RALEIGH - One of the busiest days in recent years pushed the Raleigh Fire Department to its limits on Thursday. The Capital City's Bravest faced two multiple alarm fires within minutes of each other. The first had multiple fatalities in an apartment complex and not far away a carelessly discarded cigarette started a wind fueled fire that had to be fought across three streets.

The five-alarm fire at was at the new Pine Knolls Townes subdivisions off of the 3500-block of Capital Boulevard. Streets effected included Oneonata Avenue, Londonville Street, Pine Knoll Drive, Landsman Drive, Binghampton Lane, and Manhasset Lane.

The subdivision contained newly constructed structures, many occupied. One dry hydrant was encountered. The initial alarm time was at 3:03 pm for 3525 Oneonta Avenue. Eight homes were involved upon arrival of firefighters.

Wind-fed flames quickly spread between buildings and across Oneonta Avenue. Six ladder trucks were positioned, three were operated as aerial streams. Twenty-seven homes were destroyed, and 11 were damaged. Twenty-six families were displaced.

Embers spread as far as a quarter-mile from the scene and sparked at least one brush fire. Thick smoke spread across Capital Boulevard and caused traffic delays. No injuries were reported.

The cause has been identified as carelessly discarded smoking materials.

Raleigh firefighters numbered 150 including 29 recruits. Firefighters from New Hope, Falls, and other departments were also on scene. Barry's Cafe served exhausted firefighters.

Twelve departments from Wake County filled in at fire stations. Move-ups were initiated by 3:30 p.m.

Units responding:
E4 E6 E7 E9 E14 E15 E16 E18 E19 E21 E22 E27
L1 L16 L22 L23 L26
R7 R19
BC1 BC3 BC4 C1 (Command) C5 (Operations)
Air 8
Haz-Maz 15
New Hope B7 E1 E2 K10
Falls E219
EMS2 EMS12 EMS15 EMS16 EMS32 EMS100 EMS203 EMS205

Coverage included:
Bay Leaf engine at Fire Station 9
Bay Leaf ladder at 16
Cary engine at 8
Durham Highway engine at 4
Falls engine at 4
Garner engine at 1
Garner ladder at 1
Knightdale squirt at 12
New Hope at their station, covering 19 and 27
Rolesville engine at 15
Swift Creek engine at 20
Wake Forest engine at 19
Wake Forest ladder at 25.

Additional Links:
Raleigh Fire Department
Raleigh Wake Firefighting Blog
Legeros.com
Lee Wilson Photo Site
News and Observer
WRAL
NBC17.com