Final Update: Wildfire Deployment in Polk County

Last Updated 1/30/2026Posted in Fire News

All Statesville Fire Department personnel who deployed to assist with the wildfires in Polk County have safely returned home. Thanks to improving conditions, all assisting departments have now been released from the area.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Captain Thompson, Lieutenant Jones, Firefighter Thompson, Firefighter Church, Battalion Chief Kennedy, Captain Myrick, Lieutenant Ladd, and Firefighter Harpe for their service. Their willingness to respond and assist in a time of need reflects the best of who we are.

Please continue to keep those impacted by the wildfires in your thoughts and prayers as recovery and rebuilding efforts continue.

Thank you to everyone who supported our teams during their deployment.

Deployment Update: Wildfire Response in Polk County

The Statesville Fire Department’s first deployment team is heading home today after a week of dedicated service in Polk County. Firefighter Church, Captain Thompson, Firefighter Thompson, and Lieutenant Jones worked long hours under challenging conditions to protect lives and property, and we are proud of their efforts.

A second team - Firefighter Harpe, Battalion Chief Kennedy, Lieutenant Ladd, and Captain Myrick - has now deployed to continue supporting structure protection efforts in high-risk areas. They will be working 12-hour shifts as part of a coordinated effort with other departments to contain the wildfires.

Please keep them along with everyone fighting the wildfires and those impacted by them in your thoughts.

Below are some photos that show the conditions our crews are facing on the ground.

Click an image below to display the larger version.

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