Walnut Fire Department

10/16/2026

Amazing example of teamwork by a handful of our Madison County Departments this evening.

Hot Springs Volunteer Fire Department was initially dispatched for a motor vehicle collision near our district line, close to the Old Mill Wheel. Volunteer members from Laurel Fire Dept and Spring Creek Volunteer Fire Dept. who were traveling through, as well as a deputy with the Madison County Sheriff's Office, stopped to assist with the incident, shortly after it occurred. Walnut Fire Department was requested for Mutual Aid.

Members from all 4 fire departments worked seamlessly to bring the patient up a steep embankment, while Madison Medics EMS and Buncombe County EMS handled patient care. We ask that you keep all of the individuals involved in this collision in your thoughts and prayers.

Due to the incident, it was necessary to alternate traffic on US 25/70 during the peak of the evening commute. We are thankful for the community members who exercised patience, obeyed hand signals, and did their part to keep our fire department members safe! NC SHP worked quickly to have Decola's Towing & Recovery enroute. Once they arrived on scene, Decola's made quick work of getting US 25/70 back open in both directions.

We are grateful to have dedicated volunteer firefighters in Madison County, who are ready to abandon their drive home, leave the dinner table, or miss family events, to serve the citizens of Madison County. It is truly a blessing to witness how these departments can come together as one unified team, whenever the need arises.

10/12/2026

Walnut Fire Department and our membership would like to personally thank each of the following agencies that responded to assist with a series of complex emergency incidents in our fire district today. Our first responder family means the world to us, and we are grateful to work alongside them.

Madison Medics EMS
Madison County Emergency Management
Decola's Towing & Recovery
North Carolina SHP

10/09/2026

⚠️ HIGH WIND WARNING & WIND ADVISORY 💨

In effect from midnight tonight to 8 AM EDT Sunday across Western NC, northeast GA, and western Upstate SC.

📊 Threat Breakdown:
• Elevations > 3,500' (Warning): Gusts up to 60 mph. High risk of downed trees & widespread power outages.
• Lower Elevations (Advisory): Gusts 45–50 mph. Expect loose items blown around & isolated power outages.

🛡️ Actions:
• Secure outdoor items now.
• Stay on lower floors & away from windows during high winds.
• Exercise extreme caution driving, especially high-profile vehicles.

Link: weather.gov/gsp

10/06/2026

Fire prevention 2026 with our friends at NC Forest Service-Madison County.

Thank you Brush Creek Elementary School for the opportunity to educate our next generation of firefighters!

10/04/2026

10/02/2026

“After 52 years of service to the Madison County office of the North Carolina Forest Service, Alan “Slab” Fowler has decided to retire. Slab and his wife Lid were the backbone of the County’s NCFS office for decades, helping to protect county citizens and property from the threat of wildfire. The Madison office of the NC Forest Service will be holding a retirement party for Slab and Lid starting at 5 o’clock on Friday, October 2nd, 2026 at the Cooperative Extension office at 258 Carolina Lane in Marshall.”

Burgin “Bo” Dossett

Madison County Ranger
North Carolina Forest Service
5210 Us 25-70 Marshall, NC 28753
Office: 828-649-3821
Cell: 828-782-1045

09/27/2026

Today marks two years since Hurricane Helene. From the day before the storm, to the weeks to follow, our department, and many others, would be tested in ways we could never have imagined.

We are grateful for our Walnut Community, rafting community, ministries, service members, fire departments, and everyday people from across our state, and this great nation, who stepped up to serve the needs of our community, and Western North Carolina. Whether it was hot meals, dry boots and clothing, your prayers, or equipment outside of our toolbox, every single person or organization we came in contact with did their part to keep our department running.

Today, we grieve for the families of those who are no longer with us, and those across our region who still haven't made it home.

Today, we reflect on our communities that are still recovering, and the work that has been done to rebuild them.

Tomorrow, we wake up with the same purpose to train, plan, and prepare for whatever the next challenge may be.

09/20/2026

Pictured is Walnut Fire Department Lieutenant Bobby Chandler (left) alongside Alan Harris (right) of Northville Fire Department. Having served in many capacities within the department, Alan played a key role in specifications and ordering of this truck when it was new, and during its refurbishment.

09/19/2026

Over the past few years, our department has led an initiative to update our fleet with apparatus that are best suited to serve the Walnut Community. Our dedicated volunteers led this task by utilizing grant funding, and leveraging assets we already possessed, to prevent any extra burden on our Walnut Community. Today, the next part of that initiative has arrived.

While fire apparatus continue to advance, it is important to understand that every new feature can become a maintenance burden. New technology and electronic controls can make firefighters lives easier, but are not always reliable. With increasing lead times on fire apparatus and replacement parts, our department has made a point of trying to keep one mechanical backup for every newer apparatus.

This Peterbilt 379 Fire Engine was purchased from Northville Fire Department, near New Milford, Connecticut, who purchased this truck new. It has been meticulously kept, and was previously refurbished with updated safety features including LED lighting, stainless piping, and a drop-down ladder rack. Features such as a short overall length, mechanical Caterpillar 3406B engine with jake brake, rear differential lock, and an automatic transmission made this truck the perfect combination for the steep terrain in our community, while still being easier to drive for newer members. With a 1500 Gallon Per Minute pump, and a 1250 Gallon Water Tank, this truck can operate as an Engine, or as a small tanker.

We are grateful for our new friends at Northville Fire Department, and the opportunity for Walnut Fire Department to become the new home of this outstanding apparatus.