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Emblem of the west buncombe fire department, featuring a blue and gold shield with fire-rescue equipment and the text "west buncombe fire dept. fire-rescue" circling the dates 1959 and 19 in the center.
Colorful text graphic with the words "west buncombe" in bold, stylized letters shaded in blue, purple, and red with a yellow outline and a fluid, wavy effect.

Current Apparatus

Proudly Serving The Community
A red SUV with "West Buncombe Fire Dept." and "Fire-Rescue" written on its side is parked on a concrete surface. The vehicle has emergency lights on top. Bare trees and a fence are visible in the background.

Battalion 5

  • Year & Model: 2019 Chevy Tahoe
  • Type: On-duty Chief Officer
  • Quarters: Station 1
  • Crew: Battalion Chief

Detailed Description:

Battalion 5, a 2019 Chevy Tahoe, serves as the primary on-duty Battalion Chief vehicle for the West Buncombe Fire District, enabling rapid command response to emergency incidents throughout the service area. Designed for mobility, command presence, and operational efficiency, Battalion 5 allows the Chief Officer to quickly establish incident command, coordinate resources, and support crews on scene.

This unit is housed at Station 2, strategically positioned to ensure optimal response coverage across the district. The Chevy Tahoe platform provides the durability, speed, and versatility required for a command vehicle, allowing the Battalion Chief to respond effectively to a wide range of emergencies, including structure fires, medical incidents, rescues, and multi-unit operations.

Battalion 5 is equipped with:

  • Advanced communication systems for coordination with dispatch, units, and mutual aid agencies
  • Mobile command and incident management tools
  • Scene accountability and tactical support equipment
  • Basic medical equipment to assist crews when needed
  • Portable radios and interoperability equipment for multi-agency incidents

Staffed by the on-duty Battalion Chief, this unit provides critical leadership and oversight at emergency scenes. The Chief Officer is responsible for incident command, strategic decision-making, resource allocation, and ensuring the safety and effectiveness of all personnel operating on scene. Their experience and continuous training ensure adherence to best practices, modern incident command principles, and evolving emergency response standards.

Routine maintenance and readiness checks keep Battalion 5 in peak operational condition, ensuring immediate availability at all times. The vehicle’s configuration supports efficient scene management, allowing the Battalion Chief to maintain situational awareness and coordinate complex operations effectively.

By being strategically located and equipped with essential command and communication tools, Battalion 5 reflects the West Buncombe Fire Department’s commitment to strong leadership, efficient emergency response, and the safety of both responders and the community they serve.

See More From West Buncombe

All Department Apparatus

A bright red fire-rescue truck marked "Engine 5" is parked on a paved surface, with green trees in the background on a sunny day.

Engine 5

2026 Pierce Enforcer
A red and white fire truck with "Fire-Rescue" written on its side is parked on a paved surface with lush green trees and three flags (one of which is the American flag) in the background. The sky is partly cloudy with patches of blue.

Engine 52

2020 Pierce Enforcer
A red fire rescue truck is parked on a gravel lot. The vehicle has "FIRE RESCUE" written in large yellow letters on its side. An American flag is visible in the background, flying at half-staff against a clear blue sky. Trees and a small building are in the distance.

Rescue 5

2008 Pierce Arrow XT
A red fire truck with "West Buncombe Ladder 9" written on the side is parked on a paved area. The truck is equipped with an extended ladder and various equipment. Two flags, one American and one white, are flown on poles in the background under a cloudy sky.

Ladder 5

2010 Pierce Arrow XT
A red fire truck parked on a gravel lot with trees and a flagpole in the background. The truck is labeled "East Bernstadt Fire Dept." and has various firefighting equipment visible on its side. The sky is clear and blue with bright sunlight.

Tanker 5

2017 Pierce Freightliner
A bright red fire engine from the Meadowbrook Fire Department is parked on a paved road. The side view shows various equipment compartments and hoses. Trees and houses are visible in the background under a clear blue sky.

Tanker 52

2006 Pierce International
A bright red fire rescue truck from the West Buncombe Fire Department is parked on grass, surrounded by lush green trees. The truck's side compartments and equipment are visible, including hoses on top and department markings on the door.

Brush 5

2021 Anchor-Richey Ram 5500
A red fire and rescue truck from the West Buncombe Fire Department is parked inside a fire station. The truck features large off-road tires, equipment compartments, and a roll of hose at the back. The station has red and white steel beams and overhead doors.

Brush 52

2002 Anchor-Richey Ford F350
A red and black off-road fire rescue vehicle from West Buncombe Fire Department, labeled "Fire-Rescue" on the side. It has a number 35 on the door and is equipped with firefighting equipment at the back. The vehicle is parked outdoors on a concrete surface.

ATV 5

2021 Ranger XP
A red and black off-road fire rescue vehicle from West Buncombe Fire Department, labeled "Fire-Rescue" on the side. It has a number 35 on the door and is equipped with firefighting equipment at the back. The vehicle is parked outdoors on a concrete surface.

ATV 52

2022 Ranger XP
A red SUV is parked on a grassy area with a backdrop of green, leafy trees. The vehicle is shown in profile from the driver's side, displaying its full side view, including the wheels and windows. The SUV has black trim and roof rails.

Chief 5

2023 Chevy Tahoe
A red SUV is parked on a grassy area with a background of dense green trees. The vehicle is viewed from the side, showcasing its four doors, tinted windows, and silver alloy wheels. The weather is sunny, highlighting the SUV's glossy exterior.

Chief 52

2021 Chevy Tahoe
A bright red pickup truck with a double cab is parked on a grassy field with dense trees in the background. The truck has a sleek design with a shiny exterior.

Chief 53

2020 Chevy Silverado
A red SUV with "West Buncombe Fire Dept." and "Fire-Rescue" written on its side is parked on a concrete surface. The vehicle has emergency lights on top. Bare trees and a fence are visible in the background.

Battalion 5

2019 Chevy Tahoe
A bright red fire-rescue truck from the West Buncombe Fire Department is parked on green grass with a forested backdrop. The truck features various compartments and equipment, including a coiled fire hose on the rear, and has emergency lights on top.

Truck 5

2006 Ford F350
A red pickup truck with "West Buncombe Fire Dept." and "FIRE-RESCUE" written on the side is parked under a leafy tree on a sunny day.

Truck 52

2019 Chevy Silverado 2500
A red SUV with "West Buncombe Fire Dept." and "Fire-Rescue" written on its side is parked on a concrete surface. The vehicle has emergency lights on top. Bare trees and a fence are visible in the background.

TAC 5

2018 Chevy Tahoe
A red fire-rescue truck from the West Mead Township Volunteer Fire Department, featuring white stripes and various compartments, is parked on a concrete surface. The background includes bare trees and a clear, slightly cloudy blue sky.

Reserve Engine

2009 Pierce Arrow XT
A Buncombe County emergency response vehicle labeled "AIR-1" is parked on a grassy area. The truck is white with red stripes and trees are visible in the background.

Air 1

2023 EVI on RAM 5500 Chassis