A tragic house fire that claimed the life of a 7-year-old girl in 2022 has since inspired a movement dedicated to saving lives across Alabama.
The initiative, called Project Charlie, was created by Chief James Edwards of the Alder Springs Volunteer Fire Department after the devastating loss of young Charlie Carroll. Charlie died from smoke inhalation after being trapped in her family’s home during a fire. Although firefighters rescued her grandfather and one sibling that night, Charlie could not be reached in time.
“Our fireman found her, brought her straight out to me, and put her in my arms,” Edwards recalled. “I carried her straight to the ambulance, and I was with her until the doctor pronounced her at the emergency room.”
Determined to prevent such heartbreak for other families, Edwards launched Project Charlie to raise funds for thermal imaging cameras (TIs) that can help firefighters locate victims through heavy smoke and debris.
“Thermal imaging cameras would have helped save Charlie’s life, and it is my mission to get these cameras into the hands of first responders so other lives can be saved,” Edwards said in a Facebook post.
Since its founding, Project Charlie has provided 80 thermal imaging cameras to fire departments across Alabama — with 50 cameras distributed in Marshall County alone and others placed in Jackson and Madison counties.
These life-saving devices have already made a difference. Chief Edwards shared an example of a rescue made possible by the technology.
“One of the cameras down south was used to find an older individual lost in the woods,” he said.
Edwards’ goal is to expand Project Charlie statewide — and eventually nationwide — to ensure every fire station has access to this crucial equipment.
Project Charlie is funded by donations from businesses, churches, organizations, and individuals. Donations can be made directly by check and sent to Alder Springs Fire Department, 177 Stagecoach Road, Albertville, AL 35951. Project Charlie operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit with Tax ID 63-1284003.
To learn more or to support Project Charlie, follow “Project Charlie for Thermal Imaging” on Facebook. Edwards can also present the initiative to offices, churches, and community organizations upon request. He can be reached at 256-302-4161.
Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
