The fire started around 9:30 p.m. Dec. 1 on the roof of the Raleigh Convention Center. Investigators believe a mechanical malfunction near HVAC equipment sparked the fire.
There were no events taking place at the time. Only a few staff members were inside the building, and no injuries were reported.
Firefighters from Station One were first on the scene and knocked down the flames within about 30 minutes. For two of the first five firefighters to enter the building, it was their very first active fire, just three months after graduating from the academy.
They say their training and teamwork took over in the moment.
Jake Hughes, a firefighter with Engine 1, said the close bond within the department played a key role in the response to his first active fire.
"We're family, so that trust is built through the training, and performing, so it's nice to be able to do that and to be able to share that with them and continue to do that going forward."
Ian Meister, a firefighter with Engine 13, described relying on leadership at the scene.
"I got to the scene, took whatever tools I could from the truck, and waited for direction from my captain, and I trusted him," Meister said.
Firefighters reflect on responding to Raleigh Convention Center fire
Captain Rick Hufham, a 26-year veteran with Engine 1, praised the coordinated response.
"I'm very proud. The three units here worked just flawlessly, together on that fire. A well-oiled machine, it was so smooth."
Fire officials say the quick response likely prevented a much larger disaster. Damage to the convention center is estimated at $2 million.
Repairs and renovations are already underway. After canceling all events in December, a city spokesperson says some events are expected to return to the convention center's schedule in January.
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