CarolinaFireWatch #FireServiceLeadership #FutureOfFireService #EmergencyServices #PublicSafety

10. 

    2 Feb 2026

    S1 E2 Inside the QVC Fire: Leadership Lessons from North Carolina’s Largest Structure Fire

    In this episode of The Carolina Fire Watch, we take an in-depth look inside the QVC Distribution Center fire, one of the largest structure fires in North Carolina history, and break down what it took to manage an incident of this scale. We’re joined by Chief Cooke, who helps set the tone by explaining the VFD district, the response area, and how the initial request for assistance quickly expanded into a massive, multi-agency operation. From early decision-making to mutual aid coordination, this episode highlights the leadership, communication, and command challenges that come with large-scale incidents. 🔥 In this episode: Inside the QVC Fire: What made this incident unique How the response grew from local to statewide mutual aid Leadership and command considerations during long-duration events Lessons learned that apply to departments of all sizes — career and volunteer Carolina Fire Wire: recognizing departments across NC, including a Davie County shout-out This Month in NC Fire Service History: the rollout of computer-aided dispatch (CAD) at Charlotte Fire in 1988 Bucket Brigade: a fun, rapid-fire segment to wrap things up Whether you’re a fire chief, officer, firefighter, or dispatcher, this conversation offers real-world insight into incident management, preparedness, and collaboration when it matters most. 🎧 Listen to the full episode on all major podcast platforms 👍 Like, subscribe, and share to support NC’s fire service stories

11. 

    2 Jan 2026

    S1 E1 - Understanding the State Roster

    In the inaugural episode of the Carolina Fire Watch podcast, hosts Brian and Barry discuss the importance of the state roster for firefighters in North Carolina, highlighting its implications for training, benefits, and community engagement. They delve into historical insights from the Newland Fire Department, outline monthly segments for the podcast, and emphasize the significance of scholarships and grants available to firefighters. The conversation also covers the legislative aspects of roster management, training requirements, and the importance of accurate retiree designations. The episode concludes with a fun segment called the Bucket Brigade, where Barry answers lighthearted questions.The Carolina Fire Watch podcast aims to engage and inform firefighters in North Carolina.The state roster is crucial for maintaining benefits and training requirements.Historical insights can provide valuable lessons for current firefighters.Monthly segments will keep the community engaged and informed.Scholarships and grants are available to support firefighter training.Certification of the roster is essential for accessing benefits.Training hours are a minimum requirement for maintaining active status.Retiree designations have changed and are important for benefits.The roster management system is user-friendly but requires attention to detail.Communication with new fire chiefs is vital for effective leadership.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Contact The Carolina Fire Watch

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.