New 911 fire dispatch system credited with slowing blaze in Yancey County home
BURNSVILLE, NC – A newly launched emergency fire dispatch system in Yancey County is already being credited with helping slow a residential fire, after a 911 operator gave a caller instructions that fire officials say likely prevented the blaze from spreading.
Yancey County 911 went live with its Emergency Fire Dispatch protocols on Tuesday, February 10, at 11:27 a.m., introducing a structured system designed to improve how fire calls are handled and dispatched. The first call processed under the new system later that day was categorized as a Service Call case.
On Monday, the system was put to the test during a residential structure fire. Using the Emergency Fire Dispatch protocols, emergency communicators provided the caller with pre-arrival instructions, including directing the individual to close a bedroom door.
Fire officials said that action likely slowed the spread of the fire and may have prevented more extensive damage to the home.
Chief Derek Murphy of the Pensacola Fire Department said the instruction to close the bedroom door likely prevented the fire from spreading more rapidly and may have saved the house.
With the Emergency Fire Dispatch system in place, Yancey County communicators now use structured, evidence-based protocols to gather critical information and determine the appropriate response. The system also enables call takers to provide instructions to callers while fire, EMS and rescue crews are en route.
Sheriff Shane Hilliard credited 911 Director Gina Duncan for leading the implementation of the system and recognized emergency communicators Remington Pate and Jessica Schofield for their actions during the recent fire call.
The launch makes Yancey County an active user of both the Fire Priority Dispatch System and the Medical Priority Dispatch System, marking a new phase in the county’s emergency response operations.
Key Points
- Yancey County 911 launched Emergency Fire Dispatch system February 10
- Pre-arrival instruction to close bedroom door credited with slowing house fire
- County now using Fire and Medical Priority Dispatch systems
