Buncombe County Helene Recovery
Buncombe County Helene Recovery
As Buncombe County recovers from the impacts of Hurricane Helene, this site will provide timely updates on the work done to support our community in a number of key areas and offer a place for residents to ask questions, provide input, and have a voice in the rebuilding process. Sign up to receive email updates below.
Important Update on Wildfire Activity in Buncombe County
As of 8 a.m. on April 2, the statewide burn ban has been lifted, and the Buncombe County local open burning ban has been lifted effective 10 a.m. Residents are reminded to adhere to all local fire safety regulations and to never leave a fire unattended.
Burning remains prohibited in municipalities and unincorporated areas of Buncombe County; only naturally occurring vegetation may be burned.
With spring being wildfire season in Western North Carolina and the presence of storm debris increasing fire risk, residents are encouraged to take proactive steps to safeguard their properties. This includes:
Clearing combustibles such as firewood, gas, and kerosene at least 25-50 feet away from homes.
Removing leaves, limbs, and dead vegetation from gutters and yards.
Visiting www.buncombeready.org for resources on fire prevention and mitigation.
Sign up for alerts about this and other important updates by texting “BCAlert” to 99411.
The Response to Recovery Model charts the trajectory of typical disaster recovery timelines. In the case of Helene, the Buncombe County immediate response, or emergency response, was significantly slowed due to the ongoing water outages due to the extensive damage to our public water infrastructure.
The Response to Recovery Model charts the typical trajectory of disaster recovery.
Recovery Support Functions
Buncombe County has established a recovery framework, in alignment with state and federal frameworks, that includes seven Recovery Support Functions (RSFs) centered on the most critical issues for our County to coordinate recovery operations. These RSFs include task forces led by our County to ensure recovery efforts prioritize the needs and concerns of our residents. Task forces also include a variety of local, state, and federal partners that can offer support and coordinate community-based recovery activities. Each Recovery Support Function is aligned with long-term goals and will coordinate resources, track progress, and meet specific needs within the community. Currently, each RSF is working to develop a Task Force of subject matter experts to identify intermediate recovery needs within their scope, a develop strategies to address those needs.
Think of Recovery Support Functions as focus areas for rebuilding our community. RSFs include the following categories:
- Debris Management
- Economic Revitalization
- Health and Social Services/ Education
- Housing
- Infrastructure
- Natural and Cultural Resources
Buncombe County Recovery Support Functions include debris management, economic revitalization, health and social services, housing, infrastructure, and natural and cultural resources.
Debris Management
Transparency
Helene Spend Tracking Dashboard
This Helene-specific dashboard reflects Buncombe County spending and potential spending activity related to Tropical Storm Helene. It is the intention of Buncombe County to seek reimbursement for Helene related spending, where allowable. Data is refreshed on a monthly basis and totals may change as spending activity is further evaluated as to how it relates to the disaster.
Weekly Helene One-Page Information Sheets
Each week, Buncombe County publishes an updated one-page information sheet related to ongoing disaster relief resources and programs. Flyers include information about FEMA, utility and rental assistance programs, non-profits offering support, and important numbers to know. These one-pagers are available in English, Spanish, Russian, and Ukrainian. Click on the links below for the most updated information sheet.
English One-Pager (updated April 2)
Spanish One-Pager (updated April 2https://www.buncombecounty.org/common/emergency/4_2%20One%20Pager%20ESP.pdf)
Russian One-Pager (updated March 25)
Ukrainian One-Pager (updated March 25)
Watch Weekly Community Briefings here
Important Numbers
- OneBuncombe Call Center (828)-250-6100
- FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362
- Questions about Debris (828)-250-6100 , Option #2
- Asheville Water Department (828)- 251-1122
- Emergency Shelter 211
- Permits Department (828)-250-5360
- Planning Department (828) 250-4830
- Text BCalert to 99411 to sign up for local alerts and up-to-date information
Crews will begin final passes throughout Buncombe County. Please ensure your debris is on the curb on or by March 1, 2025 to ensure it is picked up. If public right-of-way debris on your street has not been picked up since October, call 828-250-6100 and press 2.
Resources for Your Next Steps: Helene Recovery Resource Guide
Click here to view the Helene Recovery Resource Guide (updated March 24)
Contribute Your Personal Stories to the Digital Community Archive
Learn more about the Friends of Buncombe County Special Collections digital memory project here.