Burke Rescue Inc and SAR

06/01/2026

May kept us busy!

We wrapped up the last weekend of the month with four Search and Rescue calls, including one at Upper Creek Falls. Afternoon storms quickly raised the water level, leaving hikers unable to safely get back to the parking area. They began bushwhacking upstream in an attempt to find another way out before eventually calling for help after dark.

As we head into summer, remember that conditions can change fast. Upper Creek is known for rapidly rising water levels, especially after storms. Before heading out, check the forecast, keep an eye on the weather, and have a backup plan.

A little preparation can go a long way toward making sure everyone gets home safely

05/28/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

Burke Rescue’s Annual Meeting will be held on June 11th at 6:00 PM at:

120 St. Mary’s Church Rd.
Morganton, NC 28655

This meeting is open to the public, and we welcome anyone interested in learning more about Burke Rescue and our service to the community!

05/24/2026

We’re proud to share that several of our members/prospective members were part of this outstanding class! Job well done!

05/18/2026

Thank you to Burke County Sheriff's Office and all of the EMS providers out there!

05/17/2026

What a busy weekend for our team!

Our squad provided medical standby coverage for both nights of JR.s Pro Rodeo, as well as the The Bear Crawl OCR event. On top of that, crews responded to two SAR calls on Saturday and multiple first responder calls throughout the weekend. We also had the opportunity to assist the WPCC EMT class with 99 Rescue 1 as students learned the basics of vehicle rescue.

We are incredibly grateful for the dedication, professionalism, and continued commitment of our volunteers who give their time to serve our community day and night. Thank you all for everything you do!

05/11/2026

05/11/2026

Last night Burke Rescue was requested to assist Jonas Ridge Fire & Rescue with an unusual technical rescue.
A dog became stuck approximately 75' inside a 16" wide culvert pipe.
We are happy to report the rescue was a success and the patient was uninjured. The only reported symptom’s were excessive tail wagging, which was quickly treated by belly rubs and ear scratches!

05/08/2026

We were proud to support the Special Olympics by providing medical standby coverage. Thank you to everyone who helped make the day so special for these amazing athletes!

05/04/2026

Sunday was a busy day for our SAR team—we were dispatched to three separate search and rescue calls.

A reminder to everyone heading outdoors: let someone know your route and expected return time. Have a plan in case you get lost, and always carry the 10 essentials. If you ever need to call 911, stay where you are so rescuers can find you quickly & safely.