Updated 11/6 at 4:10 p.m.
Buncombe County issues State of Emergency
Buncombe County has issued a state of emergency banning burning effective at 12 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 6 due to the extreme risk of fire. The declaration applies within the municipal limits of the City of Asheville, the Town of Weaverville, the town of Woodfin, the Town of Black Mountain, the Town of Montreat, and the Town of Biltmore Forest.
This declaration activates emergency management plans and allows personnel to be mobilized and positioned to reduce the vulnerability of people and property to damage, injury and loss of life while preparing for property and efficient rescue, care, and treatment of threated or affected persons. The declaration also provides for cooperation and coordination of activities relating to emergency mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery with other county agencies, state and federal governments, with interstate organizations, and with other private and quasi-official organizations. The state of emergency will continue until emergency service officials advise the County otherwise.
To report a fire or illegal burn, call 911.
The crinkle of dry leaves on a crisp fall afternoon can be a pleasant distraction as you walk around your favorite local park or on a hike to your favorite overlook. But consider this – it has been many days since the Asheville area has experienced significant rainfall and we are at a high risk of wildfires due to weather conditions, low humidity and gusty winds. Those leaves can provide fuel for fast moving and unpredictable fires.
The Buncombe County Fire Marshal’s Office has issued an Open Burning Ban, updated November 6 at 10:30 a.m. The ban includes: no burning of yard waste, debris, or land clearing debris, no open pit burning, no campfires, no tiki torches, no chiminea devices, etc. Open flame cooking fires such as grills are the only permissible outdoor fires until further notice.
The ban will remain in effect until conditions improve and it is officially canceled.
Protect your property
Protect your property by removing debris and dry vegetation including leaves and brush in a 30 foot radius. Keep gutters clear of leaves and debris from under porches and steps. Create a green and defendable space around your home. Dry leaves and brush are consumed quickly by fire allowing it to spread.
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By signing up for AVL Alerts, you can receive urgent communications from the City of Asheville. You can sign up for your home address but also the addresses of family members or your place of employment or your child’s school. You can receive messages by phone, email, or text message. You can unsubscribe at any time.
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