Rutherford County 911 Handles Nearly 500 Calls in 48 Hours

Rutherford County Emergency Communications reports a busy 48-hour period, processing a total of 494 combined 911 and administrative calls, reflecting a high demand for public safety services across the county.

According to a report WCAB News obtained from Director Scott Schiefelbein and 911 Operations Coordinator Roman Scruggs, dispatchers coordinated responses for medical emergencies, law enforcement activity, fire incidents, and traffic crashes throughout multiple municipalities and fire districts.

Emergency Medical Services and rescue units responded to 79 calls. Law enforcement agencies handled 125 calls for the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, along with 49 in Forest City, 28 in Rutherfordton, 95 in Spindale, and two in Lake Lure.

Fire departments across the county were also heavily engaged, responding to a wide range of incidents, including structure fires, brush fires, gas leaks, commercial and residential fire alarms, dumpster fires, and multiple motor vehicle crashes.

Primary and assisting fire departments included Bills Creek, Ellenboro, Forest City, Hudlow, Rutherford, Sandy Mush, Spindale, Union Mills, Cliffside, Shingle Hollow, and Green Hill, among others. Several incidents required mutual aid, underscoring the coordinated, countywide response system that supports residents during emergencies.

County officials praised the work of dispatchers and first responders for maintaining rapid response times and effective communication under sustained call volume. Emergency Communications continues to remind residents to call 911 only for true emergencies, helping ensure resources remain available for those in immediate need.

Rutherford County Emergency Communications is headquartered at 153 Sparks Drive in Forest City and serves as the central hub for dispatching EMS, fire, and law enforcement services throughout the county.