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Pittsboro fire department warns rising calls and a problematic new engine heighten need for station and staffing upgrades
Summary
Fire officials told the board that call volume has climbed with new development, that response times and narrow streets are stressing operations, and that a recently ordered engine has delivery delays and mechanical problems that may require a financial remedy from the vendor.
Fire Department leadership told the Pittsboro Board of Commissioners on March 31 that rising call volume, denser development and narrow downtown streets are increasing pressure on the department and that staffing levels and station placement must keep pace.
The presenter said the town’s call totals rose sharply between 2020 and 2024 and that development such as Mosaic has added multi‑story residential buildings that complicate firefighting and access. He and other speakers described response-time challenges on narrow or parked streets; staff said an additional eastside station (referred to during the meeting as Station 2 on Old Ram Road) would improve coverage for new growth corridors.
The department also discussed a fire engine under construction and delivery delay: the engine contract signed three years ago had an original price the presenter cited as $888,000; staff said the same vehicle now lists at about $1.1 million. The town reported functional problems with the ladder and pump on a delivered apparatus during recent testing; staff said the town is pursuing a financial resolution and indicated an estimate of roughly $360,000 as an “aim point” to settle deficits caused by the extended delivery time and vendor nonperformance. Fire leadership said they will not accept the apparatus back into service until the factory makes it right.
Why it matters: Rising service demand increases the need for more personnel, additional stations and reliable apparatus; delays or faulty equipment can materially affect response capability and capital budgets.
Key details - Call volume: The department recorded a sharp increase in total calls between 2020 and 2024; staff said growth is linked to development and new neighborhoods. - Staffing: The presentation stated current minimum staffing is constrained; staff described scenarios when a single engine arrived with only two or three personnel, which they said is inadequate for interior firefighting. - Stationing: Officials repeated that an eastside Station 2 at or near Old Ram Road would reduce response times for the area where growth is occurring. - Apparatus: Contract for a new engine signed three years ago; original contract amount cited as $888,000 and current comparable vehicle at $1.1 million. Department reported ladder and pump problems during testing and stated financial remediation discussions with the manufacturer are ongoing.
Discussion and direction Commissioners asked about automatic aid, shared response plans with the county, and the county’s contribution to the joint fire budget (county covers a portion of the service cost). Staff indicated the county pays a share reflecting its valuation ratio.
Ending The board heard requests to prioritize staffing and station siting in future capital decisions and directed staff to continue negotiating the apparatus issue and to provide updated cost estimates and staffing plans when they return with budgetary items.
