'Minimal impacts' from Tropical Storm Fred allowed Henderson County to assist neighbors
Rebecca WalterThe “minimal impacts” Henderson County received from Tropical Storm Fred allowed local resources to be deployed to Haywood and Transylvania counties last month.
Emergency Services Director Jimmy Brissie updated the Henderson County Board of Commissioners Tuesday on the support services offered to neighboring counties that experienced devastating damage from the storm.
“It definitely was a devastating event for that community and the pictures don’t quite do it justice,” Brissie said.
Minimal impacts in Henderson County have been recorded in the Mills River, Bat Cave and Fletcher fire districts, according to Brissie.
"We were very fortunate," he said.
The public assistance threshold for damages in Henderson County is set at around $438,000. Estimates show the county is well under that threshold in regard to impacts from Fred, he added.
Around 10 residences and two commercial properties reported damage in Henderson County.
Under the county-to-county mutual aid request, Henderson County provided the following resources to Haywood County:
- Two Emergency Management staff for seven days for the EOC
- Two building inspectors for two days
- Two fire apparatuses from Mills River Fire Department and personnel for seven days from Mills River, Etowah, Valley Hill and Mountain Home fire departments
- Search and rescue teams from the rescue squad and EMS for five days
- Generators, light towers, and message boards for logistical support
Henderson County also sent swift water rescue teams to Transylvania County for days to help out with impacts from Fred.
The historic rainfall that fell in the headwaters of the Pigeon River resulted in an estimated 1,000-year flood, according to information provided by Brissie.
He explained that counties helping counties is common throughout North Carolina, adding that Haywood County has offered help to Henderson County over the years.
“They’ve been there for us and we will continue to be there for them,” Brissie told commissioners.
