Safety & Emergency Alerts
Key Questions
What is the 'Speed a Little. Lose a Lot.' campaign about?
It's a week-long speed enforcement campaign by North Carolina law enforcement through April 5, following 335 speed-related deaths in 2025. APD is increasing patrols as part of this effort.
What happened to the pedestrian on Airport Road?
Andrew Angstead, a south Asheville resident, was fatally struck by an SUV on Airport Road on April 3. APD is investigating the incident.
What was the outcome of APD's downtown muffler crackdown?
The initiative addressing noise and reckless driving complaints from April 4-5 resulted in 9 citations. It targeted muffler violations in downtown Asheville.
What fire risks are associated with the current drought?
Drought conditions have worsened across western Carolinas, leading to burn bans, Red Flag warnings, and Helene debris risks. New fires started in Pisgah and Nantahala on April 2.
What is AFD's new Rescue 3 truck?
The Asheville Fire Department has put a new tiller truck, Rescue 3, into service. It features sharp turning capabilities for urban response.
How are gas prices affecting families in Asheville?
Gas prices near $3.92 are prompting more families to seek aid from nonprofits. This adds pressure amid rising costs in the area.
What recent wildfire activity occurred in WNC?
The U.S. Forest Service responded to three new fires on April 2, plus a lightning-sparked 1-acre fire on Old Fort Mountain that was mostly contained. Drought is hitting mountain areas hardest.
What land preservation efforts are underway in Buncombe County?
Buncombe County has preserved over 280 acres of farms and forests in Black Mountain and Fairview areas. This supports local safety and environmental efforts.
'Speed a Little. Lose a Lot.' thru 4/5 APD patrols; pedestrian Angstead fatal Airport Rd 4/3; APD downtown muffler crackdown 9 citations 4/4-5 on complaints; drought fire risks burn bans Red Flag Helene debris; new Pisgah/Nantahala fires 4/2; AFD Rescue 3; BC Alerts relaunched; EMS base Mission exp; chief Dorsey dies; bears abandoned bldgs; preserves; gas $3.92 aid.