Full Notification

Debris Removal Efforts Continue in McDowell County
As of today, 31,436.4 cubic yards of debris and 8,819.98 tons of soil have been collected as part of ongoing debris removal efforts in McDowell County, with 93% of the first pass for Right-of-Way (ROW) debris removal completed. Current operations include 3 crews working in Old Fort with 45 dump trucks and 1 crew in North Cove with 4 dump trucks for mud, soil, and silt removal. ROW truck allocations include 1 self-loader in Crooked Creek, 1 in Old Fort, 2 in Glenwood, 2 in Marion, and 1 in Nebo. Tree and debris separation crews are actively working in Crooked Creek, Glenwood, and Sugar Hill, with each community having 1 tree crew, 1 debris separation crew, and 1 emergency road clearance crew. Residents are encouraged to visit mcdowellgov.com/helene for the latest updates and to apply for the Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) Program if needed.

McDowell County Comfort Stations Remain Open and Fully Operational
McDowell County remains fully committed to supporting our residents during the ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene. Contrary to recent concerns, the comfort stations in McDowell County have never been slated for closure and continue to operate 24/7, providing essential services such as showers and laundry. We are aware of information circulating on social media regarding the closure of comfort stations across Western North Carolina. We want to assure our local residents that this does not apply to McDowell County. Our comfort stations, located at 135 Water St. in Old Fort and New Horizon Church at 5878 US 221 North in Woodlawn, remain open and available. These facilities will remain operational for as long as they are needed, and we encourage clear communication to prevent unnecessary worry.

Open Burning Permit Requirement Reinstated in McDowell County
Effective 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 18, the N.C. Forest Service will reinstate the requirement for open burning permits in 21 Western North Carolina counties, including McDowell County. This decision follows significant improvements in accessibility and infrastructure after Hurricane Helene. Residents planning to conduct open burning must obtain a permit, available online at www.ncforestservice.gov/burnpermit or through authorized permitting agents. We urge everyone to adhere to safe burning practices: never burn on dry, windy days; never leave fires unattended; and keep water sources and tools nearby. For more information on safe burning practices, visit www.ncforestservice.gov/fire_control/fc_firesafetyoutdoors.htm.