The changes went into effect on May 1, with the protection class ratings now fully transitioned. “We’re a split district,” Roberts explained. Homeowners who live within five road miles of the Jupiter Fire Department will be listed as in a level six protection class, while those outside that distance will be listed as being in a ‘9E,’ who will not see a change in their insurance bill. “Until we get another station.”
Roberts explained further, “To get maximum credit, we really need a new station on the west end of our district.”
The department’s tentative ten year capital improvements includes plans to build a substation to meet those needs.
Roberts explained also that the decade long process could not have been done without the dedication of many people and organizations. “Our volunteers are a great asset to us. We want to thank them too. They were just as much a part of this grade as the paid staff.” Roberts also noted that the assistance of neighboring departments was also pivotal. “If it hadn’t been for Weaverville Fire Department, Barnardsville, Mars Hill, French Broad and Reems Creek, they were instrumental with helping us get our grade responding with tankers and manpower.”
“We all work together,” Roberts said. “thats another great thing that we’re thankful that we had them to help us do this.”

According to data collected from the US Geological Survey and the National Weather Service, the French Broad River, whose flood stage is listed as 9.5 feet, rose to 9.98 feet, which resulted in minor flooding along Riverside Drive in North Asheville and Woodfin along with other areas.
The most notable flooded area is the Riverside Park in Woodfin, which is suffering from significant flooding of all areas except for the parking lot. Woodfin Police had previously cordoned the park off following the waste water spill at the Metropolitan Sewage Plant on April 30.
By Tuesday morning (May 7), the Riverside Park was no longer flooded, though large puddles of water still remained. Data collected from the French Broad River indicated that the waters had receded to 8.34 feet.
Woodfin Town Administrator Jason Young stated that the full extent of the damage at the park has yet to be determined. “As much water as we have down there, we aren’t able to say what we have to do,” he said. He explained that they will conduct an inventory of the damage once the water recedes. Until then the river park remains closed, Young said, citing a concern for public safety.
The heavy rains come following growing concerns about expenditures on storm water run off maintenance by the Town of Woodfin. Young stated, “we have had difficulty, it wasn’t as bad as it has been in the past. We still have some problem areas that need to be fixed,” adding that they will be enlisting the assistance of the agencies.
Despite the flooding, fire and rescue departments in Barnardsville, French Broad and the Woodfin fire districts indicated that aside from some downed trees, no other major issues have been reported.

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