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 [...]
Two recently-implemented community-centered initiatives started by the Asheville Police Department (APD) have gained traction throughout the city. The Dec. 1, 2020, launch of “TIP2APD” made it easier than ever for residents to make officers aware of issues impacting their neighborhoods. TIP2APD, a mobile application and texting tool, allows the public to share anonymous tips [...]
As rain from Tropical Storm Zeta moves eastward, Asheville Fire Department reports that flooding is receding in most locations. The Swannanoa River crested around 2 p.m. Thursday, and the French Broad River should crest around 8 p.m. Thursday. So while most roads have reopened there may continue to be road closures until the waters recede, perhaps [...]
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the Asheville Police Department (APD) is working in partnership with local agencies to bring attention to this issue and remind the community of domestic violence services in the Asheville area. APD statistics show a climb in domestic violence incidents in recent months. APD officers treat domestic violence calls as [...]
Updated information: The City of Asheville has now opened a survey to gather input from residents on how our public safety services can better promote racial equity and economic inclusion. Original announcement: In September, the City of Asheville will launch an extensive series of listening sessions with the community to help us reimagine the [...]
During their Aug. 25 meeting, Asheville City Council voted to reduce the speed limit on 43 City streets. The changes were made at the recommendation of City staff, who had received requests from the public to consider the speed limit changes. City staff performed appropriate traffic-engineering studies along the various streets designated for speed limit changes. So [...]
A new mode of school is now in session for Asheville students, but officers with the Asheville Police Department Traffic Safety Unit (TSU) say the same safety measures apply. “Students and school buses on the roads haven’t just been gone for the summer — it has been even longer,” said APD Traffic Safety Unit Sergeant Scott [...]
As students, parents, caregivers, and teachers prepare to dive into a new school year that looks quite different from any other, the Asheville Police Department Computer Crimes Unit detectives want to offer safety reminders to students and families. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, social interaction opportunities for kids, teens and adults are a bit thinner than [...]
The 2020 hurricane season is upon us, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted an above average amount of activity. According to NOAA forecasters, the outlook predicts a 60% chance of an above-normal season, a 30% chance of a near-normal season, and only a 10% chance of a below-normal season. The average [...]
RELATED: Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer declares State of Emergency, issues curfew Following two nights of protests in downtown Asheville, including the June 1 escalation that resulted in unrest and destruction of property downtown, the City of Asheville has a curfew of 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., in place until further notice. The [...]
The City of Asheville is taking steps to increase access to safe dining options during the course of this COVID-19 public health emergency. To do so, on March 24, Mayor Esther Manheimer amended the City’s State of Emergency declaration to exempt food trucks and restaurants from certain portions of the City’s Unified Development Ordinance. These [...]
In alignment with Buncombe County, on March 19, Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer signed a newly amended State of Emergency proclamation for the City of Asheville, based on the public health emergency posed by COVID-19. This proclamation limits public gatherings on property owned by the City of Asheville to no more than 10 people. The new order adheres [...]