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COLUMBUS—At the April 14 Polk County Board of Commissioners meeting, Fire Marshal and Emergency Management Director Bobby Arledge presented updates regarding the request for a parcel change from Mill Spring to Green Creek Fire District. He also provided an overview of recent emergency management efforts.

During the meeting, Arledge addressed the commissioners and residents, recounting a recent request from a local resident affected by Helene. The resident, residing in the Mill Spring Fire District, sought to change fire districts due to their proximity to the new Green Creek Fire Station. After consultations with both fire departments, it was determined that realigning the fire district boundaries would also facilitate better insurance rates for affected residents. 

Arledge explained that the proposal involved transferring eight parcels from the Mill Spring Fire District to the Green Creek Fire District. The motion to approve this change was unanimously supported by the board.

Arledge then shifted focus to the wildfires that recently impacted the area. He expressed gratitude to all the fire departments in the area. 

“I want to start out saying I want to send a big thank you out to all the fire departments in the County,” he said. “EMS, Rescue, law enforcement, and county staff who stepped up and helped. We couldn’t have done it without everyone working together.”

Three significant fires, collectively known as the Black Cove Complex, destroyed 11 homes and caused significant damage to additional structures, burning approximately 7,670 total acres in Polk and Henderson counties.

Arledge reported that the rapid response and cooperation among agencies mitigated what could have been a more catastrophic outcome. He emphasized the need for community awareness regarding fire safety, especially in light of the challenging drought conditions. 

 “We’re working on a big push for safe burning tips. We’re just trying to teach everybody to keep leaves away from their house and gutters clean, Arledge said. “Maintaining a defensible space around homes can make a significant difference.”

Arledge shared that debris removal efforts following the recent disaster are nearing completion, with ongoing private property debris removal programs still available for residents. Community members were also reminded of an April 27 deadline for the Small Business Administration’s disaster assistance applications.