Volunteer firefighter killed, 2 injured in training accident, NC officials say

One firefighter was killed and two others were injured when a weekend training exercise spiraled out of control in western North Carolina, according to investigators.

It happened Saturday, June 14, and the firefighters are members of the Riceville Volunteer Fire Department, the Buncombe County Emergency Management said in a news release.

The firefighter who died has been identified as Violet RCaramella, who was a firefighter and member of the department’s medical emergency team, officials said in an update.

Details of the accident were not released, but fire department officials say the “line-of-duty death” involved a vehicle crash.

“Members of the department were participating in a training exercise in the area of Montreat,” Buncombe County Emergency Management reported.

“The incident occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m., when a Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) was involved in a serious accident during the exercise. Despite the immediate and skilled efforts of fellow firefighters and emergency personnel, Violet tragically succumbed to her injuries at the scene.”

Two other firefighters “were transported for medical treatment” and are expected recover, officials said. Their identities and details of their injuries were not released as of June 16.

Caramella joined the Riceville Volunteer Fire Department last year and also served with the Skyland Fire Department, officials said.

“She attended Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and was deeply committed to service, family, and her community,” Bumcombe County Emergency Management said. “Violet is survived by her husband, two children, and an extended family in the emergency services community.”

An investigation into the cause of the crash is underway, Buncombe County officials said.

Riceville Volunteer Fire Department stages a series of annual training events, including classes on specialized driving and how to deal with hazardous materials, according to a recent report. The department responds to an average of approximately 450 emergencies per quarter, the report states.

Riceville is about a 125-mile drive northwest from Charlotte.

This story was originally published June 16, 2025 at 4:53 AM with the headline "Volunteer firefighter killed, 2 injured in training accident, NC officials say."