Free Daily Headlines

News

Set your text size: A A A

County declares state of emergency because of wildfire

By Lightning Reports, Published: November 6, 2023

Henderson County declared a state of emergency Sunday night because of the Poplar Drive brush fire that has affected more than 400 acres in the Henderson County. 
“This afternoon the county declared a state of emergency in support of our partner volunteer fire departments and the Sheriff’s Office,” Henderson County Manager John Mitchell said in a statement. “The declaration will give the county the tools we need to protect life and property. It will also provide the opportunity to seek additional state and federal resources to support our partner agencies.”
 

  The state of emergency begins the process of allocating emergency funding for the local organizations responding to the fire.

  “The reality is we have a lot of competent people expanding time and resources,” County Manager John Mitchell said Monday.

  The declaration provides an avenue to allow funding for local fire departments and other emergency agencies responding to the fire. It also gives authority to close roads and take other steps to protect people and property if needed, he said.

  Mitchell said he did not expect any curfews or other restrictions to be imposed in response to the fire, adding that he thought the county’s emergency response team was doing a great job connecting with residents in the fire zone and holding daily briefings for them.