Wildfire Activity and Preparedness
Wildfire season remains active across Buncombe County. Over the weekend, crews from the Leicester Fire Department, the N.C. Forest Service, and other agencies responded to a six-acre brush fire in the Peepeye Cove and South Turkey Creek Road area of Leicester. Thanks to their efforts, no evacuations were required, and all structures were protected.
Earlier this week, a separate wildfire burned approximately 15 acres off Long Branch in the Bee Tree area. This fire is now 100% contained, and structures were protected.
Rainfall expected throughout this week will help lower the risk of additional wildfires. Buncombe County extends its sincere thanks to the firefighting teams for their swift and professional response.
Residents are reminded to take steps to reduce wildfire risks around their homes. Storm debris from earlier this year increases fire hazards, but simple precautions can help protect property:
- Clean combustible materials (firewood, gas, kerosene, and oil) from areas 25–50 feet of your home.
- Avoid storing combustibles against your house or beneath decks.
- Keep vegetation and debris cleared from gutters, rooftops, and around heating sources like oil or propane tanks.
- Always check for local burn bans before starting open burning. Visit buncombeready.org or call (828) 250-6767 for up-to-date information.
Sign up for emergency alerts by texting BCALERT to 99411.
Owen Pool Community Care Station Closing April 30
As Helene recovery continues, the Owen Pool Community Care Station will remain open until 9 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30. This location has provided essential support to residents for the past seven months.
Recognizing the need to create a sustainable long-term plan, the County is partnering in the community to support showering and laundry.
- Laundry support: Free, pre-loaded laundry cards are available through Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministries (101 N. Ridgeway Ave., Black Mountain) for use at Black Mountain Coin Laundry, which is open 24/7. Community members can register for these cards from Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministries between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday-Friday.
- Showers: Starting today, a new shower trailer is now open at Swannanoa First Baptist Church (503 Park St., Swannanoa) in Beacon Village, including a family shower space. Hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 7-9 p.m. on weeknights, and 1-4 p.m. on Sundays.
Envision Buncombe
Buncombe County Government will launch a Helene Recovery Plan to help shape how the County invests time and resources for the successful recovery of the community after the storm. For the plan, the County is joined by municipalities including the City of Asheville, Biltmore Forest, Town of Black Mountain, Montreat, and Weaverville. Each will focus on their geography and scope.
To help build this plan, Buncombe County has launched Envision Buncombe, a survey that will help us answer an important question: how can our community recover stronger, better, and more resilient while reflecting the voice of the community? It will also help inform what projects and programs we can take on as local governments to help advance that community vision.
Before the storm devastated many parts of our community, Buncombe County Commissioners were working to shape strategic priorities for the next five-year Strategic Plan. In the wake of Helene, those priorities may look different.
Share your input by filling out the quick, five-minute survey at engage.buncombecounty.org/envisionbuncombe. Questions include recovery themes and types of projects you would like to see carried out.
Helene Resource Center Services
The Helene Resource Center, located at 94 Coxe Ave., Asheville, is open weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. with free parking available. No appointments are necessary. Services include:
- FEMA assistance and case follow-up
- U.S. Small Business Administration and state disaster programs
- Hazard Mitigation Grant Program information
- One-on-one support through North Carolina’s Disaster Case Management Program
Late FEMA applications are still being accepted. Call 1-800-621-3362 or visit the Resource Center to provide your reason for delay—no documentation is required for review.
Important Upcoming Deadlines:
- April 27: SBA physical damage loan applications
- May 2: Agriculture Crop Loss Program applications
- May 15: Final date for Private Property Debris Removal paperwork submission for those who applied by the April 15 deadline
- June 30: SBA economic injury loan applications
Visit buncombeready.org for detailed application information.
Private Road and Bridge Assistance
The North Carolina Private Road and Bridge Program continues to support property owners whose private roads or bridges were damaged during Tropical Storm Helene, with priority given to homes reliant on a single access point or shared infrastructure. Learn more at buncombeready.org.
Additional Support Programs
- Agricultural Producers: Assistance available for storm-damaged crops, equipment, and facilities. Call (828) 255-5522 for help.
- Disaster Case Management: Personalized recovery assistance is available through a free state program. Call 844-746-2326 or begin at buncombeready.org.
Debris Updates
If you have applied for Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR), make sure you have submitted all the required paperwork as soon as possible. The deadline for residents and local businesses to provide all necessary paperwork for PPDR applications is May 15. This will ensure that crews with USACE are able to get to applications on a timely basis. If you have questions about your application status, please call the One Buncombe Call Center at 828-250-6100.
If you have applied for Private Property Debris Removal and have questions or concerns about the work done on your property, please email the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at DLL-CESAW-NC-Helene-PPDR@usace.army.mil.
The next community briefing will be held on April 30 at 11 a.m. and will be streamed at facebook.com/buncombegov.