Twenty-seven teams competed in this year’s competition on Saturday morning March 28. For the second straight spring the event took place in its new home in downtown Columbia near Hampton and Main streets.

The Columbia-Richland Fire Department was proud to once again provide the fire engines and the staff to make the contest possible.

“The competition truly gets our members excited each spring,” said Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins, “Not only are our firefighters eager to get a team together and try for the best pull time but they also take a great deal of pride in showing support for kids who are fighting for their very lives. We are grateful to our partners at Curing Kids Cancer for inviting us to collaborate on this idea thirteen years ago and we love that it has done so much good for the kids and their families.”

“Every year, this event means more to us than words can fully express—not just as an organization, but as a family,” said Grainne Owen, co-founder and CEO of Curing Kids Cancer. “We started this work in honor of my son, Killian, and it’s incredibly moving to see this community continue to show up for us year after year. Their compassion and support mean everything to us. Because of them, we’re able to fund lifesaving research right here in South Carolina that leads to individualized treatments for children—giving families real hope and more precious time. It means that other families may not have to walk the same heartbreaking path we did. This amazing gift of hope we can give to the children and their families is priceless!”

Members of the Irmo Fire District took home this year’s top prize for pull time. ‘Irmo Fire Strongmen Pulling for Logan’ pulled one of the fire engines down a stretch of the street in 17.68 seconds. ‘Michelin Yellow Pulling for Charlie’ finished with the second best pull time at 18.97 seconds.

Irmo Fire Strongmen Pulling for Logan

Every team that took part in the event pulled in support of or in memory of a child who has been touched by cancer.

‘Teagan’s Tribe’ recorded the highest amount in donations raised and two teams would be recognized for their creative costumes: ‘Curella’s Crew Pulling for Jackson and DeVill’s Dogs Pulling for Arianna.’

All proceeds raised from the event will go to fund pediatric cancer research at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Midlands, which is leading the charge in innovative treatments for childhood cancers.

The post $50,000 Raised in the Fight Against Cancer at 2026 Fire Truck Pull appeared first on Columbia Fire Department.

The ceremony to officially break ground on the new Fire Station 2 took place near the development site between Bluff Road and Hamrick Street on Wednesday February 4, 2026. Work will be ongoing in that area over the next 18 months to take the station from blueprints to reality.

“We really wanted to bring our community together to celebrate this moment because we got to this point thanks to the collaborative efforts of many,” said Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins, “As our city and region continues to grow, our fire department has to keep pace in providing the best emergency services we can for our citizens. This new fire station is going to be of tremendous value to us as we continue to plan for the future.”

Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins, Columbia City Manager Teresa Wilson

& Members of Council Break Ground on New Fire Station

At roughly 15,000 square feet, the new Olympia station will be situated between Bluff Road and Hamrick Street, with rear parking areas for the site abutting the old Capital City Ballpark. Features of the new station will include more space to house CRFD firetrucks, added firefighter dorms and a contemporary design that will help promote the department’s commitment to adhere to newly established NFPA contamination mitigation measures.

CRFD’s current fire station in Olympia has been in use since the 1990s and houses one engine company as well as a battalion chief. Those resources have handled roughly 3,800 emergency calls from the station over the past two years.

Department leaders are confident that the added space created by the new fire station will keep CRFD in a position where it can meet the continued growth of the community.

Among honored guests at the groundbreaking were Columbia Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann, City Manager Teresa Wilson, City Council members Will Brennan and Sam Johnson and CRFD community advocate Vi Hendley.

Firefighters serving out of the current Station 2 firehouse, which has been in use by the city since the 1990s, were also in attendance to help put ceremonial shovels in the ground.

Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Fire Station 2

Reeves Young is heading up construction on the project, which is expected to take at least the next 18 months to complete. The new station was designed by architectural firm Stewart Cooper Newell Architects. One principal goal of the project’s design was creating a modern fire station that would fit in with aesthetics found in other iconic architecture found in Olympia, most specifically the Olympia Mill.

“We’re grateful to be part of such an important project in our community and for the opportunity to partner with the city, CRFD, and Stewart Cooper Newell to bring it to life,” said Reeves Young President Chad McLeod.

The new station is estimated to cost about $10 million all of which will be covered by a Community Development Block Grant that was obtained by the city for the project.

The post Firefighters & Community Leaders Break Ground on New Fire Station appeared first on Columbia Fire Department.

• Attend a professional show instead of holding your own.
• Always read and follow directions on each firework.
• Only use fireworks outdoors, away from homes, dry grass, and trees.
• Keep a bucket of water, a fire extinguisher or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Always have an adult present when shooting fireworks.
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
• Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks.
• Wear protective eye glasses and gloves.
• Never hold a lit firework item in your hand.
• Adults should always handle fireworks and not children.

The Columbia-Richland Fire Department would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year!!

The post FD REMINDER: How to Use Fireworks Safely While Welcoming 2026 ! appeared first on Columbia Fire Department.

If your home or apartment has a live Christmas tree — WATER IT REGULARLY! 

“Live Christmas trees drink a lot of water each and every day,” said Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins, “The best thing to do is make it a habit to check the water level in your tree stand multiple times each day. If the level ever appears low, add more water to the stand. This will help keep your Christmas tree green and prevent it from becoming a MAJOR fire hazard in your home.”

Studies and videos produced by the National Fire Protection Association clearly document the dangers of Christmas tree fires.

The NFPA has reported that from 2018 through 2022 fire departments across the U.S. responded to an average of 155 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. These fires resulted in four civilian deaths, seven civilian injuries and $15 million in direct property damage each year.

Preventing Tree Fires 

Keeping your Christmas tree healthy and more flame-resistant begins with finding the greenest tree!

• Choose a tree with fresh green needles that do not fall off when touched!

Once you select your tree and bring it inside your home…

• Cut 2 inches from the base of the trunk before placing the tree in a stand
• Make sure the tree is at least 3 feet away from any heat source (i.e. heating vents, candles, radiators, fireplaces, etc.).
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
• Add water to the tree at least twice daily.

When you decorate the tree…

• Use lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
• Replace any string of lights that are worn out or broken! Follow manufacturer’s guidelines on the maximum number of light strands to connect.
• NEVER use lit candles to decorate the tree!!
• Always turn off the tree lights before you go to bed or leave your home.

Quickly dispose of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry. Do not leave it inside or against the home!

Source: NFPA

Other Holiday Safety Tips

• Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
• Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn. For added safety use battery-powered candles instead.
• Blow out lit candles and turn off holiday lights when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.

• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
• DO NOT link multiple extension cords or overload power outlets to power holiday lights
• Keep decorations away from windows and doors.

When entertaining guests…

• 
• Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.
• Keep children and pets away from lit candles.

Source: U.S. Fire Administration

• Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
• Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them.
• Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.

The post CRFD Reminding Citizens to Keep Christmas Trees Watered Through Holiday appeared first on Columbia Fire Department.

The department is proud to announce the graduation of 17 new firefighters. The members of CRFD Recruit Class 2025-02 officially completed their training on Thursday December 4, 2025 with graduation exercises that were held at Eau Claire High School in Columbia.

Before their family and friends, each new firefighter received their badge from Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins.

Several awards were handed out during the graduation. Recruit Chad Reinkens was honored with both the Maltese Cross Award as well as the Bryan P. Roberts Academic Achievement Award.

Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins (left) presents the Maltese Cross Award & Bryan P. Roberts Award to Chad Reinkens)

The Columbia-Richland Fire Department extends its congratulations to our new full-time firefighters.

RECRUIT CLASS 2025-02

Adrien Alaimo

Joseph Alfonso

Jalaysia Allen

Ronald Ashford

Sami Ayoub

Chris Baldissard

Christian Carson

Matthew Cespe

David Crim

Ethan Culver

Nathan Daugherty

Chris Johnson

Riley LeVan

Kevin McNeil

Niquolas Quick

Chad Reinkens

Nicholas Squillace

The post 17 Firefighters Ready for Duty After Graduating From CRFD Recruit School appeared first on Columbia Fire Department.

Before their family and friends Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins presented badges to 12 new senior firefighters, seven fire captains as well a new training officer and battalion chief for the department. The ceremony was held at the Busby Street Community Center on the evening of Monday December 1.

“These members have demonstrated that they are all ready to take on new responsibilities as they move to higher ranks,” said Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins, “I am truly proud of all they have accomplished and look forward to seeing the great work they will continue to do for our communities and citizens.”

The Columbia-Richland Fire Department is proud to celebrate the following promotions:

Promoted to Senior Firefighter

Volunteer Members

David Greenwood

Career Members

John Christmus                       Marcin Chrzanowski               Jordan Coleman

Omar Flores Gill                      Justin Knight                        Kristofer McClain

(From left: Senior Firefighter Brenden Preussner & Senior Firefighter Marcin Chrzanowski with CRFD Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins)

Jordan Morgan                        Brenden Preussner               Frederick Reyes

Dawson Shealy                       Trent Yandle

Promoted to Fire Captain

James Amick                       Jonathan-Tyler Garcia               Weston Jumper

(From top left: Fire Captain Acie Kibler, Fire Captain Christopher Lindsey & Fire Captain Anthony Rembisz with CRFD Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins)

Acie Kibler                          Christopher Lindsey                   Sean McCutcheon

Anthony Rembisz

Promoted to Fire Training Officer

Andrew Stender

Promoted to Battalion Chief

Jermaine Powers

The post 21 CRFD Firefighters Honored at Fall Promotional Ceremony appeared first on Columbia Fire Department.

“That plan should include having a working fire extinguisher in your kitchen or outside with you if you plan to deep fry your holiday turkey,” said Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins, “When cooking you also need to stay 100 percent focused on what you are doing. Doing so can help you prevent having a house fire or medical emergency.”

Each year Thanksgiving Day is the peak day for home cooking fires in the U.S. according to the National Fire Protection Association. In 2022 alone there were an estimated 1,610 home cooking fires and this was a 399 percent increase over the daily average.

To help ensure your Turkey Day remains trouble free, here are a few safety tips:

• Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.
• Stay in the home when cooking your turkey, and check on it frequently.
• Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay 3 feet away.

• Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
• Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.
• Keep knives out of the reach of children.
• Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
• Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.
• Never leave a lit candle unattended nor sleep while candles are lit.
• Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.
• If you have a small grease fire on your stovetop and decide to fight it, smother the flames with a lid cover and turn off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled. If the grease fire is in the oven, close the door and turn the oven off.
• Keep a Class ABC Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher handy in the event you have a growing grease fire.  NEVER use water to try to extinguish a grease fire. If you ever have doubts about fighting a small fire get out of your house and call 9-1-1. (Source: NFPA)  Finally…USE EXTREME CAUTION IF YOU PLAN TO DEEP FRY YOUR TURKEY

The NFPA has discouraged the use of turkey fryers citing the extreme danger if they are used improperly. 

If you choose to deep fry your turkey: 

• Keep the fryer outdoors, on a level surface and at least 10 feet from all combustible materials; preferably on a hard surface such as a driveway.
• Use an approved fryer. These have four legs, a built-in thermostat, and are stable. You should be easily able to measure the oil’s temperature while cooking it to prevent a fire.
• Follow all instructions. Even before turning the fryer on, make sure to read all of the instructions. Be careful when choosing the right size, how to cook the turkey, and what kind of oil to use with it.
• Thaw and dry out the turkey completely before frying!!
• Never leave the turkey fryer unattended! As soon as you turn the fryer on, never leave it alone. Also remember to use insulated gloves instead of oven mitts; the gloves have more insulation.
• Be careful of splashing oil! Make sure that the fryer is moved away from all combustible materials, including your property, grass, furnishings, etc.
• Follow these steps to make sure you use the proper amount of grease:
  • Place the turkey (still in its wrapper) in the pot.
  • Pour water in the pot until it just covers the turkey.
  • Take the turkey out of the pot.
  • On the outside of the pot, mark to water level with a marker
  • This marker represents the correct amount of grease you need in your pot

The post Key Fire Safety Reminders to Keep in Mind While Preparing Your Thanksgiving Feast appeared first on Columbia Fire Department.

“Any source of heating in your home can cause a fire but some devices are more risky than others,” said Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins, “Space heaters and fireplaces are heating sources that definitely require the most attention. Leaving either unattended for any length of time  can have drastic consequences.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association, space heaters and heating stoves were the biggest culprits in home heating-related fires from 2019 through 2023. Fires caused by these devices also resulted in the most fire deaths, fire injuries and property loss during that five-year period.

Take the following steps to heat your home safely during the cold months ahead:

• Keep anything that can burn (including carpet) at least 3 feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater. Only use space heaters on hard surfaces e.g.: hardwood, tile, etc.
• Have a 3-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
• Never use your oven to heat your home.
• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional. Also make sure your home heating equipment is UL listed.
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed. Also consider purchasing space heaters with a ‘kill switch’ that will turn the unit off if it tips over.
• Power your space heater by plugging the device DIRECTLY into a wall outlet! DO NOT use extension cords or power strips to power the space heater!
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.

• Make sure your fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month.
• Never use a portable generator inside your home. Place it outside and at least 10 feet away from the building.
• Install wood burning stoves following manufacturer’s instructions or have a professional do the installation. All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
• Install and maintain CO alarms to avoid the risk of CO poisoning. If you smell gas in your gas heater, do not light the appliance. Leave the home immediately and call your local fire department or gas company. Make sure that CO alarms are on each level of your home.

The post Prevent Fires From Heating Sources During Cold Weather appeared first on Columbia Fire Department.

“These batteries are found in most of the electronic devices that we use every day. That includes phones, tablets, power tools, drones and almost everything that has a rechargeable battery,” said Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins, “While these power sources can make our lives more convenient, they can create a great fire and chemical hazard if they are disposed improperly.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association, lithium-ion batteries store a lot of energy in a small space. This can cause them to overheat, start a fire or even explode if they are overcharged or damaged.

REMEMBER to keep these key points in mind when using them:

• Buy only listed products. When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL, or CSA. This means it meets important safety standards.
• Charge devices safely. Always use the cables that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved.
• Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.
• STOP using your device right away if the battery smells weird, gets too hot, makes popping noises, changes in shape or color. If it is safe, move the device away from anything that can catch fire. Call 9-1-1.
• Recycle batteries responsibly. Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire.
• Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.

The post REMINDER: Exercise Safety when Purchasing Charging & Disposing of Lithium-Ion Batteries appeared first on Columbia Fire Department.

“Having an unexpected fire that causes an injury or damages your home is the quickest way to ruin your Halloween plans,” said Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins, “In many cases these fires are caused by the dangerous combination of a heating source and flammable materials found in some costumes and decorations.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association holiday decorations were the first thing to ignite in more than 800 home fires each year between 2019 and 2023. Nearly half of those fires were caused by decorations that were placed too close to a heat source, such as a candle or heater.

CRFD is asking everyone to consider the following tips as they prepare for Halloween:

• When choosing a costume, stay away from long trailing fabric. If your child is wearing a mask, make sure the eyeholes are large enough so he or she can see out.
• Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costume.
• Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper catch fire easily. Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs and heaters.

• Use a battery-operated candle or glow-stick in jack-o-lanterns. If you use a real candle, use extreme caution. Make sure children are watched at all times when candles are lit. When lighting candles inside jack-o-lanterns, use long, fireplace-style matches or a utility lighter. Be sure to place lit pumpkins well away from anything that can burn and far enough out of the way of trick-or-treaters, doorsteps, walkways and yards.
• 

• Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes.
• Make sure all smoke alarms in the home are working.
• Tell children to stay away from open flames including jack-o-lanterns with candles in them. Be sure they know how to stop, drop and roll if their clothing catches fire. (Have them practice, stopping immediately, dropping to the ground, covering their face with hands, and rolling over and over to put the flames out.)
• Extinguish candles by taking away oxygen from the wick. You can use a candlesnuffer to extinguish your candles or other non-combustible materials. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.
• Keep candles at least 1 foot (30 centimeters) away from anything that can burn.
• Use candleholders that are sturdy, and won’t tip over easily.
• Put candleholders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface.
• Light candles carefully. Keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame.
• Don’t burn a candle all the way down — put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.
• Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home.
• Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage. Never use candles.

Finally, NEVER ever leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle!  Keep matches and lighters up high and out of children’s reach, in a locked cabinet.

The Columbia-Richland Fire Department hopes that everyone

has a scary yet safe 2025 Halloween!

The post Avoid Flammable Materials When Planning Your Halloween Costumes & Parties appeared first on Columbia Fire Department.