100 years after the Flood of 1916, the City of Asheville is ready for the next one

By any measure Asheville’s catastrophic Flood of 1916 stands as “The Flood by Which All Other Floods Are Measured.” When two tropical storms converged on the mountains in tandem that summer — one from the Gulf in June followed by another from the Atlantic in July — the water that thundered in its wake wasn’t [...]

20 years on the force: APD’s Sgt. Danny Holden retires

On July 9, friends, family and colleagues gathered to mark the retirement of Sgt. Danny Holden and celebrate his 20 years with the Asheville Police Department. Holden has a law enforcement career under his belt that totals nearly 30 years, having come to the APD from the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Department in 1992. In 1999, he [...]

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2019 City of Asheville initiatives: What to look for in the new year

With a new year comes new programs, facility improvements and projects to improve our community. Here’s a look ahead at Asheville City government initiatives in 2019.     Red Pandas exhibit to open Two cute red pandas will take up residence at the WNC Nature Center this year. The new red panda exhibit will open to the public on [...]

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2020 City of Asheville initiatives: What to look for in the new year

With a new year comes new programs, facility improvements and projects to improve our community. Here’s a look ahead at 10 Asheville City government initiatives as we ring in not only a new year, but a new decade  in 2020.     Civic Center gets Harrah’s Cherokee name  The year 2020 will start with excitement for the newly named Harrah’s Cherokee Center — [...]

AFD gears up for Fire Safety Week with tips for preventing kitchen fires

October is Fire Prevention month, and the week of October 6-13 is a week to focus on fire prevention. The Asheville Fire Department has kicked it off with these tips for preventing kitchen fires:   It’s time for Fire Prevention Week, and from October 6-12 the Asheville Fire Department is joining forces with the nonprofit National Fire [...]

Air quality grant funds fire engine emission reduction upgrades

Twenty fire engines from departments throughout Buncombe County – including four trucks from the Asheville Fire Department – have been outfitted with equipment that drastically cuts back on their emissions of particulate matter, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. The upgrades, announced November 19 at Fire Station One in downtown Asheville, come thanks to a $31,500 North Carolina [...]

All Asheville streets now reopened

Asheville Public Works crews  cleaned mud off the streets of Biltmore Village Wednesday afternoon and evening, following flooding May 30, 2018.   Following this week’s flooding of the Swannanoa and French Broad rivers, only 1 street remained closed in Asheville Friday morning. Now it is open too. The portion of  Lyman Street closed by flooding earlier this week has been reopened. [...]

All in the numbers: Visible street addresses aid emergency response

Looking for an easy way to help police or fire and rescue responders get to you in an emergency? Make sure your home or business’ street number is on display and visible from the road. “Anytime first responders, police fire or medical personnel, are responding to calls for service, their response time is reduced when addresses [...]

APD hosts softball tourney to benefit Fallen Firefighters Fund, Special Olympics

ASHEVILLE – The Asheville Police Department hosted the 2011 BadgeBall softball tournament Aug. 13-14 to raise money for the Fallen Firefighters Fund and North Carolina Special Olympics. Games were played the first day at Jackson Park in Henderson County, and the championship games were Sunday at McCormick Field in Asheville. The team from Henderson County took the [...]

Apply for AFD’s 2013 Fire Escape Camp

The Asheville Fire Department is recruiting middle-school age kids for its summer camp to be held June 24 – 26. This a great way for kids to have fun and learn what it is like to be a City of Asheville firefighter. Click here for the 2013 Fire Escape Application. Apply by June 7. Below [...]

Asheville Battalion Chief Joy Ponder Selected for Fire Service Executive Development Institute

Exciting news from the Asheville Fire Department: Battalion Chief Joy Ponder has been awarded a scholarship to the Fire Service Executive Development Institute, a year-long program designed to advance the leadership development of firefighters serving at the top of their field. Ponder is a graduate of the four-year National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program [...]

Fire Station 13 illustration with logo

Asheville City Council approves design contract for planned Fire Station 13

    Design will move forward for a new fire station planned on a property at 316 Broadway St. near Mount Clare Avenue. At their Nov. 12 meeting, Asheville City Council authorized a $407,567 contract for expansion of design services of Fire Station 13 by Charlotte-based ADW Architects. The funding was already included in the City’s Capital Improvement [...]

Asheville City Council passes FY23 budget with key investments in top priorities.

At its June 28 meeting Asheville City Council passed the City Managers recommended budget with a 6 to 1 vote.  The $217 million budget is based on internal work, community input and Council priorities, and reflects the long term strategies and continuation of the reimagining public safety process. 

Asheville Fire and Rescue takes to bikes to stay mobile during Bele Chere

The streets are closed and crowded during Bele Chere, but that can’t stop Asheville Fire and Rescue from being able to get to people if there is a problem that needs its attention. That’s why two pairs of City of Asheville firefighters are roving the festival on bicycles. Bele Chere marks the only regular event [...]

Asheville Fire Chief, Water Director tapped for top Professional Association roles

The City of Asheville is proud to announce that two of the organization’s top leadership have been recognized by professional associations as top practitioners in their field. Asheville Fire Department Chief Scott Burnette was awarded Career Fire Chief of the Year by the North Carolina Fire Chiefs Association at a Feb. 8 ceremony. This is the [...]

Fire Citizens Academy

Asheville Fire Department accepting applications for Citizens Fire Academy

The Asheville Fire Department is accepting applications for its Citizens Fire Academy, which will start March 27.   The academy lasts nine consecutive weeks consisting of three hour classes held on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. with an additional day for graduation.   The Citizens Fire Academy teaches adult residents 18 years and older about the [...]

Asheville Fire Department accepting applications for summer camp

    The Asheville Fire Department will hold its annual fire summer camp, Fire Escape, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 25-28. Designed for rising sixth- through eighth-graders, this free summer series is a highly interactive camp filled with great hands on activities. Fire Escape Camp is limited to 30 students who will be selected based on [...]

Asheville Fire Department announces new Chief Officers

The Asheville Fire Department is proud to announce the promotions of three of its Chief Officers into key leadership positions. Wayne Hamilton and Barry Hendren have each been promoted to the position of Assistant Fire Chief, and Chris Budzinski will now serve as Deputy Fire Chief. “We are very excited about the new leadership team, and anticipate [...]

Denali the fire dog

Asheville Fire Department announces pilot program to bring facility dog to local station

  The Asheville Fire Department is excited to announce a partnership with Black Mountain-based Paws & Effect to integrate a facility dog, Denali, into one of its local fire stations.   Traditionally, dogs were used to provide companionship and safety for horses used to transport equipment from a station to a fire. While horses are no longer a [...]

Asheville Fire Department gears up for Citizens Fire Academy

  The Asheville Fire Department is accepting applications for its second Citizens Fire Academy, following last year’s inaugural program. During an eight-week course running March 29 through May participants will get an up-close look at the many facets of AFD operations. There will be a hazmat day, medical day, rescue operations session, ladder truck operations day [...]

entrance to fire station 4

Asheville Fire Department hosts Hose Uncoupling Ceremony at Fire Station 4

The Asheville Fire Department hosted a Hose Uncoupling Ceremony (ribbon cutting) at Fire Sation #4 on May 18 to celebrate the renovations and opening of the station.  Previously, the Asheville Fire Department’s Fire Station #4 shared operational facilities with Skyland Fire & Rescue. Due to the need for both departments to expand,  AFD initiated a renovation [...]

AFD rescue truck and trailer

Asheville Fire Department joins Buncombe County search and rescue team on standby for Tropical Storm Isaias

  The Asheville Fire Department assembled a team of eight firefighters to join the Buncombe County Task Force 2 Urban Search and Rescue Team (BCTF2 USAR) on a deployment assignment to Kinston, N.C., for standby to assist in emergency support due to probable effects of Tropical Storm Isaias. Isaias is projected to make landfall off the [...]

Asheville Fire Department leads trench training

Asheville’s firefighters have already trained in high places, including hanging out around the Civic Center rafters. This week, they were down in the trenches. Wednesday found the Asheville Fire Department conducting trench training at Mountainside Park near Asheville’s Memorial Stadium. In a trench freshly dug by the City of Asheville Water Maintenance division (and [...]

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Asheville Fire Department maintains accreditation status

 The Asheville Fire Department learned that the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) unanimously approved to grant them accredited status at a public hearing this week in Orlando, Fla.   Accreditation is a comprehensive self-assessment and evaluation that enables the department to examine service delivery and compare it to the industry standards. It [...]

Community Connect webpage screenshot

Asheville Fire Department rolls out platform to better engage residents to prepare for emergency situations

  The Asheville Fire Department has been working closely with technology partner First Due to release Community Connect, a website focused on protecting residents and their property in the most effective way possible during an incident or major disaster.   Community Connect is a secure, easy-to-use website that allows residents to share critical information about their [...]

Asheville Fire Department Sept. 11 memorial service and recognition of firefighters

On Saturday, September 11, members of the Asheville Fire Department and their families gathered at the Grove Park Inn to participate in a ceremony commemorating firefighters who served and died in the 2001 attacks at the World Trade Center in New York City. The ceremony was presided over by Asheville Fire Chief Scott Burnette, who [...]

Asheville Fire Department shares residential sprinkler system success story

   The Asheville Fire Department responded to a possible structure fire off Old Chunns Cove Road just before 7 a.m. May 31. When companies arrived on the scene they noticed light smoke coming from one of the units in a duplex of four separate homes. When firefighters entered the building they observed that the residential sprinkler system had [...]

Asheville Fire Department supports Asheville Fire Fighters Association with Operation Warm

The Asheville Fire Department will join forces to help support our Asheville Fire Fighters Association Local 332 with an Operation Warm coat distribution 1 p.m. Dec. 17 Hall Fletcher Elementary. Over 100 new, American- and union-made coats will be delivered and given to selected children in need of assistance. Joint fundraising and donations were received from [...]

Asheville Fire Department supports Pink Heals Tour

The Asheville Fire Department supports the national Pink Heals Tour as it makes its way into Asheville on Friday, August 7, starting at 10:30 a.m. AFD will meet the tour at the City line near Canton and will proudly lead the tour to the Asheville Outlets for a celebration event open to the public from [...]

Asheville Fire Department teaches smoke alarm safety in Asheville schools

A working smoke alarm can be a lifesaver in the home. That is the message being spread this month by the Asheville Fire Department through educational events and visits to area schools. “We have seen many families who have safely escaped danger because their smoke alarms alerted them about a fire” says Kelley Webb, AFD Fire [...]

firefighter self contained breathing aparatus gear

Asheville Fire Department to apply for FEMA funding to increase firefighter safety

  The Asheville Fire Department is requesting the authorization to apply for a FEMA Firefighters Grant of $130,910 to provide funding to purchase two air compressors to allow greater accessibility to fill air bottles used by firefighters during operation at a fire scene.    During their June 22 meeting, Asheville City Council authorized a resolution for the City [...]

Asheville Fire Department to kick off prevention campaign

Today’s home fires burn faster than ever. In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Knowing how to use that time wisely takes planning and practice.   The Asheville Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) ­‑‑ the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™ for more than 90 years ‑‑ [...]

Asheville Fire Department to participate in Norfolk Southern hazmat safety training

The Norfolk Southern hazmat safety train will be in Asheville on August 7-11 delivering training to the Asheville Fire Department and other area first responders. The train consists of a distinct engine honoring police, fire and emergency services; two boxcars converted into classrooms; and four types of tank cars.     WHAT: AFD to participate in Norfolk Southern [...]

Asheville Fire Department trains for handling chemical tanker incidents

Asheville’s firefighters got an up-close look last week at the inner workings of vehicles that transport potentially hazardous chemicals along highways and rail lines. Over three days, the Asheville Fire Department learned the ins and outs of tanker trucks and tractor trailers that transport anhydrous ammonia, a chemical that is used in agriculture, wastewater treatment, [...]

Asheville Fire Department wins international service award for approach to firefighter resilience and mental health wellness

    The Asheville Fire Department proudly accepted the Community Service award for 2021 from the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) at their virtual  World Congress 16 conference held May 25-27.  The WNC Peer Support  Network nominated AFD based on our proactive approach to resilience and mental [...]

Fourth of July children

Asheville Fire Department: Leave Fourth of July fireworks to the professionals, consider safer alternatives

Each Fourth of July, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks – devastating burns, other injuries, fires, and even death.  That’s why the Asheville Fire Department recommends leaving the fireworks to the professionals.    We are excited to [...]

Asheville Fire Department: Play it safe this Fourth of July

Each Fourth of July 4, thousands of people, most often kids and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. On a typical Fourth of July, there are more fires nationally than on any other day of the year, with fireworks accounting for two out of five of those fires, more than any other cause of [...]

Asheville Fire Department: Smoke alarms save lives and property

Unattended cooking is a leading cause of house fires, according to the Asheville Fire Department.   The Asheville Fire Department responded to a fire alarm activation at a residence this past week, forced entry and found food left on the stove. Thanks to the fire alarm, which was monitored by an outside agency, and the quick response [...]

Asheville Fire Department: sprinkler systems save homes and lives

October is Fire Prevention Month, but the Asheville Fire Department already has an important message about the difference a sprinkler system can make in reducing fire damage. From the AFD FireLine page: On September 24, 2012 the Asheville Fire Department was dispatched to 9091 Verde Vista Cr. in response to a reported structure fire. Crews arrived on [...]

Thanksgiving photo illustration of 2 women getting a cooked turkey out of the oven.

Asheville Fire Department: Thanksgiving leading day for house fires; here are tips to prevent them

  As you start preparing your holiday schedule and organizing that large family feast, remember, by following a few simple safety tips you can enjoy time with your loved ones and keep yourself and your family safer from fire.   Top 10 safety tips Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep [...]

Asheville Fire Division Chief and cancer survivor runs Black Mountain Marathon

Asheville Fire Department Division Chief Joy Ponder, third from left, stands with her crew, which has been very supportive as she battled cancer herself. Update: On Feb. 24, 2018, Asheville Fire Department Division Chief Joy Ponder finished the Black Mountain Marathon  in 7 hours, 26 minutes, 13 seconds.   Related coverage, Citizen-Times video of Joy Ponder and AFD Chief Scott Burnette:

fire rubble

Asheville Fire investigators awarded FEMA grant for tools and protective equipment

  Asheville Fire investigators will have more tools to dig into debris to determine the origin and cause of fires under a FEMA grant accepted by Asheville City Council during their Sept. 22 meeting.   The FEMA’s Fire Prevention & Safety Grant will provide specialized equipment for AFD’s Fire Marshal investigators, such as mobile software for documentation (iPads), [...]

Asheville fire tiller truck

Asheville Fire’s dual driver ladder truck maneuvers through tight spots, features tall ladder

  Hey Asheville, have you wondered what kind of fire truck AFD’s dual driver ladder truck is?    It’s called a tiller truck or a tractor drawn aerial (TDA). This hook-and-ladder truck features a specialized turntable ladder mounted on a semi-trailer truck. Ladder 1 was purchased for $1.2 million back in 2019.  It runs out of the downtown [...]

Asheville firefighter’s cancer death ruled a ‘line of duty death’ by N.C. Industrial Commission

Asheville Fire Department Engineer Will Willis died in February 2018 due to cancer.   The Asheville Fire Department is elated to share the news that the N.C. Industrial Commission has ruled that AFD’s Engineer Will Willis, who died in February due to cancer, is considered a line of duty death.   Not only will his family receive survivor benefits, but [...]

Asheville firefighters participate in 200+ mile race

Twelve Asheville firefighters participated in a grueling challenge last weekend: the Blue Ridge Relay. Happening Sept. 11-12, the 208-mile Blue Ridge Relay (BRR208) is one of the longest-running relay races in the United States. Members of Asheville’s 12-man team will rotate through 36 transition areas as they cover the 208-mile distance of the race. The scenery couldn’t [...]

Asheville firefighters set to run 200-mile+ Blue Ridge Relay

Twelve Asheville Fire Department employees will compete in the Blue Ridge Relay this weekend. This marks the sixth year that a team of firefighters from AFD have completed the 208 mile course. Typically finishing in about 26 hours; each athlete will run an average of 17 miles. The team will be competing with 175 other teams from across the [...]

Asheville firefighters stay on top of training opportunities

When your job can involve any dangerous scenario from burning buildings to high-rise rescues, you never stop preparing, says Asheville Fire Department Division Chief of Safety and Training Barry Hendren. “We’re always ready to do training for the unexpected,” says Hendren. “It just helps us be better prepared for what comes our way.”   In recent months, the [...]

Asheville firefighters to participate in free smoke alarm canvas Saturday

Red Cross volunteers, Asheville firefighters, AmeriCorps volunteers to install FREE smoke alarms and educate West Asheville residents on home fire prevention    Asheville firefighters, American Red Cross volunteers and AmeriCorps volunteers will spend Saturday, May 7, walking door-to-door installing free smoke alarms and distributing fire safety information to residents in neighborhoods surrounding Hall Fletcher Elementary School. They will [...]

Asheville media offered opportunity to cover rapid deployment training

From 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. August 3, media representatives are invited to attend rapid deployment training. The training, which has involved the Asheville Police Department, Asheville Fire Department and Buncombe County Emergency Medical Services, will take place at the Career Technical Education building beside Asheville High School (419 McDowell St., Asheville). There will be opportunity [...]

Asheville middle-schoolers can participate in free fire camp

The Asheville Fire Department will hold its annual fire summer camp, Fire Escape, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 19-22. Designed for middle school children ages 11 to 13, this free summer series is a highly interactive camp filled with great hands on activities. Most activities are conducted in pairs or teams, in which the [...]

Asheville Police Department celebrates Citizen’s Police Academy graduates

The Asheville Police Department celebrated the graduation of its Fall Citizen’s Police Academy class on December 15, with 25 people graduating from the program. The program allows citizens to gain an understanding of the police department and how it operates. The Citizen’s Police Academy is a 14-week program in which participants can experience up close and [...]

Asheville Police hiring; all interested encouraged to apply

Looking to begin your career in law enforcement or in fire/rescue? Then you’re in luck! The Asheville Police Departments is hiring. But you need to act fast. The APD is hiring for the position of Police Officer Trainee. Testing for this position will be offered on June 23 and 28. The written test will be held at [...]

Asheville Police, Fire Department officers to participate in Carolina Brotherhood Ride

Firefighters and police officers from North and South Carolina will cycle approximately 460 miles in five days to pay tribute to fallen brothers and sisters from the Carolinas. Riders will head out on July 25 from Columbia, S.C., and will end their journey on July 29 Raleigh. Several Asheville Firefighters and Asheville Police Officers are among [...]

Asheville police, fire departments to conduct rapid deployment training at school

The Asheville Police Department, in partnership with the Asheville Fire Department and Buncombe County EMS, are participating in a rapid deployment exercise at the current Isaac Dickson Elementary School (90 Montford Avenue) today, June 28, and Wednesday, June 29, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. During this exercise officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians will be [...]

Road closed Detour

Asheville roads close in heavy rain, Flood Warning issued

The Asheville Fire Department is experiencing an increase in call volume, due to heavy rain conditions.   The following road are closed: Amboy Road – Mud slide/tree down in road Skyview Place – Mud slide Azalea Road East is closed from Tunnel Road to the fish pond – Flooding Cambridge Road – Utility issues Springdale and Richard – Large tree   Road now reopened: Biltmore [...]

Asheville roads reopen after Monday’s storm

Updated information: The City of Asheville Street Division has closed Skyview Place near 1 Skyview Place due to a mudslide.  City staff are working to ensure residents can access their property. The repairs are expected to continue into next week. Street Division crews are working to clear mud off of Azalea Road today. The Cambridge Road mudslide has [...]

Asheville still under flash flood watch following Florence

This Google map images shows Tropical Depression Florence’s location Sunday evening.     A day of nonstop rain from Tropical Depression Florence brought some flooding to the Asheville area Sunday and overnight into Monday. Sunday evening, the City of Asheville closed Azalea Road as the Swannanoa River has begun to rise. Also, the Asheville Fire Department performed a swift-water rescue of [...]

Asheville youth attend Asheville Fire Department camp

On Friday, June 18, Asheville Fire Department wrapped up its first annual fire camp for kids. The day camp, which was held June 16-18 at the Asheville Firefighters Association Camp off Clayton Road, gave 18 boys and girls the opportunity to learn more about the tools and skills firefighters use, and even let them get [...]

City Hall snow

Asheville, Buncombe officials outline winter storm preparedness, share safety messages

  More snow than we thought could be coming. During a joint press conference and community briefing on winter storm response, Buncombe County and City of Asheville officials shared safety messages and updates on what to expect. As the snow began falling outside Buncombe County Emergency Services Headquarters, Director Jerry VeHaun shared information from a conference call Saturday [...]

Asheville’s Tunnel to Towers 5K Run/Walk returns Aug. 19

  Local firefighters run in gear and compete for Siller Cup     The Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation 5K Run/Walk hosts its Tunnel to Towers 5K Run/Walk nationwide each year. This year, the Asheville Tunnel to Towers 5K is set for Aug. 19.   Tunnel to Towers is dedicated to the memory of FDNY hero, and father of five, Stephen Siller, who lost his life on 9/11. Stephen, who was [...]

Azalea Road reopens, Asheville rivers are in their banks following #FlorenceNC

View of the  French Broad River from the Clingman Avenue bridge Monday, Sept. 17.     The sun is shining and the Swannanoa and French Broad rivers are in their banks following Sunday’s nonstop rain from Tropical Depression Florence. The storm brought minor flooding to the Asheville area Sunday, Sept. 16. Sunday evening, the City of Asheville closed Azalea Road as [...]

Bele Chere Top 10 Things to Know: navigating the festival and doing it safely

#4: Find your way One of the best parts of Bele Chere is wandering around the festival, running into unexpected friends and searching for treasures in artist booths or stumbling upon a fantastic street performer. But sometimes, you want to get somewhere right now, be it a band or a bathroom, and you need to know how [...]

Bowen 7 Memorial Workout honors fallen Asheville firefighter

The Asheville Fire Department supports the upcoming Bowen 7 Memorial workout to honor our fallen brother, Captain Jeff Bowen. On July 28, 2011, Captain Bowen gave his life in the line of duty while responding to a fire in a high rise medical office building at 445 Biltmore Ave.   This year’s event will hosted by Beer City [...]

Bridge named for AFD Capt. Jeff Bowen

Asheville Fire Department Captain Jeff Bowen, who died in the line of duty while battling a 2011 blaze, was memorialized Aug. 15 with the renaming of a bridge that spans the French Broad River in Asheville. In a ceremony attended by hundreds, including firefighters from Asheville and many other areas, a sign recognizing the Capt. Jeff [...]

Buncombe County, City of Asheville to hold joint winter storm briefing

Update: At 2 p.m. today, Buncombe County and the City of Asheville will conduct a joint press and community briefing on winter storm response, and safety messages. The briefing will be streamed live on the City’s Facebook page.   Did someone say Winter Storm Warning? The City of Asheville is ready!   With the National [...]

Carolina Brotherhood rides into Asheville

On Friday, August 16, the Carolina Brotherhood, a group of firefighters, police officers and emergency personnel riding 700 miles across North and South Carolina in honor of their fallen comrades, rode into downtown Asheville on their way to their final stop in Boone. The group of bicyclists included Asheville’s own Landon Davis, Dan Flinn, Joe Hallam, [...]

CAYLA program continues to foster student success

ASHEVILLE – The City of Asheville Youth Leadership Academy (CAYLA) fosters success stories for students year after year. From 2008-2011, the total scholarship money awarded to CAYLA students was more than $400,000. In addition, 100 percent of CAYLA students in 2008-2010, as well as the 2011 graduating class have been accepted to college. The below vignettes focus [...]

City approves updated hazard mitigation, emergency management plan

ASHEVILLE – Local leaders say the community is best served during emergencies and national disasters when area governments work together, sharing information and resources under the unified goal of lessening risks and hazards to the public. This type of cooperation has a name: hazard mitigation. On Tuesday, Asheville City Council approved a resolution adopting the latest [...]

City of Asheville 2018 initiatives: What to look for in the new year

  With a new year comes new programs, facility improvements and projects to improve our community. Here’s a look ahead at Asheville City government initiatives in 2018. We couldn’t get the list down to 10 items so here are a dozen to look for in the coming year.       New, more diverse City Council   Asheville City Council 2018: Standing, left to right, are Keith Young, [...]

City of Asheville and Asheville firefighters to host Tunnel2Towers 5K

Event honors those who perished on 9/11   Among the promises made by Americans after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, was to pay homage to those who perished, and to never allow the heroism and resilience displayed by Americans in the aftermath to be forgotten. As we near the 15th anniversary of 9/11, the City of [...]

City of Asheville announces the retirement of Asheville Fire Chief Scott Burnette

Fire Chief Scott Burnette is retiring after serving the community for over 28 years, with the last 14 years as fire chief. His last day will be June 1, 2023.   “Chief Burnette has been an incredible leader both to his department and the organization as a whole,” said City Manager Debra Campbell. “Through his years of [...]

solar panels on Fire Station 11

City of Asheville completes aggregated solar project

Recently the City of Asheville “flipped the switch” on a photovoltaic array, commonly known as solar panels, at the Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center on Shiloh Road. This is the fifth City facility to include onsite renewable energy production. This completes the City’s portion of projects included in the joint initiative to install solar panels on City of Asheville, Buncombe County, Asheville City Schools, Buncombe County Schools and AB-Tech facilities. 

2023 AFD fire recuits lined up at gradutation

City of Asheville congratualtes Asheville Fire Department recent graduates

After several months of firefighter training that was both mentally and physically challenging, 21 new recruits of the Asheville Fire Department graduated to join  with firefighters currently serving the Asheville community.  March 23 was graduation night for these members.   But before ceremonies and celebrations, came the hours of hard work and a committment to the dedication required [...]

City of Asheville employees selected for Leadership Asheville

The City of Asheville is pleased to announce that Deputy Finance Director Eric Hardy and Asheville Fire Department Public Information Officer Kelley Klope have both been selected to attend the 32nd Leadership Asheville Class beginning in September.   Leadership Asheville, operated through UNC Asheville is an important resource to the community, with participants honing leadership and collaborative [...]

City of Asheville Fire Department is awarded a Class 1 fire rating

The NC Commissioner of Insurance and State Fire Marshal Mike Causey announced today that the Asheville Fire Department improved its fire rating from Class 2 to Class 1.   This improved fire suppression rating means not only is AFD better equipped to respond to emergencies, the new top rating should continue to significantly reduce insurance rates in [...]

forest fire art

City of Asheville Fire Marshal’s Office issues burn ban 

    Asheville, NC (November 30, 20201) — Due to increased fire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits statewide (ALL counties) which went into effect at 5 p.m., 11/29/2021 and remains in effect until further notice.  Due to the low humidity, lack of rain, and higher winds the [...]

City of Asheville Fire stations become first municipal buildings outfitted with solar technology

Fire stations in East and West Asheville will soon get their hot water from newly installed solar panels, announced the City of Asheville’s Office of Sustainability. On September 16, technicians from Asheville-based Sundance Power Systems installed two collector panels atop Asheville Fire and Rescue’s Station 8 on Tunnel Road. Similar panels were set to be [...]

City of Asheville gears up for winter storm response

  With the National Weather Service predicting a wintry mix of snow, sleet and possible ice Saturday through Monday, the City of Asheville is preparing its storm response.   The City of Asheville is preparing a coordinated response with our community partners, including NCDOT, Duke Energy and Buncombe County Emergency Management.   Public Works crews have been fitting trucks with [...]

911 ceremony photo

City of Asheville holds 9/11 remembrance ceremony

The City of Asheville held a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 11 in front of the Municipal Building, 100 Court Plaza. The ceremony was in remembrance of the 2,996 people who died during the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and on hijacked United Airlines Flight 93. The ceremony opened [...]

City of Asheville launches Community EMT Pilot Program downtown

  In response to feedback from downtown stakeholders about the need for increased resources to maintain a welcoming, safe downtown experience, the City of Asheville has launched a Community EMT Pilot Program.   The vision is for this six-week pilot program to integrate the roles of public safety official and medical responder into one team. Under this pilot [...]

AFD water rescue

City of Asheville mobilizes to ensure safety during Tropical Storm Fred flooding

  As remnants of Tropical Storm Fred hit the Asheville area yesterday and into the night, many City of Asheville departments worked in coordination to keep the people of our community safe.  The City activated the emergency operations center early afternoon on Tuesday, Aug. 17, in order to best coordinate City efforts and to work in [...]

City of Asheville monitoring hurricane, prepares for storm

Latest Hurricane Florence storm track. Updated information includes: Hurricane Florence has weakened slightly to Category 3 hurricane, with winds near 125 mph (201 kph). It is still considered “extremely dangerous.” How Asheville Fire Department is helping in the storm zone. Link for shelters in the storm zone.   The City of Asheville continues to monitor the path of Hurricane Florence and [...]

City of Asheville offices close for Memorial Day holiday; Sanitation and ART buses run on holiday schedule

The City of Asheville offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day, May 30, a federally designated holiday that honors military personnel who have died in the performance of their military duties while serving in the United States Armed Forces.     Here is a roundup of other City services affected by this holiday, as well as [...]

Asheville holiday schedule photo illustration

City of Asheville offices to close for Juneteenth Observance – Monday, June 20, 2022

On June 20, 2022  Asheville City offices will be closed in observance of Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day. Juneteenth, officially observed each year on June 19,  marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African-Americans in Galveston, Texas, were told they were free, marking the end of slavery in the United States. Congress [...]

Silt removal on Town Branch

City of Asheville prepares for remnants of Tropical Storm Sally

    The remnants of Tropical Storm Sally are expected to pass close enough to western North Carolina to bring periods of heavy rain Thursday morning into Friday morning. Because of this, the National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch to include Buncombe County.  The City of Asheville is ready. Public Works [...]

City of Asheville prepares for week of heavy rain

A Stormwater Services crew removes silt, dirt and debris from storm drains atop Town Mountain July 31.     In advance of heavy rains this week, the City of Asheville is prepared! The Water Resources Department is following the Flood Operation Plan at the North Fork Reservoir. One gate is slightly opened (6 inches) to accommodate present and anticipated precipitation to [...]

Asheville Fire Department in Biltmore Village.

City of Asheville seeks resident input on citywide Emergency Operations and Continuity of Operations Plans

The City of Asheville wants to hear from you about the creation of two emergency operations plans. In working to advance the City Council’s priority of building neighborhood resilience, the Asheville Fire Department is coordinating the efforts to update the City of Asheville’s Emergency Operations Plan and the Continuity of Operations Plan.  This work involves [...]

solar panels at Fire Station 10

City of Asheville shares data from new solar installation at Fire Station 10

On September 30, the City of Asheville “flipped the switch” on the photovoltaic array, commonly known as solar panels, at Fire Station 10 on Old Haywood Road. This is the second City facility to include renewable energy production, the first being the Transit Station on Coxe Avenue. This is also part of [...]

collage of draft building designs

City of Asheville shares Fire Station 13 visual survey results, announces second community meeting

A visual preference survey for Fire Station 13 on Open City Hall Asheville recently closed, with 464 responses from the community. The new fire station is planned for property owned by the City on Broadway Street near Mount Clare Avenue. Survey results showed that: 38% of the participants preferred a transitional or contemporary building [...]

Tammy Hooper speaks at 9/11 ceremony

City of Asheville to hold 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony

Asheville Police Chief Tammy Hooper is shown making remarks during a previous 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony.     The City of Asheville will hold a 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 11 at the City Municipal Building, 100 Court Plaza.   This event is to pay solemn tribute to those who heroically sacrificed their own lives to save thousands of [...]

911 ceremony photo

City of Asheville to hold 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony

  The City of Asheville will hold a 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 11 at the City Municipal Building, 100 Court Plaza. This event is to pay solemn tribute to those who heroically sacrificed their own lives to save thousands of others, and to remember those who helped in the rescue-recovery efforts that followed [...]

Tammy Hooper speaks at 9/11 ceremony

City of Asheville to host 9/11 remembrance ceremony

On September 11, at 8:30 a.m., the City of Asheville will commemorate the 16th anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center. The observance will take place in front of the Municipal Building, 100 Court Plaza. The ceremony will honor the memory of the firefighters, law enforcement officers, and other first responders and civilians who [...]

New fire station

City of Asheville to host groundbreaking event for new Public Safety Station on Broadway Street

  The City of Asheville is pleased to host a groundbreaking event for a new Public Safety Station at 316 Broadway Street in north Asheville at 10 a.m. October 18. This facility will be home to Fire Station 13, a Police Substation, the relocated Emergency Operations Center, and a small community conference room.   Brief comments will be [...]

memorial day photo illustration

City of Asheville, Buncombe County and Veterans Council to host LIVE  Memorial Day Ceremony

The City of Asheville and Buncombe County will host a Memorial Day Ceremony at 3:00 p.m. May 30, 2022 at the Roger McGuire Green in Pack Square Park.   The ceremony will feature short readings by Brothers And Sisters Like These Veterans Writing Group who write to heal the wounds of war. Pastor Spencer [...]

City, county partner to operate regional mass evacuation bus

ASHEVILLE – The Asheville Fire Department recently received delivery of a mass evacuation bus that will greatly increase public safety officials’ ability to handle larger emergencies and disasters in the region. It was purchased with a $357,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Grant Program, said Asheville Fire Department Division Chief Joe Meadows. The bus, [...]

Climate Justice Data Map provides valuable information during water outage

Climate Justice tools and resources can help operationalize lessons and information gathered in “clear skies” times to react and respond with informed, data driven actions during times of stress and crisis. Reports and data sets from the multi-year process of analyzing Asheville’s climate threats and assets, interviewing community members and hosting community conversations culminated in [...]

Clowning around with the Asheville Fire Department to promote kids’ safety

The City of Asheville Fire Department gave serious messages a fun twist recently, bringing its Asheville PALS skits to City of Asheville elementary schools. Asheville PALS, which stands for Prevention and Life Safety, is a program developed by AFD that uses skits, clowns, puppets and kid-favorite Sparky the Fire Dog to convey fire and child [...]

CoA employees give at the AFD/APD Blood Drive

  A big thanks to all of the City of Asheville employees who came out and donated at the Asheville Fire Department and Asheville Police Department Blood Drive on October 24. The drive, held in the City of Asheville Municipal Building that houses both the APD and AFD, saw donors from multiple departments contributing where it [...]

CoA high speed public safety wireless system earns international recognition

An international organization of government IT workers recognized the City of Asheville June 15 for an innovative and cost effective point-to-point network connecting the city’s emergency response network. The system, implemented with the assistance of IT Services, the Asheville Fire Department, and Building Safety, and with a partnership with the locally-based Skyrunner, grew out of a [...]

Community marks 10 years since 9/11

ASHEVILLE – Members of the Asheville community, city leaders and staff on Sunday gathered to observe the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The ceremony was led by the Asheville Fire Department and was held in the Ferguson Auditorium of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. Officials say the total number of people killed in [...]

Development Services builds on positive customer feedback

ASHEVILLE – The Development Services Center is continuing its emphasis on providing excellent customer service by seeking regular feedback from the people it serves. Staff recently issued an online customer service survey to gauge their performance. The goal is to keep doing what customers say is working and to improve in areas that customers felt were [...]

Every smoke alarm has an expiration date: What’s yours?

  The Asheville Fire Department urges City of Asheville residents to know how old their smoke alarms are, and to replace them every 10 years   Does your home have a smoke alarm? According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the answer is likely yes: NFPA research shows that most American homes have at least one. But do you know [...]

Fall fire safety tips: Asheville Fire Department reminders

It may be bittersweet to say goodbye to summer. But fall brings its own charm with crisp autumn afternoons, colorful leaves and fall festivals. As the weather beings to change, here are some helpful fire safety reminders from the Asheville Fire Department.   Home heating Soon you may need to fire up the furnace so it is important [...]

Fire

The mission of the City of Asheville Fire Department is to protect the lives, property and environment of all people within Asheville by preventing the occurrence and minimizing the adverse effects of fires, accidents, and all other emergencies. This mission will be accomplished with firefighter pride, preparedness and professionalism, with a focus on quality customer [...]

Fire Camp a great escape for kids

For 28 youths, this week was a chance to fill the boots of firefighters at the City of Asheville Fire Department’s Fire Escape camp. For the third year in a row, AFD hosted the three-day camp for boys and girls in grades six through eight. Attendance at the camp, held at the Asheville Firefighters Association Camp [...]

Fire Department Staff Directory

Asheville Fire Department   Asheville Fire Department business hours are Monday -Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Main Office Line: 828-259-5636 Fire Marshal’s Division: 828-259-5640 Physical Address: 100 Court Plaza  Asheville, NC 28801 Mailing Address:   P.O. Box 7148 Asheville, NC 28802   Fire Chief  (Vacant) Position Announcement   Deputy Fire Chief (Interim Fire Chief )   Chris Budzinski 828-259-5636 cbudzinski@ashevillenc.gov Deputy Fire Chief Chris Budzinski joined the Asheville [...]

Fire Education

The Asheville Fire Department offers several different types of education and prevention programs that target children, adults and seniors. These programs are delivered to the public at no charge and are presented in the most professional manner. These programs allow us to achieve our mission, which is to protect the lives, property and environment of [...]

Fire extinguisher training caps ‘Fire Safety Month’

ASHEVILLE – In recognition of Fire Safety Month and fire dangers associated with the fall and winter seasons – wood burning stoves, Christmas trees, etc. – the City of Asheville’s Risk Management Division and the Asheville Fire Department this week hosted portable fire extinguisher training for staff. The training focused on the general principles of portable [...]

Fire Marshals Division

A person working within the Fire Marshal’s Office is no longer someone who just attempts to prevent fires. What was once made up of former firefighters who provided only fire prevention inspections in the city’s business areas has now become a complex division, which provides many aspects of emergency and non-emergency services. To meet today’s [...]

Fireworks can be dangerous, so leave the light show to the professionals

It’s a patriotic holiday but the Fourth of July has a dark side. That’s because on a typical Fourth of July there are more fires nationally than on any other day of the year. And fireworks account for two out of five of those fires, more than any other cause of fires. More than 11,000 injuries [...]

Rain person with umbrella

Flash Flood Watch cancelled as remnants of Ida moves through the mountains

  Update, 8:45 a.m. Sept. 1 A Flash Flood Watch issued by the National Weather Service for the Asheville area has been cancelled. No additional widespread hazards are expected with the remnants of Ida, which will depart the area today. There is still s 60% chance of rain in today’s forecast.   Update, 6:15 a.m. Sept. 1 All streets [...]

Florence weakens to tropical depression, Asheville under flash flood, wind advisories

Latest Tropical Depression Florence storm track.   Latest updates: The gates at the North Fork Dam were closed at 2:40 a.m. Sunday 703,184 without power statewide Sunday. Asheville remains under a wind advisory. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch for Asheville through Tuesday. Flooding impacts may not be apparent until Monday. The storm could bring the potential for landslides. A weakened [...]

fire truck with kid

For Fire Prevention Week, Asheville Fire Department reminds residents: Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!

  The Asheville Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years — to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!™” The campaign, which runs [...]

For safety try flameless candles this Halloween

Flameless candles are a fun and safe alternative to using real ones in a festive jack-o’-lantern or with other decorations.     Children dressed in costumes excitedly running door to door to trick-or-treat, festive decorations like glowing jack-o-lanterns, paper ghosts and dried cornstalks adorning front porches – these are some of the classic hallmarks of Halloween that make [...]

Funeral procession today for APD/AFD chaplain

Asheville Fire and Police Chaplain Wayne Roper passed away on April 1 at Mission Hospital. Chaplain Roper served several years for Asheville Fire and Police Departments assisting with ceremonies and providing emotional support.  On Friday, April 7, there will be a procession from Groce Funeral Home, 1401 Patton Ave., which will commence at 1 p.m. [...]

Fire Academy photo

Go behind the scenes with Asheville Fire Department’s Citizens Fire Academy

  The Asheville Citizens Fire Academy is designed to increase the community’s understanding and awareness of the Asheville Fire Department. This is an amazing opportunity for adults (18 years or older) who live and/or work in Asheville to learn about the philosophies, policies and guiding principles of the Asheville Fire Department and the services we provide [...]

Hazardous Materials Training with the Asheville Fire Department at UNC Asheville

A training exercise held on the campus of UNC Asheville May 24-26 reinforced the ability of the Asheville Fire Department and other agencies to cross-communicate with each other in the case of a regional emergency incident, as well as provided an opportunity to stage a large-scale drill. The exercise, funded by the Department of Homeland Security, [...]

Heroism, accomplishments by city employees, recognized by Mayor and City Council

Six city employees were recognized by Asheville City Council at its August 13 meeting. Council thanked for their hard work, drive for improvement, and, in one case, heroism. Darlene Barnwell, who works in the city’s Customer Service Division, received a standing ovation for her heroic rescue of an 8-year-old boy who was being attacked by dogs [...]

Honoring AFD Capt. Jeff Bowen one year later

July 28 marked the one year anniversary of the passing of Asheville Fire Department Captain Jeff Bowen, who lost his life in the line of duty while fighting a 2011 blaze at 445 Biltmore Avenue. To mark the occasion and honor Capt. Bowen’s life and service, a memorial service was held at Asheville-Buncombe Community College. The [...]

Join Asheville’s first responders at Battle of the Badges blood drive

Asheville’s first responders are teaming up with the American Red Cross to save lives at the annual Battle of the Badges blood drive. The event takes place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 22 at First Baptist Church, 5 Oak St., in Asheville.   Battle of the Badges is a friendly competition between the Asheville Fire [...]

Keep fire safety in mind this holiday season

The holidays are filled with hustle and bustle and oftentimes people forget about the basics. The Asheville Fire Department is here to not only wish everyone a happy holiday season but a safe one as well. The following safety tips are helpful reminders to keep you, your family and your friends safe. Although AFD works 365 days [...]

Look ahead 2020 photo illustration

Look ahead: City of Asheville projects and initiatives for the new year

  Asheville residents can look upon the new year with optimism. Together, we’ve weathered a pandemic and a vaccine will be available this year. Even so, the City of Asheville’s response to COVID-19 will continue in the new year, in coordination with the state of North Carolina and Buncombe County.   Residents can look forward to advances in [...]

girl scouts painting fire hydrant

Looking for a volunteer project? Help firefighters by repainting fire hydrants!

Most people only give fire hydrants a passing glance, but to firefighters, each hydrant has color-coded info to give them quick and critical information, minimizing response time in emergencies. That’s why each hydrant gets a new paint job about every two years, and that’s where the great work of community volunteers comes in. Throughout the year, [...]

Middle-schoolers can participate in free fire camp

The Asheville Fire Department will hold its annual fire summer camp, Fire Escape, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 20-23. Designed for middle school-aged kids, this free summer series is a highly interactive camp filled with great hands on activities. It allows the kids to meet local firefighters and learn what it takes to be [...]

Multiple City units respond to Asheville building collapse

Forty Asheville Fire Department firefighters responded to the scene of a building collapse at 290 Haywood Road in West Asheville at 4:45 p.m. June 17, 2015. Asheville Police and City Development Services Department inspectors assisted with public safety following this incident. No one was in the building and no injuries were reported. The building was formerly occupied [...]

One-stop Development Services shop brings permitting under one roof

As anyone who works in the development industry, or for that matter, has tried to expand on an existing home can tell you, running the gauntlet of required permits in any city can be a long and complicated process. The City of Asheville’s Development Services Center at 161 South Charlotte represents an initiative across city [...]

People, Pets, Pipes – Staying safe in extreme cold weather

  Extremely cold temperatures are expected this weekend with wind chills below zero. While you’re celebrating the season and bringing 2022 to a close, the City of Asheville shares these tips to help protect your people, pets and pipes in the cold weather.  People Avoiding frostbite and hypothermia In cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster [...]

PHOTOS: Asheville Fire Department puts recruits through paces

Thursday was graduation night for new firefighters with the Asheville Fire Department. In a series of staged simulations, graduates responded to a car fire, multi-story rope rescues, a vehicle embankment accident, a high-rise fire, and several other emergencies that continued throughout the night and into the morning. Congratulations to our new AFD firefighters! Here’s a photo [...]

Photos: City of Asheville 911 remembrance

The City of Asheville held a 911 remembrance ceremony downtown Friday. The event honored the 2,996 people who died during the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and on hijacked United Airlines Flight 93. The Asheville Fire Department Honor Guard placed a wreath in honor of those who died. Mayor Esther Manheimer [...]

Photos: City of Asheville holds solemn 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

The City of Asheville held its 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony outside of the Municipal Building this morning. Interim Fire Chief Chris Budzinski, Asheville Police Chief Tammy Hooper and Interim City Manager Cathy Ball made remarks honoring the first responders who lost their lives in the World Trade Center Twin Towers. All of the people who were killed [...]

Public safety communications rely on diverse infrastructure

In the world of communications, diversity means increased reliability.  The city of Asheville uses a number of telecommunication tools to ensure public safety communications are in line with making Asheville the safest city in America when compared to cities of similar size. Information about the city’s public safety delivery systems is highly sensitive due to its [...]

Public/private partnership restores high-speed communication to Asheville’s emergency responders

Fire engines and police cruisers alike lit up on September 17 at the Murphy-Oakley Community Center and Fire Station Building, but they were not responding to an emergency. The blue and red lights were flashing in celebration of a high-speed communication connection that means better and faster service responses by Asheville’s emergency responders. The City of [...]

Register now for the 2019 Asheville Tunnel to Towers Run & Walk

  Register now for the 2019 Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk Asheville, presented by the Asheville Fire Department. The event will take place on Sunday, Aug. 25, in downtown Asheville. Participating firefighters will run the event in full turnout gear. The 5K Run & Walk begins outside the Asheville Fire Depatment, 100 Court Plaza. To register, go to 

Robot joins Asheville Fire Department HAZMAT response team

The Asheville Fire Department has a new high-tech guest: a newly-acquired robot designed to aid in the department in hazardous materials responses will allow firefighters to handle especially dangerous situations while maintaining a safe distance. The Talon robot, designed by QinetiQ North America, comes thanks to federal Department of Homeland Security funds allocated to supply the [...]

Sign up for Asheville’s Battle of the Badges blood drive

Asheville’s first responders are facing off for a lifesaving cause. Local heroes are rolling up their sleeves — and encouraging the community to do the same — as they vie for the most pints donated at the sixth annual Battle of the Badges blood drive. It happens 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 24 at First [...]

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Keep updated through the City of Asheville on emergency and non-emergency subscriptions.

Stay safe during winter storms

Already this winter, multiple snowstorms have hit Asheville and Western North Carolina, and the City’s Public Works Department has been hard at work to keep roads passable and clear, while the Asheville Police and Fire Departments continue to keep people safe. The City of Asheville is urging the public to remain safe and cautious throughout inclement [...]

Sunday snow updates: Asheville snow plowing in full force, ART bus suspended

  How much snow did we get? 2:20 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9 Here are unofficial snowfall totals released by the National Weather Service: Asheville, 5 ½” Arden, 10” Biltmore Forest, 6 ½” Leicester, 8” Skyland, 9”   More locations are listed at this link.   Snow removal crews making progress, people still urged to refrain from driving Noon Sunday, Dec. 9 Public Works snow removal equipment by the [...]

Teens get a close up look at dangers of unsafe driving

On May 15, the Asheville Fire and Police Departments, in partnership with Buncombe County EMS, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Department and the North Carolina Highway Patrol staged a mock motor vehicle fatality on the campus of Asheville High School to encourage teens to drive safely. Several hundred Asheville teens attended the demonstration, which was preceded by [...]

Thanksgiving Day guide: parade, pigskin and fire safety

  Eat, drink, be merry — and safe this Thanksgiving. It’s a top day for family gatherings and home fires.   Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade runs from 9 a.m. to noon. Available on NBC, on NBC’s website or on the NBC app. Last year NBC partnered with Verizon to stream the parade for free on [...]

The Asheville Fire Department trains for forcible entry in emergencies

Utilizing prop obstacles and cutting equipment, the Asheville Fire Department trained at a warehouse in Swannanoa June 20-22 on techniques to enter structures that are locked or guarded by bars or garage doors. AFD Division Chief of Safety & Training Barry Hendren says: “One of a Ladder Company’s primary functions when they respond to a fire is [...]

The Heat is On: Take care to prevent heat-related illness

So far this summer, temperatures in Asheville have been flirting with record highs. And with plenty of upcoming outdoor events like Bele Chere to choose from, the City of Asheville is asking people to be aware of the ways to prevent heat related illnesses as well as recognize their symptoms. Whether working or playing, overexposure to [...]

man on motorcycle with young child behind him

Truck City AVL pulls into Asheville Outlets for family fun on April 9

Mountain families have a chance to get an up-close look at big trucks, small trucks, transit buses, construction vehicles, and more when Asheville Parks & Recreation’s Truck City AVL returns to Asheville Outlets on April 9 from 1-4 p.m. Kids and adults can explore, touch, and ask questions about [...]

Turtle Creek Apartments fire updates and photos ***UPDATED***

From an Asheville Fire Department press release: Units of the Asheville Fire Department responded to a reported residential structure fire at 23 Foxfire Drive, Turtle Creek Apartments on December 7, 2010 at approximately 2:00 am. The first arriving unit reported heavy smoke and soon after reported heavy fire conditions as well. AFD firefighters rescued 3 victims [...]

U.S. Census Bureau is hiring for 2020

  From the U.S. Census: The U.S. Census Bureau continues to recruit thousands of workers for temporary jobs available nationwide in advance of the 2020 Census. The 2020 Census Jobs website allows applicants to apply for a range of positions, including recruiting assistants, office operations supervisors, clerks, census field supervisors, and census takers by completing a single application online. Opportunities [...]

Volunteer to help the Asheville Fire Department repaint fire hydrants

There are nearly 4,000 fire hydrants in the City of Asheville and every couple of years they need a new coat of paint. Each year, the Asheville Fire Department repaints one half of Asheville’s fire hydrants in order to extend their life spans and to be more visible to firefighters. Covering that kind of ground [...]

While Tropical Storm Irma weakens, City of Asheville is still prepared for impacts

Here is the latest storm track for what has now become Tropical Storm Irma. The City of Asheville continues to closely monitor the storm for any local impacts. The path of Tropical Storm Irma now appears to be tracking somewhat west of Asheville. It is expected to come through through North Georgia/Tennessee/Western North Carolina on Monday/Tuesday.   The [...]

Who’s up this week on What’s Up AVL! City of Asheville Firefighter Anna Pigman

What’s Up AVL! The City of Asheville’s bi-monthly radio show gives the community the chance to take a deep dive with City of Asheville staff and departments. Learn about different departments and what projects are taking place in your community. This week, the City of Asheville host Sam Parada will sit down with City of Asheville firefighter Anna [...]

Winter training with the Asheville Fire Department

On December 15, the Asheville Civic Center became a high-elevation training ground, as the Asheville Fire Department practiced rope maneuvers and evacuation techniques from the cat walk of the Civic Center arena. The next day found the department’s newest hires in Swannanoa at an arranged burn, part of the certification process for becoming a firefighter. From [...]

WNCAFF selects Asheville firefighter as Firefighter of the Year

Each year the WNC Association of Firefighters gives an award to an outstanding individual who has distinguished himself or herself in the fire service. The association accepts nominations from across the western part of state from 395 departments and over 13,000 firefighters in search of just such an individual.  This year, Asheville firefighter Jay Bettencourt [...]

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