On April 2, Town of Franklin Mayor Jack Horton announced that the N.C. Forest Service had rescinded the burn ban for Macon County, prompting Horton to issue a “Termination of the Fire Danger Emergency” for Franklin.
The rains last week were effective in eliminating several fires in Western North Carolina, including ones closest to Macon County – in Rabun County, Ga., and in Swain County, N.C.
“We’ve received some well-timed, much-needed rain over the last couple days which has helped reduce fire danger, allowing us to lift burn ban restrictions across the state,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler in an April 1 public service announcement. “However, we are still in the midst of spring wildfire season and our recent wildfire activity, especially in Western North Carolina, is a reminder to remain vigilant about burning safely and responsibly.”
The N.C. Forest Service noted: “Residents can obtain a burn permit from any authorized permitting agent or online at https://apps.ncagr.gov/burnpermits/. All burn permits granted before the statewide burn ban were canceled when the ban became effective. A valid permit must be obtained.”
Additionally, Macon County Emergency Coordinator and Fire Marshal Jimmy Teem announced April 1 that the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and their contractors will be working in Macon County to remove Hurricane Helene storm debris from waterways, including the Little Tennessee River, Cullasaja River, and Cartoogechaye Creek.
“The work is expected to last until the end of April, possibly longer,” said Teem. “We ask that the public cooperate with USACE to ensure safe and effective removal of this debris.”
(Pictured top) JUST OFF Wells Grove Road near the Depot Street area of Franklin on the Little Tennessee River is a pile of trees tangled up with a fishing boat. Hurricane Helene debris and tree blowdowns such as this will be cleaned up this month by the Army Corps of Engineers.