Trending Topics

N.C. firefighter seriously injured in fire truck rollover

An Ellenboro firefighter was airlifted to a South Carolina hospital in serious condition after swerving to avoid a deer during an early-morning response

FR1 Affiliate images - 2025-11-18T082504.765.jpg

Ellenboro fire apparatus.

Ellenboro Fire Department/Facebook

ELLENBORO, N.C. — A firefighter was seriously injured and airlifted to a hospital after a firetruck overturned in Rutherford County on Nov. 14.

The crash occurred around 3:30 a.m. on Piney Mountain Road. The Ellenboro fire chief told WHNS that the crew was responding to a fire when the truck swerved to avoid a deer and rolled.

| MORE: Fire apparatus crash reduction

The chief said the fire truck’s driver was flown to a hospital in Spartanburg, South Carolina, about an hour away, and was in serious but stable condition. WBTV reported that no other vehicles were involved.

In a Facebook post, the Ellenboro Fire Department acknowledged the crash and said all prayers were appreciated.

Trending
Firefighters, dispatchers and other first responders are speaking more openly about PTSD, burnout and stigma as more agencies expand mental health programs
The right messaging and training can give community members the confidence to step up during emergencies
Lake Valley Fire Protection District Fire Engineer Neil Schnaible suffered a heart attack and fell, striking his head
A NIOSH investigation into a boarding house fire shows why departments must train for emergency egress and competing strategies
Company News
Each year, the NFFF carries out a responsibility entrusted to it by Congress: honoring America’s fallen firefighters and standing alongside the families they leave behind. In 2026, that mission is at risk.

Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.