Proclamation of a state of emergency

Press release from  Haywood County Board of Commissioners:

The following Proclamation is issued by the Chairman of the Haywood County Board of Commissioners:

WHEREAS, information from the National Weather Service and other sources have predicted critical weather and fire conditions in western North Carolina are likely to cause an impact to the region such that a Red Flag warning has been issued for our area on March 26, 2025; and

WHEREAS, said weather system has been forecasted to produce critical fire conditions, with high winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation, creating a significant risk of wildfire spread; and

WHEREAS, weather conditions associated with wildfire constitute an imminent threat of injury and/or loss of life and/or property; and

WHEREAS, Governor Josh Stein issued a State of Emergency for portions of Western North Carolina, including Haywood County, on March 26, 2025; and

WHEREAS, the Rattlesnake Branch Fire is actively burning in the Cruso community of Haywood County on both private and federal properties.

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority contained in Article IA of N.C.G.S. § Chapter 166A,
Article 36A of N.C.G.S. § Chapter 14, and Chapter 31 of the Haywood County Code of Ordinances, I, Chairman L. Kevin Ensley of the Haywood County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim that a State of Emergency exists within Haywood County.

I further proclaim that the directions set forth below, which are authorized by Chapter 31 of the Haywood County Code of Ordinances, are necessary in order to maintain an acceptable level of public order, services, and protection of lives, safety and property during this emergency, and that the same shall be in effect within Haywood County until this Proclamation expires or is rescinded by the Haywood County Board of Commissioners.

I hereby order all county employees and all other emergency management personnel subject to the authority granted to me as the Chairman of the Haywood County Board of Commissioners to cooperate in the enforcement and implementation of the emergency ordinances set forth below.

A. Access to Restricted Areas. (Chapter 31 §31.07)

I. The Director of Emergency Management and any staff may restrict or deny access to any area, location, or street where such a restriction is necessary in order to help overcome this emergency or to prevent the emergency from worsening. These restrictions on access shall be indicated by means of barricades, posted notices, and/or orders to anyone in the area.

II. No person shall obtain access or attempt to obtain access to any area, location, or street to which Emergency Management has restricted access according to the above directive.

2. Sheltering, (chapter 31 31.05)
   Emergency sheltering shall be activated if deemed necessary by Emergency Management.
3. Evacuations (Chapter 31 §31.08)

   Evacuation orders shall be issued by Emergency Management if determined necessary to preserve life.

4. Debris Removal and Infrastructure. (Chapter 31 §31.05)

   County employees shall cooperate with NC DOT and other debris removal/infrastructure entities to ensure the safe and efficient restoration of essential services, such as, but not limited to power, water, roadway access and medical supplies as needed.

I further proclaim that the Emergency Management Plan adopted by Haywood County, and all applicable mutual assistance compacts and agreements are in effect and shall remain in effect until this proclamation expires or is rescinded by the Haywood County Board of Commissioners. All Emergency Management personnel are hereby ordered to cooperate in the implementation of the provisions of the Haywood County’s Emergency Operations Plan and all applicable mutual assistance compacts and agreements, and to furnish assistance thereunder.

I direct that copies of this Proclamation be disseminated to municipalities and mass communications media for publication and broadcast, and that a copy of this Proclamation be posted in the County Manager’s Office, on the Haywood County website and other public buildings as appropriate.

This Proclamation shall be effective as of 8 p.m. on March 26, 2025 and shall remain in effect unless rescinded pursuant to Chapter 31 of the Haywood County Code of Ordinances.