Asheville, NC, August 26, 2025
News Summary
Three firefighters from the Asheville Fire Department played a crucial role in emergency operations during Hurricane Erin. Deployed to Eastern North Carolina, they assisted with communication resources and damage assessments. Their efforts helped ensure effective coordination amidst the storm’s challenges, and fortunately, they returned safely after the crisis, which caused minimal infrastructure damage despite significant impacts in the region.
Asheville Firefighters Assist in Emergency Operations During Hurricane Erin
Asheville, NC – Three firefighters from the Asheville Fire Department played a critical role in emergency operations during Hurricane Erin, which impacted parts of North Carolina from August 20 to August 22, 2025. Senior Firefighter Anthony Evans, Captain Isaac McCurry, and Battalion Chief Trey Young were deployed to the eastern part of the state to assist in maintaining emergency communication resources amidst the storm’s challenges.
The team was a part of the Field Communications Team, recognized as one of three Communications Strike Teams operating out of the Regional Coordination Center-East in Kinston, NC. Their primary responsibilities included setting up equipment in flood-prone areas, assisting with planning and briefings, and ensuring effective communication during the crisis.
During their mission, Captain McCurry reported that his team was specifically assigned to Carteret County to support state and local officials with communications throughout the storm. Meanwhile, Battalion Chief Trey Young was deployed separately with the North Carolina Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team, which was tasked with conducting aerial assessments and training operations.
The helicopter unit, which Young joined, consisted of a seven-member flight crew operating from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. Their operations included survey flights of the Outer Banks to assess storm damage, as well as providing training sessions for Marine Corps firefighting crews and air traffic controllers stationed in the area.
Following the storm’s passage, all three Asheville firefighters returned safely after being released by state officials. Fortunately, Hurricane Erin caused minimal damage to critical infrastructure, allowing for a timely return home.
The storm resulted in significant impacts in the region, particularly along NC Highway 12, which experienced severe overwash and subsequent road closures that affected access to that area. The North Carolina Department of Transportation announced the reopening of NC Highway 12 at noon on August 22, 2025, specifically for residents, property owners, and workers following mandatory evacuation orders.
Dare County officials initiated a staged re-entry process for locals and property owners who had been evacuated prior to the storm. Despite the overall recovery progress, dangerous rip currents and rough seas were reported along the East Coast from the storm, leading to specific warnings against swimming in several areas.
Along the Outer Banks, the U.S. Coast Guard reported high waves during operations near Nags Head, which highlighted the storm’s lingering effects on the coastal environment. Additionally, the Cape Hatteras Motel suffered significant damage, including washed-away stairs and protruding water heaters, while furniture was scattered across the property as a result of Hurricane Erin’s surf.
Some residents also faced a boil water advisory due to a water main break discovered during post-storm repairs. The storm left behind flooding and debris, prompting various businesses to commence cleanup operations while assessing the overall damage inflicted on their properties.
Key Impacts of Hurricane Erin
- NC Highway 12 closure due to severe overwash
- Staged re-entry for Dare County residents post-evacuation
- Warnings against swimming due to dangerous surf conditions
- Damage to Cape Hatteras Motel and other coastal properties
- Boil water advisory for some residents following infrastructure damage
Conclusion
The deployment of Asheville firefighters during Hurricane Erin underscores the importance of effective communication and coordination in managing emergency operations during natural disasters. Their safety upon return serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts made during the crisis.
FAQs
1. Who were the Asheville firefighters deployed during Hurricane Erin?
Senior Firefighter Anthony Evans, Captain Isaac McCurry, and Battalion Chief Trey Young were the firefighters deployed to assist in emergency operations.
2. What was the role of Asheville’s Field Communications Team?
The team’s mission included maintaining emergency communication resources, setting up equipment in flood-prone areas, and assisting with planning and briefings during the storm.
3. Were there any significant impacts from Hurricane Erin?
Yes, the storm caused severe overwash on NC Highway 12, leading to road closures. It also resulted in damage to properties and triggered boil water advisories for some residents.
4. What measures were taken for residents following the storm?
Dare County initiated a staged re-entry process for locals and property owners after mandatory evacuation orders were lifted.
5. How did Hurricane Erin affect safety along the East Coast?
The storm created dangerous rip currents and rough seas, prompting warning advisories against swimming in various areas along the East Coast.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Firefighter Deployment | Three Asheville firefighters were deployed to assist with emergency operations during Hurricane Erin. |
| Emergency Communications | The firefighters were part of the Field Communications Team responsible for setting up emergency resources. |
| Impact on NC Highway 12 | Severe overwash caused road closures impacting access to the region. |
| Post-Storm Conditions | Residents faced boil water advisories and flooding as businesses began cleanup operations. |
| Safety Warnings | Warnings were issued against swimming due to dangerous surf conditions along the East Coast. |
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Additional Resources
- Fox Weather: U.S. Coast Guard Waves Hurricane Erin North Carolina
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin (2025)
- ABC11: Hurricane Erin Live Updates
- Google Search: Hurricane Erin 2025
- WFMY News 2: Cape Hatteras Motel Aftermath Photos Hurricane Erin
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
