As Hurricane Helene has moved through Western North Carolina, we at Clay County Fire and Rescue find ourselves thankful that Clay County has been spared the worst of the storm's impacts. However, our hearts are heavy for our friends, families, and neighbors to our east, who have been devastated by this catastrophic event. We are committed to assisting in every way possible by deploying resources, manpower, and other assets to those affected communities.

The destruction left in the wake of Hurricane Helene is extensive, impacting critical infrastructure across the region. Hundreds of thousands of people have been directly affected by the storm, with severe disruptions to communications, power, and roadways. In Western North Carolina, including Clay County, 911 systems have been impacted, leaving emergency calls to be relayed through other regional 911 centers. Despite these challenges, we are working tirelessly to respond to emergencies within our own community while also coordinating efforts to support emergency personnel in the more heavily impacted areas to our east.

Road closures have become widespread throughout Western North Carolina, making travel difficult and, in some cases, dangerous. We urge everyone to follow guidance from emergency management officials regarding travel restrictions and safety precautions to avoid impeding ongoing rescue and recovery operations. This is a critical time when cooperation can make all the difference in saving lives and supporting those in need.

Hurricane Helene has left hundreds of individuals unaccounted for, and the full scale of the devastation continues to unfold. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted by this disaster, and we especially recognize the brave public safety officers who tragically lost their lives while trying to save others. Their dedication and heroism in the face of danger are a reminder of the sacrifices made by so many to protect our communities.

Clay County Fire and Rescue remains dedicated to supporting both local and regional rescue and recovery efforts for as long as needed. We ask for your patience and understanding as we face travel restrictions, disruptions in communications, and limitations in available resources. We are all accustomed to a level of comfort that may not be possible during this unprecedented time, but together, we can persevere.

As we move forward, we will continue to provide assistance to the affected communities in every way possible, and we will remain committed to the safety and well-being of our residents. Let us all come together to support one another during this challenging period.
Stay safe, follow official updates, and please be mindful of the ongoing emergency response efforts. We appreciate the strength of our community and the collective support that is already making a difference.

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Clay County Fire and Rescue