2 critical after Cumberland County house fire; 40 extra firefighters needed as many

Soon, several firefighters needed help for heat illnesses, Bass said. Forty extra firefighters were called in from Fayetteville, Harnett County and Moore County to help those impacted by the heat.

Westarea Volunteer Fire Department file photo
Bass said 10 extra EMS personnel were also called into supplement those crews on the scene who suffered heat ailments.

By 3:30 p.m., three firefighters and three EMS personnel were taken to be treated for heat illnesses, Bass said.

During the rapid heat illnesses and need for extra crews, county officials designated the fire call a “mass casualty incident,” according to Bass.

Bass said he was proud the Westarea firefighters, which included about 15 volunteers on Saturday.