In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, local agencies remain busy responding to numerous calls for service. Earlier this week, Clay County 911 was notified of two hikers who had become lost while exploring the Big Scaley area near Tate City. Clay County Fire and Rescue (CCFR) responded with search and rescue teams, beginning their efforts early Wednesday morning. After several hours of searching, additional resources were requested from nearby counties, including Cherokee County Search and Rescue, Raban County, Towns County, and Macon County Fire and Rescue services. Thankfully, just as these additional teams were being mobilized, CCFR's initial team successfully located the lost hikers, allowing the resources to stand down before further deployment.

While the search-and-rescue operation unfolded, CCFR continued to support ongoing recovery efforts in Western North Carolina following the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Mutual aid and joint operations have been critical in handling the high volume of local calls for service, and CCFR extends sincere thanks to all neighboring agencies for their dedication and cooperation. The commitment of these agencies plays a vital role in helping affected communities during their times of need.

This past week also marked Fire Prevention Week, where CCFR met with students at Hayesville Primary School to discuss fire safety and the importance of having a plan in the event of an emergency. The students participated in interactive sessions on fire safety, and each received fire department goodies along with a Jr. Fire Marshal Certification, recognizing their understanding of fire safety principles. Photos from the event will be shared by the school.

CCFR encourages residents to explore the Fire Prevention section of their website at www.clayncfire.org for more information on fire safety and prevention tips. If you need help with smoke detectors, the "Get Alarmed" form on the website is available to request assistance with smoke detector installation. The website also features a “Contact Us” section for general questions, concerns, or additional information.

Clay County Fire and Rescue continues to serve the residents and visitors of Clay County with the same dedication and courage you’ve come to expect. Stay connected with us through Facebook and our website for updates on our ongoing efforts to keep Clay County safe. If you're interested in becoming a volunteer and want to make a real difference in your community, we encourage you to visit the "Join Our Team" section of our website. One of our dedicated officers will be in touch to guide you through the process.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you around the community.