Locke Deploys Brush Truck and Manpower to Party Rock Fire

Multiple waves of Locke firefighters deployed with a brush truck to the Party Rock Fire in support of interagency efforts.
Lt. Jacob Lingle and Firefighter John Parrish took assignments in suppression operations in the area of Lake Lure, NC.  After a 72-hour tour, they were relieved by Cpt. Chris Kluttz and Firefighter Ryan Smith.   More help followed over the coming days, including Firefighters Matt Parris, Thomas Aube, and Dale Bogle.
According to the N.C. Forest Service, the Party Rock Fire began on November 5th in the area of Chimney Rock State Park. Due to rough terrain and sustained dry, windy conditions, the fire quickly fanned into a large blaze. Its total area exceeded 7,100 acres.
Locke personnel join numerous crews and apparatus from the Piedmont who answered the call for help. Salisbury Engine 2, Kannapolis Engine 21, and crews from Kernersville, Mooresville, and dozens of other agencies converged to assist. Total manpower for the incident at times exceeded 323 personnel, including resources from South Carolina, Idaho, Montanta, California, and Alaska.

Rutherford County recently sent their thanks to Locke Township and other cooperating agencies: