West Mecklenburg Fire Department
The West Mecklenburg Volunteer Fire Department (WMVFD) serves as a vital emergency response agency for the unincorporated areas of western Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, situated between the City of Charlotte and the Gaston County line. Established in January 1984, the department emerged from the consolidation of two historic fire departments: the Wilkinson Boulevard Fire Department and the Moores Chapel Fire Department. The Wilkinson Boulevard Fire Department, organized in 1950, holds the distinction of being the first volunteer fire department in Mecklenburg County, while the Moores Chapel Fire Department was established in 1954. The merger was prompted by significant annexations by the City of Charlotte, which reduced the service areas of both departments, leading to their unification to better serve the remaining unincorporated regions.
Following the merger, WMVFD initially operated out of the existing stations of its predecessor departments, designating Moores Chapel VFD as Station 1 and Wilkinson VFD as Station 2. In 1984, the department centralized its operations by constructing a new fire station located at 3100 Sam Wilson Road in Charlotte.
As of the latest available information, WMVFD maintains a fleet of modern firefighting apparatus to effectively respond to various emergencies. The department's equipment includes:
• Engine 1: 2019 Spartan Gladiator / Smeal (2000 GPM pump / 750-gallon tank / 30-gallon foam)
• Rescue 1: 2000 Spartan Advantage / Marion walk-around rescue unit
• Engine 2 (Reserve): 1997 Spartan Gladiator / Marion (1500 GPM pump / 750-gallon tank / 30-gallon foam)
• Squad 2: 2013 Spartan Gladiator / Smeal (2000 GPM pump / 1000-gallon tank / 30-gallon foam)
• Rescue 2: 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 4x4 / Quesco
• Tanker 3: 1964 Ford F-700 6x4 / Irvin's Body Shop (500 GPM front-mount pump / 1000-gallon tank)
• Tanker 4: 1993 Volvo-GMC / EEI (1500 GPM pump / 2500-gallon tank)
• Brush 6: 2006 Ford F-550 4x4 utility body (250 GPM pump / 250-gallon tank)
WMVFD continues to operate as a volunteer-based organization, dedicated to providing fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical first responder services. The department plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of residents in its jurisdiction, maintaining a strong commitment to community service and emergency preparedness.