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A special message from the Police Dept. and Marketing & Communications Dept. of Blue Ridge Community College
As of March 26, 2025, both Henderson and Transylvania Counties are under declared states of emergency due to area wildfires, as well as burn bans due to dry conditions and high risk for additional fires.
During this time, the Police Department of Blue Ridge Community College reminds those living in Western North Carolina to follow all instructions given by local authorities, remaining aware of current information on official websites and social media accounts.
“In the event that authorities issue an evacuation order for your area, we strongly urge you to follow their instructions without delay,” said Chris White, police chief at Blue Ridge Community College. “Your safety and well-being are our top priorities. Additionally, remain vigilant of your surroundings to prevent new fires from starting, and if you spot a fire, call 9-1-1 immediately.”
Additionally, community members should be aware of the “Ready, Set, Go!” fire evacuation model, which aids in preparation for wildfire threats through proactive measures before a threat, as well as actions to take during an emergency.
Here is an overview of “Ready, Set, Go!” Read more details on the Henderson County website.
LEVEL 1 – READY
EVACUATION or PROTECTION ALERT: A wildfire threat is in your area. It would be wise to consider planning and/or packing, in the event an evacuation becomes necessary.
LEVEL 2 – SET
EVACUATION WARNING or NOTICE: High probability of a need to evacuate. You should prepare now by packing necessary items and preparing your family, pets, and vehicle for potential departure. Remember the 6- P’s: Plan, Personal items, Prescriptions, Photographs, Pets, and Papers.
LEVEL 3 – GO
EVACUATION REQUEST or ORDER: Occupants of the affected area(s) are asked to leave within a specified time period, by pre-designated route(s). Perimeter roadblocks are typically established. At this stage:
Additionally, Blue Ridge’s Police Dept. recommends the following sources of information for Henderson and Transylvania Counties. Similar resources exist for neighboring counties and cities.
Henderson County (Website, Facebook)
Transylvania County (Website, Facebook)
Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office (Facebook)
City of Saluda, North Carolina (Website, Facebook)
City of Hendersonville, North Carolina (Facebook)
City of Brevard, North Carolina (Facebook)
NC Forest Service: Resisting Wildfires (Website)
Interactive Henderson County Fire Map (Website)
Emergency Notifications
Ahead of any possible weather or safety emergency, members of the College community should sign up for the Blue Ridge Alert system. It only takes a minute to sign up and stay informed of any developments that affect campus operations and schedules. Visit www.blueridge.edu/alert for more details on SMS text alerts. Additionally, your geographical area may have emergency alerts available, such as Hendersonville’s Alert HVL, Henderson County’s Smart911, Brevard Alert, and Asheville’s Alert AVL.
Read more tips in our recent article, “Your Fire Emergency Plan: What You Need to Know.“