Qualla Fire & Rescue

05/25/2026

Today, along with everyday, we honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice has secured the freedoms we enjoy each day.

We remember. We honor. We thank you.

05/03/2026

04/24/2026

Last night 4/23/26 members of Qualla Fire Department and Sylva Fire Department attended Smokey Mountain Elementary’s STEM/Career Night. We discussed the science of firefighting and fire prevention initiatives with multiple families. We thank Smokey Mountain Elementary for giving this opportunity to be able to come out and serve our communities and most of all our children and their families.

04/21/2026

The National Weather Service released a Special Weather Statement at 2:03pm today for increased fire danger for tomorrow, April 22nd. This includes Jackson and surrounding counties.

Significant rainfall will be needed to bring our area out of this burn ban. Please continue to refrain from any outdoor burning and we appreciate those who have cooperated with us thus far.

We will post here as soon as the burn ban is lifted but we do not expect it to happen anytime soon. Thank you!

04/15/2026

*Press Release*

Last night at approximately 10:45pm Qualla Fire & Rescue units responded to the area of Elders Superette and Blackberry Branch for a reported wildfire. Firefighters gained access to the fire utilizing a powerline right of way located at the end of Windswept Ridge. The fire threatened two structures and is now 100% contained. The fire was started by a large tree that had fallen on utility lines. Due to severe fire conditions and amount of homes in the area, mutual aid response was initiated from Sylva Fire Department, Balsam-Willets-Ochre Hill Volunteer Fire Department, Savannah Volunteer Fire Department, and Cullowhee Fire Department.

04/11/2026

*Press Release*

Today at approximately 3:00pm, Qualla Fire & Rescue units responded to the area of Parkway Drive in the Plott Balsam Community in reference to two reported wildfires. Due to multiple structures in the area, EBCI Cherokee Fire and Rescue and Maggie Valley Fire Department were requested mutual aid. With the coordination of all agencies, including crews with the NC Forest Service, we were able to save two homes that were directly threatened and bring both fires under control promptly. Both fires are 100% contained. The cause of the fires remain under investigation.