Bryson City Fire Department

05/03/2026

Effective at 8am tomorrow (Sunday May 3rd) the NC Forest Service has lifted the burn ban for our area. Please see original post for more details.

04/29/2026

The NC Forest Service burn ban remains in effect.

The statewide burn ban remains in effect until further notice despite weekend rain in some areas. Persistent dry weather and increasing rainfall deficits from the last several months have left most of the state needing 10 inches of rain or more.

“While the rainfall we received over the weekend was a welcome sight, it offered little to no relief from widespread drought conditions while being nowhere near enough to reduce our wildfire risk,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Even the areas that received the heaviest amount of rain will quickly dry out from the sunshine and warmer temperatures. Until we get some additional rain and see more green-up in our forests, holding the burn ban in place statewide is the best option right now.”

While green-up and leaf-out are progressing at normal rate, low soil moisture, dry surface fuels and persistent low humidity are contributing to wildfire activity. For Western North Carolina, excessive forest fuels from Hurricane Helene are more available now than they were in 2025, low water levels in coastal areas have helped produce intense fire behavior where ground fire will likely be a long-term issue, and the Piedmont experienced 87 new wildfire starts over the weekend alone. Extended attack and mop-up efforts will be taxing and long-winded until drought conditions improve.

Read news release: https://bit.ly/497dNht

04/22/2026

Students in the Fireground Ops 5 class spent Tuesday evening practicing vertical ventilation skills on a flat commercial roof scenario and learning about the equipment required to be on aerial apparatus. Thanks to Cherokee Fire & Rescue for providing their Tower for the training. They partner with us through an automatic aid agreement for this type of equipment for structure fires inside any commercial structure within our response districts.

04/07/2026

The State wide burn ban remains in effect and will be until we receive significant rainfall to change the current conditions. Violation of the burn ban can lead to a monetary fine by State or local enforcement officials and when reported requires the local fire department to extinguish the fire. If you have any questions, please contact the local County Ranger, County Fire Marshal or fire department.

04/02/2026

Bryson City FD responded to a reported outside fire last night (3/31) in the Shepherd's Creek community. Upon arrival members found approximately 3 acres involved with two structures threatened on Tribal land. BCFD members assisted EBCI Cherokee Fire and Rescue and BIA Forestry crews to cut in fire lines and provide structure protection. Thanks to all agencies who assisted.

03/28/2026

*******BURNING BAN ISSUED********

Due to increased wildfire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits statewide effective 6 p.m. Saturday, March 28 until further notice. This includes brush piles, bonfires and any sort of outdoor recreational burning. Under North Carolina law, the ban prohibits all open burning in the affected counties, regardless of whether a permit was previously issued. The NC Forest Service burn ban controls all open burning outside of 100 feet from structure.

The Swain County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Town of Bryson City are also enforcing burn bans for all areas inside 100 foot of the structure.

To clarify: as of 6pm tonight 3/28/26, there are state and local burn bans in effect for all outside burning.

****This applies county wide as well as inside town limits.***

Due to increased wildfire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits statewide effective 6 p.m…

03/27/2026

Our area has been placed into a red flag warning due to extremely dry conditions and low humidity. Please refrain from any outdoor burning.

A Red Flag Warning has been issued for our entire forecast area for Saturday. Gusty winds and low relative humidity will lead to increased wildfire risk. SC has a burn ban in place. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged.

03/25/2026

Bryson City FD responded to a reported structure fire in the Lackey Hill Community this morning. Upon arrival, firefighters found a single wide mobile home approximately 50% involved. Firefighters were able to get the fire under control in around 30 minutes with units staying on scene an extended period for overhaul. No major injuries were sustained by the occupant, however the family pet perished in the fire and the home was a total loss. We ask the community to keep the family in mind as they move forward. Thanks to Alarka Volunteer Fire Department, West Swain Fire Department, EBCI Cherokee Fire and Rescue, Qualla Fire & Rescue, Swain County EMS, Dispatch and Deputies for their assistance.