Fire chief defends department response after large North Shore Drive blaze; staff outline hydrant program

Surf City’s fire chief told the council on Dec. 19 that firefighters followed accepted safety standards and tactical priorities in responding to a wind-driven, multi-structure fire on North Shore Drive, and staff outlined hydrant maintenance and planned waterline upgrades.

“Firefighters operate in conditions that are immediately life threatening,” Chief Alan Wilson said. “We risk a lot to save saveable lives. We risk little to save saveable property.” He described the incident timeline: alarm at 05:48, dispatch and turnout within national benchmarks, first engine arrival within minutes, and mutual‑aid support. Limited local staffing — 10 personnel within 10 minutes versus the NFPA’s recommended 16–17 for similar incidents — constrained operations.

Chief Wilson credited crews and mutual aid with saving exposures while acknowledging a fully involved structure that could not be saved. He said origin investigators located where the fire began but had not determined a cause. The chief described complicating factors on the island: closely spaced elevated homes, combustible storage under houses (golf carts, propane, boats), light-frame construction and wind-driven behavior.

Public-works and utilities staff described hydrant maintenance and replacement plans. David Price said the town currently maintains higher static pressure and larger hydrant assemblies than many peers, and the town budgets about $60,000 annually for hydrant replacement (roughly five hydrants per year). Price said planned waterline upgrades (a larger-diameter, better-interconnected crossing) will improve system redundancy and resilience.

Why it matters: The briefing addressed public concerns about tactical choices and water availability, and it highlighted maintenance and capital investments that factor into public safety and insurance (ISO) ratings.

Next steps: Chief Wilson invited further technical questions and recommended community education about safety around fire scenes; staff said hydrant replacement work will resume in January and that they will publish maintenance and replacement information for the public.