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Open Burn Ban in Effect
An open burn ban is in effect for Buncombe County until Saturday, December 7, at 9 a.m. This ban prohibits the burning of yard waste, debris, or land-clearing materials. Burning anything other than naturally occurring vegetation is always illegal.
The ban was enacted due to high fire danger caused by low humidity and gusty winds.
Cart Transition for Trash Service
FCC continues its transition into the community as the new trash and recycling service provider for unincorporated Buncombe County. This week, Waste Pro began picking up their carts and soon after, FCC will begin delivering their carts. If customers purchased a bear cart from Waste Pro, they will keep them and an FCC sticker will be placed on them by FCC. Trash and recycling will continue to be picked as usual by Waste Pro in December in the new FCC carts.
Starting in January, Waste Pro customers will need to have subscribed with FCC for their trash and recycling to be picked up. If residents do not want to subscribe with FCC, they will have to opt out before quarterly billing begins.
This transition does not apply to City of Asheville customers.
Household Hazardous Waste Event
On Friday, December 13, household hazardous waste will be accepted at the Buncombe County Landfill from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. There is a 20-gallon limit on paint and paint-related materials, and this is for residential household hazardous waste only, not for commercial.
Community Care Stations
Four stations remain open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at:
- Morgan Hill Baptist Church, Barnardsville
- Bethel United Methodist, Riceville
- Owen Pool, Swannanoa
- Fairview Ingles, Reynolds High
Debris Collection Progress
Over 408,431 cubic yards of debris have been removed In Buncombe County, Black Mountain and the City of Asheville. Residents are encouraged to move debris to public rights-of-way and sort it by type.
Community Canvassing Update
Buncombe County is aware of questions and concerns about the presence of tents after Helene. These concerns include accounts of individuals living in lightweight tents. These reports are being shared and elevated through social media, often by people from all over the country, who may or may not be on the ground in the region. Buncombe County has addressed these concerns while ensuring that individuals are receiving the resources they need.
Buncombe County Emergency Services and FEMA staff conducted field assessments in several areas to assess the living conditions of displaced residents following Hurricane Helene.
This included working with local fire chiefs to identify residents who may be living in tents who might need additional resources. Canvassing efforts focused on Swannanoa, Garren Creek, Fairview, and Barnardsville.
The canvassing efforts confirmed that most tents observed in the affected areas were either heated or not primary residences. These heated tents are cold-weather canvas tents that are equipped with approved heating sources, cooking areas, fire and carbon monoxide detectors, among other features. There were also a few individuals residing in tents or cars who had been doing so prior to the storm and declined assistance. Assistance was provided where necessary, and ongoing support remains available for those impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Buncombe County reminds the community that resources are available including FEMA Disaster Assistance and American Red Cross.
Helene Recovery Assistance Programs:
Helene Recovery Housing Assistance Grant
Applications are open for the Helene Recovery Housing Assistance Grant, which provides up to three months of financial support for rent, mortgage payments, or utility bills.
Eligibility:
- Residents of Buncombe County as of September 26, 2024.
- Negative financial impact from Hurricane Helene.
- Household income within 80% of the Area Median Income (e.g., $74,800/year for a family of four).
U.S. Citizenship is not required. Apply by December 18 at 5 p.m. at buncombeready.org.
Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) Program
Over 1,000 property owners have applied for free debris removal through the Private Property Debris Removal Program. Residents can apply online at buncombeready.org or visit one of our application centers at the Asheville Mall, Barnardsville Fire Department, Swannanoa Fire Department, or Fairview Library.
For questions, call the One Buncombe hotline at 828-250-6100 (Option 2).
USDA Emergency Watershed Protection Program
Residents affected by Hurricane Helene may qualify for this program to address threats like debris-clogged waterways or unstable streambanks.
Residents can apply by submitting damage information using the County’s Property Damage Form at this link.
Low-Income Energy Assistance
While not related directly to Helene recovery, the state’s Low Income Energy Assistance Program is also available to help with heating bills.
The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program is now accepting applications for one-time heating bill help for low-income households. Payments go directly to heating vendors.
Households including a person aged 60 or older or disabled persons receiving services through the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services are eligible to sign up for assistance until Dec. 31. All other households may apply from Jan. 1 – March 31 or until funds are exhausted. There are many ways to apply:
You can also apply in-person: 40 Coxe Ave on Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.