ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Buncombe County commissioners voted Tuesday to consolidate multiple fire service districts, adopt changes to flood regulations and approve several administrative and budget measures during a regular meeting.
Following a public hearing, the board approved a resolution combining 20 fire protection and ambulance and rescue service districts into a single unified district. County officials said the move is intended to create a more consistent level of service and a sustainable funding model for fire protection in unincorporated areas.
Strategy and Innovation Director Rafael Baptista said the change will not affect how departments respond to emergency calls, and residents will continue to be served by the same local fire agencies. Existing municipal fire services in Asheville, Biltmore Forest, Weaverville and Black Mountain will remain funded through local property taxes…