Open Burning Ban Issued, Opening of Helene Recovery Housing Assistance Grants & More

Buncombe County -- December 4, 2024: Press Release Buncombe County Government: Effective today, Wednesday, Dec. 4 at noon, the Buncombe County Fire Marshal’s Office has issued an open burning ban due to adverse atmospheric conditions including high fire danger, low humidity, and strong gusty winds. 

The ban applies to all open burning, including yard waste, debris, and land-clearing burns. Fires in pits, barbecue grills, cooking fires, warming fires, or chimneas smaller than three feet in diameter are exempt. This ban will remain in effect until Saturday, Dec. 7 at 9 a.m., with the possibility of extension based on conditions. It is never legal to burn anything other than naturally occurring vegetation.   

A reminder: open burning is never permitted within Asheville city limits. 

 

 

Buncombe County continues its transition to FCC Environmental as the new trash and recycling service provider for unincorporated areas. Waste Pro is actively collecting its bins following scheduled pickups, with FCC delivering new bins 24-48 hours later. 
Waste Pro Bear carts remain with households; FCC will rebrand these with stickers. 
Trash collection by Waste Pro will continue in December, the new FCC bins will be serviced. 
Starting in January, residents must be subscribed with FCC to receive service. To sign up, visit fccenvironmental.com/buncombe. 

 

 

Buncombe County property taxes are due by January 6, 2025. North Carolina law does not allow tax waivers due to natural disasters like Hurricane Helene. The Tax Department is available to assist with payment plans and alternatives. 

 

Visit 94 Coxe Ave for in-person payments or call 828-250-4910 for assistance. 
Learn more at buncombecounty.org/governing/tax

 

 

Due to reduced demand, all water distribution sites, and some Community Care Stations have closed except for four locations in the most impacted areas, open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.: 

 

Morgan Hill Baptist Church (594 Barnardsville Highway) 
Bethel United Methodist Church (1056 Riceville Road) 
Owen Pool (117 Stone Drive, Swannanoa) 
Fairview Ingles (225 Charlotte Highway) 

 

 

Emergency shelters are open for individuals experiencing homelessness during cold weather. Code Purple is currently active for today, Wednesday, Dec. 4 and Thursday, Dec. 5. Shelters include: 

 

ABCCM – 20 20th Street – open for single men - Intake starts at 4 p.m. - Accessible via transit route WE2 at Bear Creek Road.  
ABCCM Transformation Village - 30 Olin Haven Way – Single women and children – intake starts at 4 p.m. - Accessible via transit route W2. 

 

 

The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at the Asheville Mall is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for federal assistance, receive referrals to local assistance in their area, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for low-interest disaster loans and more.  
Disaster Recovery 

Center 
Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers 
Asheville Mall 

3 South Tunnel Road (former Gap store). 
Barnardsville Fire Department Station 15, 

100 Dillingham Rd. 

Barnardsville   
Fairview Public Library, 1 Taylor Rd. Fairview NC, 28730 
Weaverville Town Hall, 30 Main St. 

Weaverville 
Open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. 

Monday-Saturday. 
Open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2- 

Thursday, Dec. 5 
Friday, Dec. 6, 9 a.m. 

to 2 p.m. 

  

Saturday, Dec. 7 

8 a.m.-6 p.m. 

Monday-Tuesday Dec. 9-10. 

8 a.m.-6 p.m. 
Open 8a.m.-6 p.m. 

  

Wednesday, Dec. 11- 

Friday, Dec. 13 
 
FEMA financial assistance may include money for basic home repairs, personal property losses or other uninsured, disaster-related needs, such as childcare, transportation, medical needs, funeral or dental expenses. The deadline for households to apply for FEMA assistance is Jan. 7, 2025.  

 

Image: Buncombe County Government