Yancey County Emergency Management

03/29/2026

🔥 Burn Ban Reminder & Smoke Update for Yancey County

Yancey County, along with the entire state of North Carolina, remains under a statewide burning ban. Under the Fire Marshal’s orders, no open burning is permitted at this time.

We’ve received several calls today about smoke in the area. There are currently no active fires in Yancey County.
The smoke you’re seeing is drift smoke traveling in from surrounding counties where active fires are ongoing.

We truly appreciate everyone staying alert and reaching out with concerns. Your awareness helps keep our community safe.

If you see anything suspicious or believe there is an active fire, please report it immediately.

Stay safe, Yancey County. 🔥

03/28/2026

📢 Community Open House: Flood Risk & Hazard Map Updates 🌧️

🏠 Residents, business owners, and community leaders in Burnsville and unincorporated Yancey County are invited to attend a public open house to learn about the latest updates to local flood hazard and flood risk data.

🗓 Wednesday, April 8, 2026
⏰ 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Burnsville Town Center – Legacy Room Auditorium
📌 8 South Main Street, Burnsville, NC

✅ At the open house, you can:
• Review preliminary flood risk data
• Learn how to submit appeals or comments
• Ask questions about flood studies and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
• Get help locating your property on updated flood maps

Representatives from the NC Floodplain Mapping Program will be on-site to explain the map update process, flood insurance options, and floodplain management.

🔍 You can also view the preliminary flood maps online at https://fris.nc.gov/ (select the Preliminary tab).

👥 This event is open to the public. All interested stakeholders are encouraged to attend and stay informed about potential flood risks in our community.
Please share to help spread the word!

03/28/2026

03/28/2026

🚨 STATEWIDE BURN BAN IN EFFECT 🚨
Effective: 6:00 p.m., Saturday, March 28, 2026
Where: All 100 counties in North Carolina
Due to hazardous conditions, a statewide burn ban is now in effect.
🔥 What You Need to Know:
❌ All previously issued burning permits are canceled
❌ No new burning permits will be issued
❌ Open burning of yard waste, brush, or other materials is prohibited
✅ Exception:
Fires within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling are exempt unless restricted by local officials. Always check local orders before burning.
⚠️ Violations:
Violators may face fines, court costs, and may be held responsible for the cost of extinguishing the fire.
Please do your part to protect lives, property, and our communities.
👉 Stay informed and follow all local guidance.


🚨 PROHIBICIÓN ESTATAL DE QUEMAS 🚨
En vigor: 6:00 p. m., sábado 28 de marzo de 2026
Dónde: Los 100 condados de Carolina del Norte
Debido a condiciones peligrosas, está vigente una prohibición estatal de quemas.
🔥 Información Importante:
❌ Todos los permisos de quema emitidos previamente quedan cancelados
❌ No se emitirán nuevos permisos de quema
❌ Está prohibida la quema al aire libre de desechos de jardín, ramas u otros materiales
✅ Excepción:
Las quemas a menos de 100 pies de una vivienda ocupada pueden estar permitidas a menos que existan restricciones locales.
⚠️ Multas:
Los infractores pueden enfrentar multas, costos judiciales y ser responsables de los costos de extinguir el incendio.
Ayúdenos a mantener seguras a nuestras comunidades.

03/04/2026

03/03/2026

Accurate information from trusted resources is key to staying safe when severe weather hits.

The U.S. National Weather Service (NWS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and credible alert systems are a great first step.
Then, follow our social media accounts across platforms and check DriveNC.gov before you drive for real-time road conditions.

03/03/2026

REMINDER: Daylight Saving Time begins in ONE WEEK, March 8th, 2026 at 2:00 AM, so remember to Spring Forward one hour! This will be the best time to replace the batteries in your NOAA Weather Radio, Smoke Detectors, and Carbon Monoxide Detectors.

03/03/2026

Severe Weather Preparedness Week is the perfect reminder for Yancey County families, businesses, and schools to review their emergency plans and make sure they’re ready before storms strike.

🌪️ Severe Weather Preparedness Week: March 1–7, 2026

As spring brings warmer days, it also increases the risk of thunderstorms, lightning, flash flooding, and tornadoes. Taking time now to update your family emergency plan and supply kit can make all the difference when severe weather hits.

📅 Statewide Tornado Drill: Wednesday, March 4 at 9:30 a.m.

Government agencies, schools, and businesses across North Carolina will participate in the annual tornado drill. We encourage everyone in Yancey County to join in by practicing your severe weather safety plan:

• Go to the lowest level of your building
• Stay away from windows
• Practice how you would respond if a tornado warning were issued

Preparing now helps you react quickly when every second counts.

🛑 Why Preparedness Matters

Tornadoes and flash floods can form with little warning. Taking a few minutes this week to prepare can help protect you and your loved ones.

✔️ Safety Tips for Your Home and Family

• Create or update your family emergency plan and review thunderstorm safety with everyone in your household.
• Assemble an emergency supply kit with at least a 3‑day supply of non‑perishable food and bottled water. Store it where it’s easy to access.
• Stay informed by listening to NOAA Weather Radio for watches and

03/03/2026

Severe weather season is knocking on the door (like we haven't been wet enough to start the year. 🤷‍♂️)

During Severe Weather Preparedness Week, we have a few reminders, starting with thunderstorms and tornadoes.

🚘 Wipers on ➡️ Lights on
🌪️ Tornado while driving? Pull off and find shelter. NEVER stop under an overpass.