Asheville -- April 17, 2026: A fast-moving brush fire along Hendersonville Road prompted the emergency evacuation of a nearby assisted living facility late Thursday night.
Asheville Fire Department (AFD) crews arrived on the scene to find a blaze fueled by sagebrush and bamboo spreading rapidly toward the Walden Ridge facility. As the fire neared the building, officials made the decision to evacuate residents as a safety precaution.
Rapid Response and Containment
Firefighters utilized handlines to battle the flames and were able to bring the fire under control before it could cause any structural damage. Once the fire was knocked down, crews assisted residents back into the facility.
No injuries were reported among residents or emergency personnel.
No structural damage occurred to the Walden Ridge building.
Crews remained on the scene for several hours to "mop up" and remove burning snags (dead trees) to prevent a rekindle.
The N.C. Forest Service assisted AFD in evaluating the containment line to ensure the area was secure.
Critical Reminder: Burn Ban Remains in Effect
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the current drought conditions affecting the region. Buncombe County remains under a strict open burning ban due to hazardous fire conditions, including low humidity and dry fuels.
"Open burning is never permitted within the city limits of Asheville," the department stated in a social media update.
The regional burn ban, which was recently extended due to lower-than-expected rainfall, prohibits the burning of yard waste, debris, or land-clearing materials. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution as fire danger remains elevated throughout Western North Carolina.
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Image: Asheville Fire Department