Henderson County Rescue Squad

06/18/2026

⚠️ Flash flooding is possible across the state through the end of the work week, especially across the western half of NC on Thursday where the heaviest rainfall is expected.

Safety tips:
✔️ Secure outdoor furniture or objects that could get carried away with wind gusts. More tornado safety info, https://bit.ly/4xwFcUJ
🚗 Turn around don't drown! Do not drive through flooded waters! Check DriveNC.gov before heading out.
🔔 Sign up for local alerts and stay tuned to local weather stations. List of county alerts, https://bit.ly/44Y7QP4
📻 Keep that weather radio nearby. List of radio stations, https://bit.ly/4aDSTY8
🥤Stay hydrated and limit time outdoors if possible.
🚫 Refrain from any outdoor burning. Check with local authorities for any burn bans.
🚩 Check beach conditions before heading out. Tips and more info, https://bit.ly/4oykIa2

Full forecast:ReadyNC.gov/weather

Hazardous Weather Update: June 18, 2026

Morning North Carolinians, there are a range of hazardous weather conditions to be aware of today. 👇

🌩️ Isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms are capable of producing damaging wind gusts and isolated tornadoes are possible Thursday afternoon into Friday.

💧 Flash flooding is possible across the state through the end of the work week, especially across the western half of NC on Thursday where the heaviest rainfall is expected.

🥵 A Heat Advisory is in effect from 11AM until 8 PM Friday for central and eastern NC. High temperatures are expected to rise into mid to upper 90s to around 100°F across much of NC Thursday.

🔥 A Fire Danger Statement is in effect Thursday across the Piedmont and much of the Coastal Plain where gusty southwest winds, hot temperatures, and extremely dry fuels from ongoing drought conditions will lead to increased fire danger.

🌊 A High Rip Current risk is also forecast for portions of the central NC coast.

Safety tips:
✔️ Secure outdoor furniture or objects that could get carried away with wind gusts. More tornado safety info, https://bit.ly/4xwFcUJ
🚗 Turn around don't drown! Do not drive through flooded waters! Check DriveNC.gov before heading out.
🔔 Sign up for local alerts and stay tuned to local weather stations. List of county alerts, https://bit.ly/44Y7QP4
📻 Keep that weather radio nearby. List of radio stations, https://bit.ly/4aDSTY8
🥤Stay hydrated and limit time outdoors if possible.
🚫 Refrain from any outdoor burning. Check with local authorities for any burn bans.
🚩 Check beach conditions before heading out. Tips and more info, https://bit.ly/4oykIa2

Full forecast:ReadyNC.gov/weather

06/14/2026

Henderson County Rescue Squad Dive Team was recently deployed to Clay County to assist with the recovery of a missing person. Subject was located at approx. 7:30 p.m. June 10. Our prayers are with the family and loved ones.

A Georgia man has drowned in a Western North Carolina lake, according to emergency response officials and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

06/12/2026

Last night, our members took on a friendly stokes basket challenge, putting their teamwork, endurance, and communication skills to the test!

Two teams hit the Oklawaha Greenway carrying a 220-pound weighted stokes basket for approximately six miles. Stokes baskets are a critical tool used to transport patients across difficult terrain, making this type of training both challenging and directly applicable to real-world rescue operations.

Using a rotating hand-off system, team members worked together to keep the basket moving while providing relief to one another along the route. The challenge pushed participants both physically and mentally, while reinforcing the communication and teamwork that are essential during rescue missions.

Solid work to everyone who participated! 💪

05/26/2026

May 26, 2026 - 11:30am
Locally heavy rain continues around Henderson County and conditions remain challenging in some areas. US 74 is currently closed from the Buncombe County line to Bat Cave. We have encountered a landslide, sinkhole, and roadway flooding - crews are actively addressing these issues, and temporary roads are being set up to help drivers safely detour around high water.

⛈️ Hazardous Weather Update
⚠️ Scattered to widespread showers and storms are expected this afternoon across the state. The main concern today is the risk of scattered flash flooding, especially in areas that received heavy rainfall yesterday. View the full forecast at ReadyNC.gov/Weather.
🌧️ Prepare by staying informed:
• Enable emergency alerts on your phone
• Sign up for local emergency notifications
• Have a plan if you need to move away from flood-prone areas
Learn more at ReadyNC.gov.
🚫 Remember: Never drive through floodwaters. You can’t know how deep the water is or whether the roadway is intact.
Turn Around. Don’t Drown!

05/26/2026

⛈️ Hazardous Weather Update ❗️

⚠️Scattered to widespread showers and storms are forecast this afternoon statewide. The primary threat for today is scattered flash flooding, especially in areas that received heavy rainfall yesterday. You can see the full forecast by visiting ReadyNC.Gov/Weather .

🌧️You can be prepared by making sure you are informed. Enable emergency alerts on your cell phone, sign up for notifications from your local emergency management office, and have a plan on where you will go if you need to move away from a flood-prone area. Visit ReadyNC.Gov for more info on how you can be prepared.

🚫Do Not Drive Through Floodwaters! You cannot tell the depth of the water from inside your vehicle or if the roadway remains intact. Turn Around. Don't Drown!

05/26/2026

05/26/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice, courage, and dedication will never be forgotten. 🇺🇸

We're proud to share that several HCRS members participated in a Memorial Day Ruck today along the Ecusta Trail. Several members started the day bright and early at 5:30am with a challenging 2-mile run followed by rounds of squats and pullups before joining others for the primary ruck. Throughout the morning, members pushed through an additional 6 to 12 miles with added weight vests and packs in tribute to our nation’s fallen heroes. Their commitment reflects the spirit of service and remembrance that defines this day.

05/13/2026

Congratulations to HCRS Medical Branch Director, Anthony D'Ercole, on completing the grueling Hellbender 100!

With more than 40,000 feet of elevation change, the Hellbender 100 takes runners through some of the most challenging terrain in Western North Carolina. Completing this 100-miler takes incredible endurance, determination, and mental toughness, and we’re proud to see Anthony take on such an impressive accomplishment!

05/08/2026

Members of the Henderson County Rescue Squad recently trained on advanced technical rope rescue skills, including the construction and operation of a highline system. The highline was elevated approximately 70 feet off the ground using high directional anchors secured in trees.

During the scenario, rescuers conducted a “pick-off” rescue of a victim stranded on top of a box truck. This type of scenario simulates real-world flood and swiftwater rescue incidents where victims may become trapped on vehicles or other elevated objects, making traditional water rescue methods unsafe or impractical.

Highline systems are also an important tool in mountain rescue operations, allowing rescuers to move victims horizontally across difficult terrain and areas with significant elevation changes.

Training like this helps ensure Rescue Squad members remain prepared for the complex rescue environments we may face in Henderson County and throughout Western North Carolina.

05/08/2026

We're hiring! Henderson County Rescue Squad is seeking qualified individuals to fill part-time EMT and AEMT positions. For more information and to find the application, please visit our website:
https://hendersoncountyrescue.org/