Fire Incident at SDR Debris Collection Site No Threat to Public

Buncombe County -- January 15, 2025: Press Release: Buncombe County Government Weaverville, NC  Fire crews from the Weaverville

Fire Department and the Reems Creek Fire Department

were dispatched to a fire at the SDR Helene debris collection site located in Reems Creek at approximately 4:20 AM. 

The fire, located at a Helene debris collection site operated by Southern Debris Removal (SDR), was approved for a curtain burn by Buncombe County Air Quality on Dec 13th as a means of Helene debris processing, however,  the approved burn operation had not yet started. The fire impacted approximately 32,000 cubic yards of debris; however, it is contained and does not pose a threat to the surrounding areas.

The Buncombe County Fire Marshal, SDR representatives, Weaverville and Reems Creek Fire Departments, and the North Carolina Forest Service Law Enforcement Division are on-site and monitoring the scene. Fire department resources will remain on-site to ensure the fire remains contained, and debris contractors will continuously monitor the site until there is no additional fire activity. 

This incident is being investigated as a possible criminal act. The NC Forest Service Law Enforcement Division is leading the investigation into the incident.