FPDS Already Making a Difference in Yancey County

A Pre-Arrival Instruction in Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) protocols to close a bedroom door may have stopped a blaze fire in Yancey County. Read their press release about the incident below: 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 23, 2026

Yancey County 911’s New Emergency Fire Dispatch System Already Making a Difference

Burnsville, NC — The Yancey County 911 Communications Center is already seeing lifesaving results following the recent launch of its Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) protocols.

Yancey County 911 officially went live with EFD on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 11:27 a.m., marking a major advancement in the county’s emergency communications capabilities. The center’s first call on the new system was successfully processed later that day as a Service Call case, demonstrating a smooth and confident rollout.

Today, the value of the new system became clear during a residential structure fire call. Using the EFD protocols, Yancey County emergency communicators provided the caller with critical Pre-Arrival Instructions, including guidance to close the bedroom door. Fire officials believe that action likely helped slow the spread of the fire and may have saved much of the home.

“The instructions given over the phone—especially directing the caller to close the bedroom door—likely prevented the fire from spreading more rapidly and probably saved the house from burning.” said Chief Derek Murphy of the Pensacola Fire Department.

With EFD now in place, Yancey County Emergency Communicators are equipped with structured, evidence-based protocols that help them gather consistent, critical information on every call and ensure the right response is sent every time. Beyond dispatching resources, the system empowers call takers to serve as true first responders by delivering potentially lifesaving instructions while crews are en route.

Sheriff Shane Hilliard praised the implementation and credited Yancey County 911 Director Gina Duncan for her leadership and vision.

“This investment strengthens not only our Communications Center but also supports every fire, EMS, and rescue agency serving the citizens of Yancey County. I want to personally commend Remington Pate and Jessica Schofield for their professionalism and quick action on this call,” Sheriff Shane Hilliard 
The successful launch of EFD officially makes Yancey County active users of the Fire Priority Dispatch System (FPDS) and Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS), representing a significant milestone for public safety in the county.

The Yancey County 911 Communications Center commends its emergency communicators for their professionalism and quick adaptation to the new protocols and remains committed to providing the highest level of service to the community.

https://www.yanceycountysheriff.org/