What’s Happening in Burke County NC?

11/16/2025

UPDATE!

Due to low humidity, gusty winds, and abnormally dry conditions, the North Carolina Forest Service has elevated Burke County to Readiness Plan 4.

These conditions significantly increase the risk of outdoor fires starting and spreading quickly.

What This Means for You:

Avoid outdoor burning of any kind

Properly dispose of ci******es and smoking materials

Keep trailers, chains, and equipment from sparking on roadways

Report any signs of smoke or fire immediately by calling 9-1-1

Stay Aware, Stay Safe

We’re monitoring conditions closely and coordinating with local fire departments. Your cooperation is essential to reduce preventable fires during this elevated risk period.

11/16/2025

‼️ALERT‼️

The National Weather Service has issued a **🚩RED FLAG WARNING🚩** for North Carolina counties.
👉Review weather alerts for North Carolina: https://bit.ly/40DsGTW

A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures will create dangerous fire behavior.

Fire danger is elevated across the state. While open burning is permitted during a red flag, it is NOT advised. Please postpone all outdoor burning.

Careless debris burning is the leading cause of wildfires in North Carolina, and you are our best defense against wildfire.
👉For wildfire readiness and prevention tips: preventwildfirenc.org

11/14/2025

Since it's just over the county line for some of our peeps.

**Gas Leak-School and Homes Evacuated** First responders are on the scene of a gas leak at Baton Elementary School. The school as well as some homes in the area have been evacuated. No injuries have been reported. All students are safe and have been evacuated to Mountain Grove Baptist Church to facilitate student pickup. People living in the area should shelter in place until the leak can be repaired. Thank you for your cooperation.

11/14/2025

🛑MVA🛑
With fire
1141 N Green St at the tire store

11/13/2025

Honored to attend the ribbon cutting and housewarming for Burke United Christian Ministries in both my role as Chair of the City of Morganton Human Relations Commission and as Realtor Kale, a member of the Burke County Chamber of Commerce.

11/13/2025

‼️ALERT‼️

Thursday 11/13/25: NC Wildlife is conducting a 40-acre prescribed burn on a tract of land near Antioch Road and Ragsdale Road. There will be smoke visible in the area.

11/12/2025

Sharing a job opening

Job Status Open - open and accepting applications Back to Job Openings Great Benefits: Retirement, Health Insurance, Dental & Vision Insurance. 401K, 457, Annual and Sick Leave, 12 Paid Holidays and more!  The City is looking for a detailed-oriented, accurate, and reliable individual to join the fa...

11/12/2025

Great news! If you missed them last night, you might be able to see the Northern Lights tonight!

⚡️AURORA ALERT: EXTREME G5 STORM POSSIBLE TONIGHT🌌
Breaking update from the Space Weather Prediction Center — a rare extreme geomagnetic storm (G5) may develop late today and tonight.
• Northern Lights could be visible far south
• Power & satellite disruptions possible ⚡️
• Best viewing window: 9 PM – 2 AM

This could be one of the strongest solar storms in years — and rivals each If three we’ve had this past 18 months! Timing key, there’s a chance this peaks while the sun is still up! I will keep you posted.

Get those cameras ready! 📸

11/12/2025

Check out this heartwarming story about our local school - incidentally, where I attended elementary school!

11/12/2025

Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to all who continue making our community beautiful!

11/12/2025

‼️ALERT‼️