Fork Mountain Fire & Rescue

05/21/2026

The Beans Creek Fire is officially over for us. A thermal drone was used today and no hot spots were found. Command has been terminated. We would like to thank all of the people and businesses that supported our efforts while we worked. I would love to name each one individually, but I know we cant remember everyone. If you brought or sent us food, drink or any other supplies, THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS.

05/19/2026

After 4 days on the Battle Mountain fire we are starting to wind down operations. Today we have responded to 2 structure fires in the north end of Mitchell County and the south end has one currently going on. Even though there is no active burn ban please refrain from burning outside until we have some rain.

05/19/2026

🚨 BRUSH FIRE UPDATE 🚨
The brush fire has now grown to approximately 12 acres. At this time, Melton Branch Road and the housing community of Shoot Out Mountain are now under a “SET” status according to the Ready, Set, Go Wildfire Action Plan.

⚠️ THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO ACTIVE EVACUATIONS ⚠️
However, this is a WARNING for residents to be prepared if conditions worsen and we move into a “GO” status. If we transition to evacuations, you will be notified via The Mitchell Ready App, Hyperreach, Our Facebook, and we also would go door to door. A shelter will be provided at Bowman Middle School (410 South Mitchell Ave, Bakersville, NC 28705)

Residents in the affected areas should:
-Pack bags and have them ready

-Prepare vehicles and evacuation plans

Stay alert for updates from emergency officials
Remember the “P’s” when evacuating:

-People & Pets

-Papers, Phone Numbers & Important Documents

-Prescriptions, Vitamins & Eyeglasses

-Pictures & Irreplaceable Memorabilia

-Personal Computers & Hard Drives

-Plastic (credit/debit cards) & Cash

Fork mountain fire and rescue and the North Carolina Forest Services responded to the reported brush fire in the vicinity of 1261 beans creek road.

Multiple fire departments from Mitchell, Avery and Yancey counties have been on scene since the initial reports of a brush fire.

Fork Mountain Fire and rescue and Green Valley Fire and Rescue and the North Carolina Forest Service will be patrolling the fire overnight as fire fighting operations continue

If you see any fire activity you believe the Fire Department is not aware of or is in the immediate vicinity of your home, please don’t hesitate to call 911 and report it.

Please continue to monitor local emergency management and fire department updates closely. Do not wait until the last minute to prepare.

05/15/2026

We are proud to announce that our Chief, Tim Jones, has successfully graduated with Summa Cum Laude Honors (4.0 GPA) and earned an AAS in Fire Protection Technology from Cleveland Community College. Congratulations Chief Jones. We'll done.

05/09/2026

05/03/2026

The county burn ban will lift at 8am as well.

04/29/2026

We are delighted to announce that Peyton Street, a distinguished member of our department, has been honored with the Firefighter of the Year award at his career department. We ask that you join us in applauding Peyton's outstanding contributions, remarkable dedication, and tireless commitment to the fire service.

04/26/2026

These are a few pictures and videos our crew took while providing structure protection in Avery County last week. We are thankful for all the resources we currently have in our area.

Check out the comments for videos.

04/22/2026

Please avoid the area of Hwy 19 around the Mitchell / Avery County line. All traffic is stopped and unknown ETA to open due to active wildfire.

19E will be closed at 19E and gouges creek due to a wildfire in avery county near the Avery Mitchell Line. Detour will be through gouges creek to hanging rock road into Avery county. Exercise caution.

04/10/2026

The burn ban is still in effect and being fully enforced. Wait till it is safe to burn.