Full Notification

NC 9 Hwy Update
After speaking to a supervisor with Graham County Land Company and learning of concerns with the burning being done we have placed an Engine on Buncombe County side of the slide. It’s our hope this will ease concerns of those who witnessed the Party Rock Fire. There are several trained fire fighters living close to this slide from Bat Cave FD and Broad River FD who will have immediate access to suppression apparatus if needed. From our conversation with workers and being familiar with how they are burning the fuels we feel confident they are being as safe and cautious as possible. This type of burning also produces less emissions by burning hotter resulting in embers not traveling further away in smoke. We have had substantial rain over the past few weeks and vegetation is all green so this is completely different conditions than we faced during the large fire in 2017. Broad River FD is covering part of Bat Cave FD district until the road reopens as they would do the same for us without question. We work well together and both departments have excellent personnel capable of mitigating anything that may arise. Graham County Land has communicated their plans and remained open to any recommendations. Our Engine may be staffed from time to time if circumstances or conditions warrant it. Stay Safe and Please continue to avoid this area allowing these folks to work on reopening our road.
E22-4 will remain staged at slide until further notice per Chief Brent Hayner. This does not reduce our own coverage ability.