French Broad Vol. Fire & Rescue Inc.

02/15/2026

Knowledge is key! Please see media release below about upcoming public meeting to discuss the exploration of a single fire tax for the county.

For Immediate Release

February 12, 2026

Community Information Session on Single Fire District Tax Rate Scheduled for Feb. 26 at Koontz Intermediate School

Buncombe County is exploring the creation of a single fire district tax rate to ensure all residents have access to a basic, consistent level of fire protection and to create a more equitable, sustainable way to fund fire services.

Buncombe County does not operate its own countywide fire department. Instead, it contracts with and funds fire protection through fire service districts and works with local fire departments (independent fire districts/departments that are governed by their respective boards) to provide fire protection services in the unincorporated areas of the county. Currently, each district proposes the funding it needs, and the Board of Commissioners reviews and approves those rates as part of the annual county budget. The County is responsible for ensuring residents have access to fire protection by collecting and distributing fire district tax revenue and overseeing how those funds are used, while local fire departments deliver the day-to-day emergency response and operations.

By exploring a single tax rate fire district, the County looks to address immediate and long-term fire protection needs, support future growth and population shifts, and meet nationally recognized staffing and response standards. The multi-year transition plan is focused on ensuring the county’s fire protection system is funded in a way that supports achieving response standards over time.

If implemented, the funding model would not change how fire departments respond to 911 calls, and residents would continue to be served by the same primary fire department in their area. The proposed district would only change how fire district property and sales taxes are collected and distributed in unincorporated areas of Buncombe County. Importantly, this is a different process than the property revaluation process. Revaluation affects assessed property values, while the single fire district tax rate effort addresses how fire protection is funded and distributed across districts. The Board of Commissioners sets the tax rate.

In addition to public facing budget work sessions, ongoing meetings with fire chiefs, and presentations to the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, County management presented project basics to local fire department boards of directors in January. Mailers will be sent to all impacted properties in March.

To ensure that residents can learn more about the single fire district tax rate, community members are invited to an information session on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2026 at Koontz Intermediate School from 6-7:30 p.m. The information session will be an opportunity to learn more about the project and will include time for questions and answers. Spanish language interpretation will be available during the event. The event will also be streamed live on the County’s page.

More information about the project can be found at http://buncombenc.gov/.

02/02/2026

Here is an amazing update! Thanks to everyone that has stepped up and donated! The family has told us that they have received plenty of donations and support and for now they are in great shape and have what they need to move forward during their time of need!!!
We can’t express how grateful we are for the support our community has shown!! ❤️

01/24/2026

🔌 Power Outage Threat: Here's my first thinking on the power outage threat. Unfortunately, I think there will be numerous to widespread power outages mainly from Raleigh west to the mountains. This is due to the buildup of Ice accrual from freezing rain forecasted Saturday night into Monday morning. Gusty winds of 25-35MPH are also possible Sunday into Monday. I think the greatest time to start seeing outages is starting Sunday morning. I don't post these to scare you; my goal is to make you aware, so you're not surprised if the power does go out. It is not a guarantee you'll lose power, but I think many folks could, especially in areas with the highest ice. Due to the volume and potential damage to infrastructure, outages in some areas could last several days. 1/2 inch of ice adds about 500 pounds of weight to a single span of power line.

Preparing for Power Outages:
-NEVER use a gas oven or stove to heat your home. This is a deadly Carbon Monoxide risk.
-Generators: Must be run outside, at least 20 feet from your home. Never in a garage or carport.
-No Heat Source? Plan to "shrink your world." Pick one small, central room for the family to sleep in. Close doors to other rooms. Use towels to block drafts under doors. Body heat + layers + blankets work better in a small space. Sleeping bags and tents inside work too.
-Charge Everything: Phones, laptops, tablets, and portable power banks. Do this tomorrow!
-Fill a bathtub with water. You can use a bucket of this water to manually flush your toilet if municipal water pressure drops (esp if you are on a well and the pump loses power).
-Electric Medical Devices: If you rely on oxygen or CPAP, have a backup battery plan or a plan to stay with a relative who has a generator.
-Gas Up: Fill your car’s gas tank. You can use the car to charge phones (outside the garage!) or warm up for short bursts if needed.
-Get cash

-Ethan

01/24/2026

https://www.buncombenc.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/784

Buncombe County leaders and emergency partners are urging residents to prepare now for Winter Storm Fern. The National Weather Service has issued an Ice Storm Warning for Buncombe County from Saturday, Jan. 24 at noon through Monday, Jan. 26 at 1 p.m. Predictions from the National Weather Service s....

01/22/2026

❄️The latest Key Messages describe a lengthy & highly disruptive winter storm for much of the southern & eastern U.S. starting Friday & lasting throughout the weekend. From significant snow to treacherous ice, expect numerous travel impacts in affected areas. Here's the latest-

12/16/2025

Please avoid Fletcher Martin road between Jenkins Valley and Alexander Church Road closed due to MVA 

12/03/2025

This is probably the easiest way to break down what WNC will experience overnight Thursday into Friday morning. ..
The precipitation moves in around midnight Thursday, but takes time to really become problematic in the areas that do get the wintry mixing. ...
By dawn Friday, many will have already had their shot at any ice or snow and just cold rain will be falling if anything. ..
The exception to this will be pocketed areas north and east of I-40. ..
Overall, a pretty minor storm event is expected.
WLOS ABC 13

12/01/2025

The National Weather Service has issued a *WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY* UNTIL: Dec 02, 2025 10:00AM, for the following areas -->>

11/23/2025

Update Dec 1st they will be building firewall and pouring concrete

11/18/2025

Update on the remodel