Full Notification

Keeping You Informed: EOC Updates Now Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
Beginning this week, updates from the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be shared on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. This schedule allows us to focus on recovery efforts while ensuring each update is comprehensive and relevant to the community. We appreciate your understanding and continued support as we work together to move forward.

Guidance on Open Burning of Storm Debris in McDowell County
In response to the significant amount of debris caused by Hurricane Helene, residents are encouraged to limit open burning wherever possible due to potential health and environmental impacts. Free debris collection services are available in many areas, and the North Carolina Division of Air Quality (DAQ) recommends utilizing these services instead of burning debris. If open burning is necessary, it must comply with strict conditions, including burning only vegetative materials from your property, avoiding nuisance smoke, and adhering to time-of-day and distance restrictions. Under a state of emergency, storm-related debris burning has been temporarily authorized until March 31, 2025. Permitted materials include vegetative debris, yard waste, and solid wood products. Burning of synthetic materials, such as plastic or hazardous materials, remains prohibited. Residents should follow all safety guidelines and check local air quality conditions before initiating any burns. For more information, contact the Asheville Regional Office at (828) 296-4500 or visit the www.deq.nc.gov.

Debris Removal Efforts Continue in McDowell County
As of December 2, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has collected 21,863.7 cubic yards of debris in McDowell County. Crews are working daily to clear debris from NCDOT right-of-ways, and residents are reminded to place debris within 10 feet of the right-of-way to facilitate removal. Additional crews have begun removing silt and sand, starting in the Town of Old Fort and expanding to other communities. As first passes are completed in current areas, USACE will continue moving into additional communities across McDowell County to ensure comprehensive cleanup efforts. Thank you for your cooperation as these efforts progress.