Wildfire Threat from Helene - Philip Jackson, NC Forest Service

Wildfire Threat from Helene - Philip Jackson, NC Forest Service

Author: Mitchell County, NC Government October 13, 2025 Duration: 25:00
The threat of wildfire in Western North Carolina has been greatly increased with the tree and foliage damage caused by Helene. On today‘s We Are Mitchell, our guest is Philip Jackson with the North Carolina Forest Service who discusses what happened to our forestlands and how you can prepare your property to help prevent the spread of wildfires. Plus, Jackson has a special request for individuals who fly drones - stay away from active wildfire sites.

Tune in to We Are Mitchell for a direct line to the ongoing recovery efforts in the North Carolina mountains. This isn't just a series of official statements; it's a collection of conversations and reports from the ground, born from a partnership between Mitchell County Government and WTOE Radio in Spruce Pine. You'll hear interviews with the people coordinating relief, updates on infrastructure repairs, and stories from neighbors helping neighbors as they rebuild after Hurricane Helene. The focus is on delivering clear, accurate, and timely information to citizens who need it most, cutting through the noise to provide a reliable resource. Each episode of this podcast serves as a community bulletin, documenting the challenges and the resilience of Mitchell County in real time. By listening, you gain insight into the specific steps being taken to restore normalcy and the collective spirit driving the process forward. This is essential listening for anyone connected to the region, offering a sober yet hopeful narrative of recovery, straight from the source.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

We Are Mitchell
Podcast Episodes
PTSD and Helene - Hannah Weber and Jordyn Phipps [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:52
One aspect of the recovery from Helene that is often overlooked is the mental health of all of us who went through the disaster. June was Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month and Hannah Weber along with…
Debris Removal Update - Allen Cook [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:35
Private property debris removal is beginning soon and County Manager Allen Cook joins us to talk about changes to the debris removal programs that are taking place to prepare for the new program‘s start, plus he updates…
Weather Forecast Words - Jason Boyer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:54
With the recent flooding in Texas and from Tropical Storm Chantal in central North Carolina, it has again been demonstrated the vital importance of paying attention to weather forecasts, watches, and warnings. The Nation…
July 4 Veterans Dinner - Rocky Btanch and Bruce Ikard [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:34
First Baptist Church of Spruce Pine honors veterans each July 4th with a lunch, and with the recovery from Helene well underway, the church is making a special effort to reach area veterans and their families and invitin…
Fourth of July Safety and Hurricane Preparedness - Andrew Brewer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:16
The July Fourth holiday is a time of being outdoors and enjoying barbecues and other activities. Andrew Brewer, interim Emergency Management Coordinator for Mitchell County, joins us to talk about being extra careful thi…
SEARCH Helene Interviews - Marvin Rogers and Bruce Ikard [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:35
An in-person survey of Mitchell County residents is taking place on Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28. The Sustaining Essential and Community Healthcare organization, better known as SEARCH. is conducting interviews…
Private Road and Bridge Repair - Allen Cook [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:46
August 3, 2025 is the deadline to apply for the State of North Carolina‘s program that repairs or replaces private roads and bridges damaged by Helene. County Manager Allen Cook joins us to talk about this program that d…
MARC and the Long-Term Resiliency Group Update - Stephanie Pittman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:17
Even though we are nine months out from the devastation caused by Helene, there are still volunteers and resources available for county residents to get help with repairs. Stephanie Pittman is our guest today, talking ab…
The Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain - Alexandra Davidson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:05
There is exciting news that the famous Rhododendron Gardens atop Roan Mountain. For the first time since 2023, the general public will be able to tour the gardens while they are blooming this week (June 20, 2025). We tal…