Banner Elk Volunteer Fire & Rescue

05/19/2026

05/09/2026

Banner Elk is proud to present our 2026 graduates of Lees McRae College! Asher, Peter, Finnbar, Nate, Shelby, Destiny, and Cyrus have been an integral part of our team. They show up, give of themselves selflessly, and put in the hard work required for whatever the job needs. When they’re not on shift or on a call, they can usually be found training at the fire station or hanging out at the tavern for wings. They have have been key parts of making our station a home. We are so proud to watch them grow and take their next steps in life, wherever it may take them. Marriage, new jobs, and adventures lie ahead.

We can’t wait to see all that you all do in the world and don’t forget your fire department will always be here when you want to come visit home.

05/03/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 2, 2026
Local Burn Ban Lifted; Residents Urged to Use Extreme Caution
Avery County, NC — The Avery County Fire Marshal's Office has announced that the local burn ban will be lifted effective 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 3, 2026. This action follows improved environmental conditions, including recent rainfall and seasonal vegetation growth that have reduced wildfire risk.
In coordination with local efforts, the North Carolina Forest Service has also lifted statewide restrictions on open burning in 81 counties including Avery. Officials emphasize that while conditions have improved, fire danger has not been eliminated.
“Spring green-up has helped lower the overall fire risk,” officials said. “However, residents must remain vigilant and practice safe burning at all times.”
Safety Guidelines for Outdoor Burning:
• Keep all fires small, controlled, and contained
• Never leave a fire unattended
• Have a water source or hose readily available
• Ensure fires are fully extinguished before leaving the area
• Avoid burning during windy or dry conditions
• It is still illegal to burn anything but yard waste and tree debris. Any trash debris burning will be investigated and could be turned over to NCDENR (Air Quality)
• Persons are responsible for their burning. Out of control fires can result in a local or state fine.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local weather conditions and check for any updates or additional restrictions before burning.
Officials remind the public that careless burning remains a leading cause of wildfires. Anyone planning to burn should take all necessary precautions to protect lives, property, and natural resources.
For more information, contact the Avery County Fire Marshal's Office or visit the North Carolina Forest Service website.
# # # END # # #

04/23/2026

Banner Elk Fire Rescue was honored to assist our neighbors in the Green Valley community as crews continue working an active wildfire in Avery County.

We responded with a brush truck, an engine, and five personnel. Our firefighters assisted with structure protection, fire suppression, and water supply operations alongside multiple agencies.

We are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters in the fire service to help protect lives, property, and our mountain community.

🔥 Wildfire Updates & Resources:
• North Carolina Forest Service
• Avery County Emergency Management
• North Carolina Department of Public Safety

🚫 Reminder: A statewide burn ban is currently in effect. Conditions are extremely dry and dangerous. Please avoid any outdoor burning until further notice.

Stay safe, stay alert, and thank you for supporting your local fire departments.

04/23/2026

04/16/2026

Since the state-issued ban on open burning was enacted March 28, a total of 554 wildfires has burned more than 2,200 acres across the state. With little rainfall or improvement expected over the next 7-10 days, the statewide burn ban and enforcement action will continue until further notice.

Of the 554 wildfires that have burned since the burn ban took effect, only four have been determined to be the result of lightning strikes. Preliminary data indicates that 152 of those 554 wildfires were determined to be human caused, with the remainder listed as unknown or undetermined, likely pending law enforcement investigation and action. Since the state’s burn ban took effect, 150 citations have been issued for illegal burning.

During a state-issued burn ban, the same N.C. Forest Service personnel providing initial and extended attack for wildfire response are providing the necessary enforcement action to support the ban on open burning. Reducing the number of new ignitions is critical for sustaining adequate resource availability for an extended period, making state-issued bans a necessary tool for keeping wildfires contained and as small as possible until fully extinguished.

The public is urged to abide by the burn ban and to use extreme caution with farm equipment, machines, mowers, vehicles on dry grass, smoking materials such as ci******es, anything that can throw a spark. In current high-risk conditions, these could be a possible fire source. While not classified as open burning and not affected by the state’s ban on open burning, they are still contributors to new fire starts across the state.

Read news release: https://www.ncagr.gov/news/press-releases/2026/04/14/statewide-burn-ban-and-enforcement-continue-dry-conditions-persist

04/09/2026

Tonight is the night!

Help Us Keep Firefighters Ready to Respond — Banner Elk Needs You

Join us this Thursday at 6:00 PM for a special fundraising dinner to support Banner Elk Fire Rescue’s Volunteer Response Stipend Program.

📍 The Bayou Smokehouse & Grill – Banner Elk
📅 This Thursday
⏰ 6:00 PM

For the past three years, Banner Elk Fire Rescue has been fortunate to receive federal funding through the SAFER program. This funding allowed us to provide stipends for our dedicated volunteers and staff our station with “working” shifts — improving response times and strengthening service to our community.

That funding has now ended… but the need has not.

We are working to raise the funds necessary to continue this successful program and ensure we can keep firefighters available and ready to respond when you need us most.

🔥 Great food
🚒 Support your local firefighters
🤝 Invest in your community’s safety

Come out, bring your family, invite your friends, and help us continue this mission. Every meal makes a difference!

We hope to see you there!