06/11/2026
Charlotte Fire Department Updates Pt. 2
Here are some more fleet updates. After 25 years of running Spartan/Smeal rigs, things are changing. The former Ladder 16 was badly damaged during the tragic Liberty Row Fire in 2023, and its replacement ended up being the last Smeal ladder delivered.
New rigs for Ladders 20, 32, and 45 are Pierce Enforcer 107' rear-mounts. Ladder 45 is the newest ladder company, operating as a single piece from Station 45, located between busy Stations 15 and 27 in the Hidden Valley area of the city.
Engine 44 is a brand-new company in West Charlotte, currently working out of a temporary facility until their station is completed.
Engine 47 is also new, temporarily running from the former Engine 30 long-term temporary house. Station 47 will be the third airport station at Charlotte-Douglas, and when it opens, it will operate Engine 47 along with several ARFF trucks.
Rehab 1, based at Station 8, runs a unique grey colored rig. I'm not sure if it is staffed 24/7 or cross staffed by Engine 8.
There are new Pierce Enforcer engines on order to keep pace with worn out 2012 Spartan/Smeals. The first batch should be here late this year.
Station 46 is being built in Northwest Charlotte. Unsure when E46 will come online. There is also a 9th battalion added at Station 11 back in 2025. Lots of growth for the Queen City!
Stats for these companies:
L16 – 2025 Spartan/Smeal 2000/370/30F/107'
E44 – 2012 Spartan/Smeal 2000/500/30F X: E38
L45 – 2025 Pierce Enforcer 2000/500/107'
E47 – 2014 Spartan/Smeal 2000/500/30F X: E17
Rehab 1 – 2025 Freightliner M2/Frontline
Here are all of my Charlotte photos: https://camelcityfirephotos.smugmug.com/Fire-Apparatus/North-Carolina/Mecklenburg-County/Charlotte