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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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’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 [...]

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 [...]