At House Fire, White Level, NC, Firefighter Collapses, Dies

White Level Firefighter/Safety Officer Dale Malone, 66, died after suffering a medical emergency in a department vehicle.
Feb. 11, 2026

Firefighters in a North Carolina community are mourning the loss of a veteran firefighter.

White Level Firefighter Dale Malone, 66, suffered a medical emergency in a fire department vehicle at a house fire Tuesday.

He was transported to a local hospital where he died, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

Malone, also the department's safety officer, was involved in the fire service for 48 years.

He was the fourth firefighter to die on duty so far in 2026. 

About the Author

Susan Nicol

News Editor

Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues. 

Sign up for our eNewsletters
Get the latest news and updates

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Firehouse, create an account today!