Buncombe County Emergency Management

10/23/2026

Due to dry weather, the Buncombe County Fire Marshal is discouraging open burning until conditions improve.

As we head into the weekend, please refrain from open burning leaves, brush, and yard trimmings. Instead, create a defensible space to help protect you and your home.

Create one by:
- Removing combustible vegetation (dry leaves, pine needles) from 25 to 50 feet around your home.
- Cleaning roofs, gutters, attic vents, and wall exteriors of debris and vegetation.
- Repairing or replacing damaged or loose window screens and box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.

Find more information at buncombeready.org.

10/23/2026

We're hiring an Assistant Fire Marshal to join our team of emergency management professionals! If you want to protect lives, property, and community wellbeing, we hope you'll apply This position plays a key role in fire prevention through inspections, public education, code enforcement, and fire investigation. The ideal candidate brings strong fire service experience, sound judgment, and a commitment to public safety while working both independently and alongside partner agencies. The external hiring range is $27.58 - $33.18 per hour. See our comments for the job posting for more information and application portal.

10/23/2026

Do you know the difference between a watch and a warning? As we approach hurricane season, you may hear or read weather updates that include the words watch or warning. An easy way to remember the difference is by thinking of a cookout.

👀 Watch: All of the ingredients are there to have a barbecue.
‼️ Warning: There is a barbecue happening now or will happen soon.

Image: a watch vs. a warning graphic showing floating ingredients for a barbecue under watch and showing a picnic table with prepared food under warning. Readync.gov and the N.C. Emergency Management logo are on the bottom of the graphic.

10/20/2026

10/15/2026

Open Burning Discouraged
Because of increased fire danger from high winds, the Buncombe County Fire Marshal is discouraging open burning through Monday, Oct. 19.
Dry grass, dead leaves, and other vegetative debris could easily ignite and spread quickly.
Postpone outdoor burning if you can. Let yard debris burns wait. If you must burn, keep all fires constantly attended, and ensure you have a means of extinguishment handy.
Conditions do not warrant a ban at this time. Help emergency crews protect you and your property by refraining from burning if possible.
A reminder:
- Use extreme caution when handling potential ignition sources such as machinery and farm equipment.
- Keep fires small and manageable.
- Keep fires away from combustible vegetation and structures, at least 25 feet.
- Open burning is prohibited where there is public pickup for yard waste, including the City of Asheville and other municipalities.
- Only the burning of natural vegetation is allowed.
Before burning, residents can call the Open Burning Hotline at 828-250-6767 or visit buncombenc.gov to see if burning is allowed that day.
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Español:
Se Desaconseja la Quema al Aire Libre
Debido al mayor riesgo de incendios provocado por los fuertes vientos, el jefe de bomberos del condado de Buncombe desaconseja realizar quemas al aire libre hasta el lunes 19 de octubre.
La hierba seca, las hojas muertas y otros restos vegetales pueden prender fuego fácilmente y propagarse con rapidez.
Si es posible, posponga las quemas al aire libre; deje para más adelante la quema de residuos de jardín. Si necesita realizar una quema, mantenga el fuego bajo vigilancia constante y asegúrese de tener a mano los medios necesarios para extinguirlo.
Por el momento, las condiciones no justifican una prohibición total. Ayude a los equipos de emergencia a protegerle a usted y a su propiedad evitando realizar quemas, siempre que sea posible.
Recuerde:
- Tenga cuidado al manipular posibles fuentes de ignición, como maquinaria y equipos agrícolas.
- Mantenga los fuegos pequeños y fáciles de controlar.
- Mantenga el fuego a una distancia mínima de 25 pies (aprox. 7.6 metros) de vegetación combustible y estructuras.
- Las quemas al aire libre están prohibidas en lugares donde existe un servicio público de recolección de residuos de jardín, lo cual incluye la ciudad de Asheville y otros municipios.
- Solo está permitida la quema de vegetación natural.
Antes de realizar una quema, los residentes pueden llamar a la línea directa sobre quemas al aire libre al 828-250-6767 o visitar el sitio web buncombenc.gov para verificar si las quemas están permitidas ese día.

10/06/2026

It's Fire Prevention Week! There are some simple ways to ensure that you and your belongings stay safe.

Phones, tablets, laptops, leaf blowers, tools, toys, e-bikes, scooters, and more run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which store a lot of energy in a small space. If they are damaged or charged the wrong way, they can overheat, start a fire, or even explode

Six tips you should always practice:
🔌 Cheap charger? Don't chance it: Use the cord and charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer.

🛏️ Soft surface? Hard pass: Charge on a hard, flat surface like a table, desk, or bare floor.

🔋 Fully charged? Time to unplug: Unplug your device when it is fully charged.

🚲 For tools and rides, charge outside: Charge large items like e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outside when possible. Do not block exits when charging.

♨️ Feels hot? Stop using it: Stop using your device if it feels very hot, starts to swell, smells strange, leaks, smokes, or makes popping or hissing sounds.

🛫 On a flight? Keep it in sight: When on a plane, keep devices where you can see them while charging. Do not charge e-cigarettes or vapes on the plane. Tell a flight attendant if you notice a problem with your device.

09/30/2026

Preparedness starts with a plan!

Yesterday, Buncombe County Emergency Services joined members of the Reuter Family YMCA for a conversation about emergency preparedness and the simple steps we can all take to be better prepared when the unexpected happens.

Together, we talked about local hazards, making an emergency plan, building and maintaining an emergency supply kit, and preparedness considerations for older adults.

Thank you to the Reuter Family YMCA for inviting us and to everyone who joined the conversation, shared experiences, and asked great questions!

Build. Check. Refresh.

Build your emergency kit with the supplies you and your household need.

Check your kit regularly to make sure it’s ready when you need it.

Refresh expired items, supplies, and information as your needs change.

Small steps today can make a big difference when an emergency happens.

09/22/2026

09/11/2026

September is Preparedness Month in North Carolina and NC Task Force 2 is sharpening their skills to be ready to act during an emergency. Residents are also encouraged to prepare by making a plan, building a kit, and staying informed. Weather can change from one moment to another. To receive timely updates, sign up for BC Alerts by texting “BCReady” to 67283.