HURRICANE HELENE UPDATES
Friday, October 11 – 4pm Update
State of Emergency
The Town remains in a state of emergency with multiple measures being taken to ensure public health and safety. A curfew, from 7:30PM to 7:30AM, remains in effect due to the power outages and storm debris in town. A full burning ban remains in effect due to dried vegetative debris and water supply concerns.
Power Restoration
Duke Energy is working tirelessly to restore electricity to all town residents. We are hopeful this will occur by the end of the weekend.
AT&T and Spectrum Service
Both AT&T and Spectrum are working in town. We do not have official restoration times for either service at this point, but both utilities are working diligently to reconstruct service.
Traveling within Town
Please be mindful when traveling within Town as there are multiple utility companies working and debris on road edge. This is true for drivers, bicyclists, and walkers. Be aware and cautious throughout the Town.
Trash Pickup
Please remember that trash pickup will occur on a regular scheduled Monday. Recycling pickup will resume on Monday, 10/21.
Debris Removal
The disposal site road is complete, and work is being finalized on the disposal site itself. Debris removal should begin this weekend. The Town’s contractor will make multiple passes through town over the next several months until all storm debris is taken.
Water
Water remains available in Biltmore Forest but we are under a boil water advisory. Please boil vigorously for one minute before consuming. Water is safe for dishwashing and washing hands. Restrict water usage to minimal amounts to ensure the supply for all.
Town Hall Operations
The Town Hall will be open over the weekend from 8am-6pm for charging and using wifi. Please be mindful of others who need to use these services as well.
Thursday, October 10th – 4pm Update
State of Emergency
The Town remains in a state of emergency with multiple measures being taken to ensure public health and safety. A curfew, from 7:30PM to 7:30AM, remains in effect due to the power outages and storm debris in town. A full burning ban remains in effect due to dried vegetative debris and water supply concerns.
Power Restoration
Duke Energy has dramatically increased their presence in Biltmore Forest. There are now approximately 75 utility workers on site making progress in power restoration. Road closures may pop up during the day where Duke crews are working and we ask that you exercise patience and understanding during these times.
Trash Pickup
Trash pickup went well and we will continue normal service next Monday. We anticipate resuming recycling service on Monday, October 21. If you would like to drop off recyclables prior to that, you may take it directly to Curbside Management 116 Woodfin Ave, Woodfin, NC 28804.
Debris Removal
The road into the disposal site is nearly complete and work is being finalized on the disposal site itself. We are hopeful that debris removal pickup will begin this weekend. Please do not rush to get debris to the street edge. The Town’s contractor will make multiple passes through town over the next several months until all storm debris is taken.
Please remember, if private tree companies are working on your property, they should not place debris on top of a hydrant, water meter, or where a power pole once stood. This will slow the power restoration efforts.
Water
Water remains available in Biltmore Forest but we are under a boil water advisory. Please remember to boil vigorously for one minute before consuming. Water is safe for dishwashing and washing hands. Please continue to restrict water usage to minimal amounts to ensure the supply for all.
Town Hall Operations
The Town Hall will be open from 7am-7pm for charging and using wifi. Please be mindful of others who need to use these services as well.
There is currently a Declared State of Emergency in effect for all of Buncombe County, including Biltmore Forest. Under this declaration, the Town is prohibiting activities that may pose a threat to public health or safety. The following actions are currently in place for the Town until further notice.
• A curfew is in effect until 7:30pm until 7:30am. This will be rescinded once power is restored to the entire Town.
• Effective immediately, there is also a full burn ban in place for the Town. This includes burning debris and fire pit usage. This is due to the vast amounts of dried vegetative debris and scarcity of water in Town. This full burn ban is in place until further notice.
• Temperatures are expected to be low this week and through the next week. Please take the following actions to ensure your safety and safety of others until power is full restored.
o Please have your wood burning fireplace inspected before use.
o Never use a generator or any gasoline-powered engine inside your home, basement, or garage or less than 20 feet from any window, door, or vent.
o Use an extension cord that is more than 20 feet long to keep the generator at a safe distance.
o When using a generator, use a battery-powered or battery backup CO detector in your home.
o Never run a generator any gasoline-powered engine inside a basement, garage, or other enclosed structure, even if the doors or windows are open, unless the equipment is professionally installed and vented.
o Never use a charcoal grill, hibachi, lantern, or portable camping stove inside a home.
o Never leave the motor running in a vehicle parked in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as a garage.
Power Restoration Safety Tips
As power comes back, please make sure that you have not placed anything on a stove that may be flammable. Oftentimes, people forget to turn off appliances that were on when the power went out. As we are thirteen days into this incident, it is possible these appliances will come back on as soon as power is restored.
It is a good practice to have all breakers turned off to your home even as power is being restored. Once you are aware that power is back on, then turn back the breakers back on to the house.
Tuesday, October 8 – 4pm Update
Power Restoration
Duke Energy is making steady progress. We anticipate several areas coming back online within the next several days and will be working with Duke to ensure restoration as quickly as possible in other areas.
Trash Pickup
Trash pickup continues to be on regular schedule. We removed the recycling containers from the Ingles parking lot due to solid waste being thrown in the recycling containers and on the ground. Recycling service will not resume until further notice.
Debris Removal
The Town received the permit for the temporary vegetative disposal site off Vanderbilt Rd. Work is underway to provide access to this location. The Town’s debris removal contractor, Southern Disaster Recovery, is likely to begin work by the end of this week.
If private tree companies are working on your property, please make sure no debris is placed on top of a hydrant, water meter, or where a power pole once stood or still stands. This impedes the recovery of these utilities.
Water
Water remains available in Biltmore Forest. For those who have water, please remember to boil before consuming. Water is safe for dishwashing and washing hands.
Water Distribution Sites
The Town continues to partner with Carolina Day School for a water distribution site at 1345 Hendersonville Road. This site has also provided donated items for those in need.
Town Hall Operations
The Town Hall has remained open for those needing to charge devices and use the internet. We have not yet resumed normal activities and are continuing to conduct emergency operations out of these facilities. Please help us by being mindful of those working, and stay at Town Hall for only as long as necessary to conduct business. This will allow more people time to use these services.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 7th, 2024-3PM UPDATE
Power
Duke got the majority of underground served customers back on last night. This includes the bulk of the area south of the Biltmore Forest Country Club. Duke is going to work on back lines beginning tomorrow morning. This is going to be the largest issue for getting everything back online. We do not have an estimated restoration time, but I am hopeful the town will be back online by the end of this week or the weekend. This is going to solely depend on how quickly the crews can get overhead lines back up in the heavy, vegetative areas. Possibly, the area along Stuyvesant Road/Browntown Road will be back online by Wednesday.
Water
There is no change in the current status of water. Most residents have water in the Town but the Town and anyone with water remains under a Boil Water Advisory (BWA). We are going to continue messaging this to the public that there is water, it should be conserved, and it needs to be boiled before being consumed.
Water Distribution Sites
The Town continues to partner with Carolina Day School for water distribution at their facility at 1345 Hendersonville Road. We have made an official request of Buncombe County EOC to get water shipments to this location. All previously water distributed has been provided by volunteers, mostly from outside the region. This takes place from 12-4 each day.
Trash Pickup
Trash pickup resumed today and, as of now, seems to be moving well. We asked Curbside Management to come and retrieve the two recycling containers at Ingles because they were overrun with trash nearly immediately. We will not be conducting recycling pickup for the foreseeable future.
Spectrum/AT&T/Verizon
Not much information from these utilities on internet restoration. It is highly likely these will follow behind the power crews where they are on the same pole. For the south end of town, that restoration work should be undertaken by AT&T and they are aware of this, but there is no timeline yet.
Cellular coverage is improving each day. Verizon had a team of approximately 10 people here today, mostly from Oregon, who were working at the cell tower site behind Public Works.
Debris Removal
The Town began cutting the road for our debris removal site today. Tennoca was hired by Southern Disaster Recovery to perform this work and hopes to have the road and staging area set by Wednesday. We are hopeful debris removal will commence then.
Law Enforcement Presence
The Town has worked diligently to ensure we have continued law enforcement presence overnight. With power outages in large swaths of town, we have done this to ensure that our resources are not stretched too thin if something occurs and to make sure that this presence is seen/felt.. We had officers from WakeMED PD and Pineville PD through yesterday and anticipate having officers from New Hanover County Sherriff’s Office and High Point PD as well.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2024- 3PM UPDATE
Please remember that trash pickup will resume on a regular schedule tomorrow. Have cans accessible for the driver.
All town meetings are cancelled at this time. The “Meet the Candidate” event scheduled for Wednesday, October 9th has also been canceled.
We do not have an update from Duke Energy on power restoration. Please continue to remain patient while Duke assesses damage and works in the Town.
Residents with water should continue to boil water vigorously for one minute prior to consumption.
We continue to appreciate everyone’s support and patience as we move forward. Thank you.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2024 - 3PM UPDATE
The City of Asheville has provided an update on water restoration efforts throughout the area. Most residences in Biltmore Forest currently have water being fed by the Mills River plant to the Town's water lines. A boil water advisory remains in effect for all water used for drinking, eating, or consuming - please vigorously boil water for one minute prior to use. The Town will let you know when the boil water advisory is lifted.
The Town will resume regular trash pickup on Monday, October 7. We will use the same schedule as previously, so if your trash is picked up on Monday, it will be picked up this Monday. You can help us by making sure your trash cans are accessible for our drivers. If there are trees blocking the drive, please try to get the trash to a location where we can retrieve it.
There will be no recycling pickup until further notice. We have partnered with Ingles to place two roll out containers on the far right side of the Ingles parking lot in the South Forest Center across from Busbee Road. These containers will accept cardboard and mixed recyclables.
The Town has lifted the working hour restrictions and contractors are allowed to work on Sundays and from sunrise until sunset. This restriction will be lifted until further notice.
The Town is continuing to offer water and other basic necessities for residents in conjunction with volunteers from Carolina Day School. This location is at 1345 Hendersonville Road.
Please continue to exercise patience during clean up and while power restoration efforts are underway. When we have a confirmed time for restoration, we will let you know.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2024 - 5PM UPDATE
Regular trash routes will resume next week. Place the can where the driver can get it. There will be no recycling pickup until further notice. Recycling containers are available in the Ingles parking lot across Busbee Road.
The Town hopes to begin debris removal the end of next week. Please place debris at the road edge BUT NOT in the road. This will be an ongoing process and all debris brought to the road will be taken.
Continue to ask tree contractors for insurance & get estimates upfront. Obtain more than one quote. DO NOT PAY UPFRONT.
There is no official estimate on power restoration. When provided, we will let residents know.
Water seems to be back throughout the Town in most places. Please continue to boil water vigorously for one minute until further notice.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2024 UPDATE
This is a 10am update from the Town. Please pay attention to the following information.
Trash and Recycling
This afternoon, the Town will distribute information via CodeRED and our website regarding central trash collection points within Town. This will be sent out no later than 5pm. We are working with Curbside Management and Ingles to establish two roll-off recycling containers at Ingles across from Busbee Rd in Biltmore Forest. These should be available beginning Monday as well, and will be for cardboard and mixed recyclables. PLEASE DO NOT BRING CARDBORAD TO THE TRASH COLLECTION SITE NEXT WEEK.
Debris Removal
The Town is working with Biltmore to establish our debris removal site this weekend. A road into the site will be constructed and we will then be able to begin removing material from the public right of way. Please continue to place debris at the curb/road edge but not within the roadway. This removal will begin as soon as we receive permit approval from the State and the roadway is constructed.
Water Service
Some places in Biltmore Forest DO have water service. For those that do, please continue to boil water and conserve. For those who do not, we do not have any firm timeline on restoration from the City. Town Public Works staff are chasing water leaks today and cutting off meters to ensure that water pressure and service remains available for those with water, and to help get the water further north into town.
Power Service
We do not have a definitive timeline from Duke Energy for power restoration in Biltmore Forest. Duke crews began working yesterday around the Town Hall to restore the 3-phase connection into the north part of town and will continue working through the weekend and until service is restored. If a timeline is provided to the Town, we will send that out.
Cellular Coverage and Cable/Phone Coverage
Cellular coverage is coming back throughout the Town and tower crews are working at Biltmore Forest’s cell tower today to help restore service here. We have no update from Spectrum or AT&T about restoration for the Town otherwise.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2024 UPDATE
This is a 4pm update from the Town of Biltmore Forest. We are continuing to push ahead, and each day brings more progress. There are several important areas with information below.
Roads
Nearly every Town street is passable and those that are not will be by the end of the day. The Town will begin repairs on the damaged portion of Cedar Hill Road tomorrow. Beginning tomorrow, Cedar Hill Road will be closed until further notice between Hemlock and Brookside Roads. Residents who typically travel this direction should utilize Brooklawn Chase to Brookside Road as an alternate route. Again, we urge people to not leave vehicles unattended in the roadway at any time.
Debris Removal
The Town has contracted with Southern Disaster Recovery for our debris removal project. The Town must follow specific guidelines for this work. We are currently identifying a temporary debris management site. Once confirmed, we will be able to begin debris removal from the Town. This will be a months long process. Please be patient. If you have tree removal companies removing debris for you, they MAY place it on the roadside BUT CANNOT place it in the road. If the Town’s contractor can reach it from the road, it will be taken – if they cannot, it will not be taken. This is in accordance with FEMA guidelines and will ensure reimbursement for the Town. The graphic shown in this email is a good primer for where debris must be placed.
Trash and Construction Debris
The Town will begin a centralized trash collection system next Monday. Several central locations will be provided in the Town where you can bring your trash and the Town will put it directly into the truck. WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO BEGIN REGULAR TRASH COLLECTION FOR SOME TIME. Again, we ask for your patience while we work through this. YOU MAY NOT PLACE CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS OF ANY TYPE IN YOUR TRASH. There will be specialized construction debris removal as part of the debris management work.
Recycling
Contrary to an earlier message, Curbside Management recycling IS operational. We are working with them to determine a manner for recycling over the next several months. We hope to have this confirmed by the end of the week.
Water
We are aware that some homes have water within the Town. If your home has water, please use sparingly and continue to boil the water before drinking and be prepared for this supply to be intermittent or limited. For those without water, the City of Asheville is working with government and private contractors to begin restoration from the North Fork Reservoir. This is going to take a substantial amount of time. As soon as we have an estimated restoration time, we will provide you with that information.
Water Distribution Site
The Town began a water distribution site in coordination with Carolina Day School today. We will continue to do this tomorrow as well from 12pm-4pm. Water will be provided to people as long as there are supplies. We are so thankful to those who have donated directly to the Town and allowed us to open this water station. There are additional, limited supplies available at Carolina Day School as well. The address for this water distribution site is 1345 Hendersonville Road.
If you wish to donate supplies or have others bringing supplies for distribution, please have them go DIRECTLY to Carolina Day School at 1345 Hendersonville Road between the hours of 12 and 4pm.
Power
We still do not have an estimate on power restoration from Duke Energy that is specific to Biltmore Forest. A representative from Duke did participate in the Town’s drone damage assessment review yesterday. We will provide that estimate as soon as we have one.
Cellular Service and Wireless Connectivity
Cellular service continues to be spotty in most places. AT&T seems to be returning more quickly than Verizon. We do not have any update from the cell companies regarding these restorations. The Town had a generous volunteer provide a Star Link system that is available for use at the Town Hall from 7am-7pm. We simply ask that people not linger so that others may get access to the wireless coverage as well and to keep vehicles from parking at the Town Hall and impeding emergency traffic. There are hot spot locations being opened up all throughout Buncombe County, and a link to those may be found here.
I very much appreciate the patience and support of so many during this time. We are continuing to make significant progress each day.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2024 UPDATE
5:00 PM Update:
The Town has a water distribution site set up at Carolina Day School, located at 1345 Hendersonville Road. The site will open tomorrow from 10am-5pm or until water runs out. You will receive two bottles of water per person. We cannot have vehicles or pedestrians impede the limited road access. Nearly all roads in town are now passable. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE VEHICLES UNATTENDED IN THE ROAD. THE TOWN DOES NOT HAVE ANY CONTRACT WITH OUTSIDE TREE REMOVAL SPECIALISTS. When approached by a tree cutter, ask for a proof of insurance & a quote. Do not make a quick decision. Finally, Town Hall will be open for charging devices again tomorrow from 8am-7pm.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2024 UPDATE
1:30 PM Update:
The Town has opened a water distribution site in conjunction with Carolina Day School. The location is 1345 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, NC 28803. Access off US-25/Hendersonville Road into the parking lot and turn left into the lower parking lot. The distribution site will be open until 5pm today or until there are no supplies left. We hope to open tomorrow at 10am if there is water supply remaining. Thank you.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2024 UPDATE
9AM Update:
Crews are working this morning to open remaining roads within the Town. Bottled water is available at the Town Hall for those who need water – we ask you limit it to 2 bottles per person at this time. We are continuing welfare checks for residents as those come in via our online form system at the Town’s website.
There will be no trash pickup this week. The transfer station is destroyed and no longer there. The landfill IS open but access is currently difficult. We know it is difficult to hold trash particularly in the forested area with bears. Please try to contain your trash inside right now if possible. We will have a substantial update this week on further plans. The recycling center in Woodfin was also destroyed so there is no need to worry about separating recyclables.
Duke Energy personnel is on site today working with our drone team to conduct damage assessment. Thank you for your continued patience.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 UPDATE
2:30PM Update:
Buncombe County has just released water and food distribution sites. The closest site to Biltmore Forest is Estes Elementary off Overlook Road in S AVL.
Other locations are: Sand Hill Elementary - 154 Sand Hill School Road, Asheville
(Please enter via Acton Circle)
North Windy Ridge Intermediate School -
20 Doan Road, Weaverville
Fairview Elementary School - 1355 Charlotte Highway, Fairview
There is a limited amount of bottled water available at the Police Department that has been brought via donation. We are providing two bottles per person at this time until supplies run out. Non-potable water continues to be available on Stuyvesant Road north of Southwood Road until 3pm.
10:30AM Update: Non-potable water distribution is ongoing at Stuyvesant Road just south of Southwood Road. The Town still has very limited drinking water available for a 20 ounce fill-up at the Police Dept. One vessel per person, please. The Town Hall is open to charge devices and will close at 7pm this evening.
There are no updates from Duke Energy or the City of Asheville at this time for power or water restoration. Those updates will be provided as soon as they are available.
We are awaiting information regarding a food and water distribution site in Biltmore Forest specifically, but for now, please know that Buncombe County will be announcing food and water distribution sites at 12pm today. The sites will open at 2pm and will be drive-through but also will accept walk-ups.
More information will be forthcoming. Thank you.