Community EMTs will hit the streets of downtown Asheville for a six-week pilot program to test a new model of providing community policing and response services.
Tag: asheville fire department
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Asheville Archives: The formation of the Asheville Fire Department, 1882
Prior to the formation of the Asheville Fire Department in 1882, residents and business owners had only themselves and their neighbors to rely on.
Remembering the fire that nearly destroyed the Old Kentucky Home
July marks the 20-year anniversary of the unsolved arson that nearly destroyed one of Asheville’s historic landmarks.
Fire chiefs ask county for $2.7M increase for retention, other needs
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners heard requests by 12 fire departments on May 8 to increase fire tax rates in their districts. If all the requests are approved, the county will spend an additional $2.7 million on fire service in the upcoming fiscal year.
Shedding light on Asheville’s third shift
Third shift can be challenging to acclimate to — whether it’s learning to sleep during the day, finding a healthy work-family balance or forgoing the social components that are more readily available to those who work traditional hours. But as those who spoke with Xpress note, it has its perks, too. Along with empty streets and a less harried work pace, workers tend to come across colorful personalities at night.
Letter: Asheville has long history of institutional racism
“Very little has changed here since I was co-captain of the first integrated Asheville High football team and learned much about how Asheville has stacked the deck against nonwhites, and frankly that has not changed nearly as much as it should have over the years.”
Election results spark flag burning outside Federal Building
In protest of President-elect Donald Trump, an Asheville resident burned a flag in front of downtown Asheville’s federal building on Thursday, Nov. 1. Shell said his family made the flag eight years ago to celebrate the election of Barack Obama.
Mayor calls $74 million bond referendum catalyst for equity
Mayor Esther Manheimer delivered her State of Asheville speech on Tuesday, Oct. 4. It stressed the need for the city to foster equity before ultimately advocating for approval of $74 million in bond referendums to achieve equity goals.
Letter writer: Kindness doesn’t go unnoticed
“I was having car trouble downtown in one of the parking lots and Squad 1 pulled in to see if they could help.”
City council to consider Eagle Market Place modifications; Shiloh storage facility
At its Tuesday, Nov. 10 meeting, city council will hear public input on a proposed self-storage facility rejected by the city’s Planning & Zoning Commission. Council also will consider a request from the Eagle Market Place housing project to modify the terms of city loans to enable the project to obtain additional bank financing.
Hot stuff: In the kitchen with Asheville’s firefighters
In addition to knowing how to put out fires and save people’s lives, firefighters need to have a few culinary skills to carry them through long shifts in the firehouse. Step into the kitchen at West Asheville’s Fire Station 6, and find out what’s cooking.
Book looks at history of ‘Firefighting in Buncombe County’
Firefighting has played a big role in Brian Lawrence’s life. His father was a firefighter and he grew up around the firehouse outside Decatur, Illinois. His fascination with firefighting followed him through his teen years, through college and into his current role as an engineer with the Asheville Fire Department. Lawrence’s keen interest in history complements […]
Major gas fire hits Sandhill Road area ***UPDATED 5:50 P.M.***
***UPDATED: As of 5:50 p.m. the fire is out.*** A major gas fire hit the Sandhill Road area, erupting around 4 p.m. today. Emergency response crews have blocked off the area, and reports from both news outlets and social media tell of a huge fireball and a shockwave that shook nearby buildings. Authorities are warning people to avoid the area. Photo by Jason Setran.
BREAKING: New Belgium fire ‘very suspicious’
The cause of the structure fire that started in the River Arts District late April 5 evening remains as opaque as the smoke that billowed from it. The flames overtook two buildings at the future New Belgium site on Craven Street. (Photo by Max Cooper) ***UPDATE Saturday, April 6 at 3 p.m.: AFD has determined these fires were intentionally set.***
Vacant building collapses on Carolina Lane, no injuries ***UPDATED 4:15 p.m.***
Police cars and fire trucks blocked off Walnut Street downtown this afternoon after the collapse of 15 Carolina Lane. Workers were already in the process of tearing down the building, and no one was injured.
Asheville Fire Department will hold boot drive Friday
Firefighters. Empty boots. A good cause. Your donations (in the boots). Patton and Louisiana. Saturday, Sept. 14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fire Chief: Asheville well-prepared for possible fuel shortage
After the 2005 and 2008 gas shortages due to hurricanes hitting the Gulf Coast, the city of Asheville developed reserves and a conservation plan. With Hurricane Isaac moving towards the same area, Asheville Fire Department Chief Scott Burnette says the city is well-prepared. It was a common sight on I-26 during the 2008 gas shortage – tourists bringing extra gasoline with them to Asheville. (photo by Bill Rhodes)
Slideshow from Asheville Fire Department training
While spending time with the Asheville Fire Department for this week’s cover story, we spent a lot of time with them while they trained. Here is a slideshow of some of their training.
A burning passion: Asheville firefighters’ quest for perfection
Almost a year has passed since the still-unsolved fire that claimed the life of Capt Jeff Bowen. Xpress spent a few hours with the men and women of the Asheville Fire Department as they work through their grief, anger and loss — and focus on the future.
Firefighters do more than fight fires
I am writing in response to Norman Plombe's Aug. 31 Xpress letter "We Become Heroes by Saving." To quote Mr. Plombe, "Every time a firefighter dies while actually fighting a fire, conventional society jumps into lock step to deify him." Perhaps Mr. Plombe does not realize that firefighters place themselves in harm's way to help […]
Research before you rant
I appreciate the citizen’s opinion that was published in a recent Mountain Xpress on the life of a firefighter [“We Become Heroes by Saving,” Aug. 31]. However, I believe that the citizen is a bit misinformed. One of the main arguments made was that people in other professions die every day and do not get […]