Garren Creek Fire Department

05/25/2026

May we never forget freedom isn't free.

04/27/2026

The statewide burn ban remains in effect until further notice despite weekend rain in some areas. Persistent dry weather and increasing rainfall deficits from the last several months have left most of the state needing 10 inches of rain or more.

“While the rainfall we received over the weekend was a welcome sight, it offered little to no relief from widespread drought conditions while being nowhere near enough to reduce our wildfire risk,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Even the areas that received the heaviest amount of rain will quickly dry out from the sunshine and warmer temperatures. Until we get some additional rain and see more green-up in our forests, holding the burn ban in place statewide is the best option right now.”

While green-up and leaf-out are progressing at normal rate, low soil moisture, dry surface fuels and persistent low humidity are contributing to wildfire activity. For Western North Carolina, excessive forest fuels from Hurricane Helene are more available now than they were in 2025, low water levels in coastal areas have helped produce intense fire behavior where ground fire will likely be a long-term issue, and the Piedmont experienced 87 new wildfire starts over the weekend alone. Extended attack and mop-up efforts will be taxing and long-winded until drought conditions improve.

Read news release: https://bit.ly/497dNht

04/16/2026

🙏🏻

04/15/2026

No 🔥 burning please

Hazardous Weather Update 4.14.26

🔥 The combination of dry fuels, very warm temperatures, gusty winds, and reduced humidity will lead to an increased risk of wildfires again today.

🍂 Most dry grasses, dead leaves, and other tree litter could easily ignite and spread fire quickly.

❌ A statewide burn ban issued by the N.C. Forest Service remains in place.

For tips on how you can be prepared for wildfires, visit https://www.readync.gov/wildfire

01/30/2026

Get prepared and stay safe

Updated snow totals are posted and they had increased for some parts of our area. The timing will be this evening through Sunday morning.

Ensure personal preparedness and plan for roads to be slick. Check on your neighbors those who are unable to perform common winter weather preparedness tasks.

01/01/2026

We have a small crew helping with this fire. Prayers for their safety!

Public Safety Update:
Shumont / Lake Lure Fire

Emergency crews are operating at a large woods fire in rough terrain located near 905 Bald Mountain Road in the Shumont area. The fire is burning in an area previously affected by the Party Rock fire. As of 10:00 a.m., the fire is estimated at approximately 16 acres with 0% containment.

High winds overnight required crews to shift to a defensive operation. Approximately 35–40 personnel from multiple agencies remain on scene, and no homes or structures are currently threatened.

Agencies working the fire include Lake Lure, Bills Creek, Shingle Hollow, Chimney Rock, Green Hill, Broad River, Henderson County, State Park, the NC Forest Service, the Rutherford County Fire Marshal’s Office, Rutherford County Emergency Management, and several departments from Buncombe County.

Residents in the Shumont area may see or smell smoke. Please avoid the area if possible. Updates will be shared as information becomes available.

12/28/2025

Effective Monday, Dec. 29, the National Weather Service has issued a **🚩🚩RED FLAG WARNING 🚩🚩** for some North Carolina counties. Review weather alerts for North Carolina at weather.gov.

A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures will create dangerous fire behavior.

Fire danger will be elevated, especially across central North Carolina. While open burning is permitted during a red flag, it is NOT advised. Please postpone all outdoor burning.

Careless debris burning is the leading cause of wildfires in North Carolina, and you are our best defense against wildfire. For wildfire readiness and prevention tips: preventwildfirenc.org

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas 🎄 from GCFD!