RALEIGH – March starts the spring wildfire season in North Carolina. Use caution with all outdoor fires, especially yard debris burns. The N.C. Forest Service responded to more than 5,300 wildfires across North Carolina in 2023, with escaped debris burns as the leading cause.
Read MoreRemember that the Community Room in the upper level of the Scaly Mountain Fire Station, 169 Hale Ridge Road, opens as an emergency shelter in case of disasters such as sever weather or extended power outages. In addition to a safe place to stay warm, cell phone chargers are available.
Read MoreChimney fires cause tens-of-millions of dollars in damages each year. Add the loss of personal possessions. injuries to residents and firefighter and possible loss of life, chimney fires are not to be taken lightly. We are fortunate to live in the cool mountains with an abundance of firewood. If you burn wood, take time to make sure that your chimney is clean and in good order by ...
Read MoreBeauty abounds in the many waterfalls, high mountain peaks and diverse flora and fauna. But like a long tail cat sitting by a rocking chair, there is danger lurking there. We constantly train for emergency rescue and extraction but hope these skills are never needed. Unfortunately, that is not the case. You can protect yourself and loved ones.
Read MoreWe would like to thank all of you for your many donations. We have been able to maintain current equipment and obtain new equipment in part thanks to your help. In order to fully outfit a single interior firefighter with PPE, the cost has increased to over $13,000. This sum is in addition to ...
Read MoreEvery home, garage, shop and barn should have at least one fire extinguisher. The extinguisher must be of the proper type, annually inspected and properly maintained by ...
Read MoreSafe disposal of wood fire ash is an often-overlooked fire prevention measure. Hot coals can survive for days buried in white ash, and their red glow is often not visible in daylight. When cleaning out a fireplace, wood stove, smoker, etc., that has been used within the last week, ashes should be moved to a metal bucket and water added to the bucket until the ash and water can be stirred like a soup. Yes, this is messy and a nuisance, but not nearly so much a nuisance as extinguishing a brush fire, making repairs to a building, or worse...