Notice

I am working on the template of this blog today in order to chase down some problems that have developed with my template and widgets.

Macon County Commissioners

Coverage of the meetings of the Macon County Board of County Commissioners.

Franklin Town Board of Aldermen

Coverage of the meetings of the Franklin Town Board of Aldermen.

Macon County School Board

Coverage of the meetings of the Macon County School Board.

Photoblog

Photos from my photoblog.

nullspace for future use

nullspace for future use

About

Showing posts with label Franklin Fire Department. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Franklin Fire Department. Show all posts

Sunday, January 21, 2024

Firefighters Extinguish Boiler Room Fire at Angel Medical Center

Photo Credit: ©2024 Bobby Coggins for MaconMedia.com All Rights Reserved.

Firefighters extinguished a small fire in a boiler room at Angel Medical Center in Franklin shortly after 9pm on Sunday, January 21, 2024. The fire was dispatched at 8.43pm as a fire contained in a boiler room in the hospital, which opened in September 2023.



Firefighters worked to keep the smoke away from patients, and the rest of the hospital, with ventilation fans.

Fire Departments that were called to the scene include Franklin, Mountain Valley, and Cullasaja-Gorge VFDs. More information will added to this article as it is released. Macon Media posted information on the fire as it happened on Facebook



Published at 9.34pm on Sunday, January 21, 2024.

Tuesday, January 5, 2021

Franklin Town Council Meeting for January 2021

The Franklin Town Council met last night (Monday, January 4, 2021) in the lower level of the town hall. A full video of the meeting is posted below, along with the public agenda, agenda packet, and monthly reports filed by selected town departments (Police/Fire/Public Works/Land Use Planning) for the previous month's activities. Macon Media will be publishing excerpts of the meeting in the coming days. 

  VIDEO



Roll Call
(In order to promote transparency in local news reporting, this is a record of media outlets that had employees present at the meeting. Current office-holders and those publicly running for office are alo listed)

Present

Danny Reitmeier (running for Mayor)

Macon Media (Bobby)
The Franklin Press (Jake)

All other media outlets that write articles or otherwise report on the town council meetings were not present.

Public Agenda

Town of Franklin Council
Agenda • Monday, January 04, 2021 • 6:00 p.m.

1. Call to Order - Mayor Bob Scott
2. Pledge of Allegiance - Vice Mayor Barbara McRae
3. Adoption of the January 4, 2021, Town Council Agenda - Town Council

4. Approval of the Consent Agenda for January 4, 2021 - Town Council
A.) Approval of the December 7, 2020, Town Council Minutes
B.) Tax Releases
C.) Resolution for Authorization of United Community Bank Fire-Substation Loan
D.) Amendment to Macon County Substance Contract

5. Public Session

6. Old Business:
A.) Discussion on Early Retirement for Law Enforcement Officers - Town Attorney John Henning Jr. and Human Resource Director Travis Tallent
B.) Discussion on Parades and Demonstrations Ordinance - Town Attorney John Henning Jr.

7. New Business:
A.) Discussion on Strategic Planning Meeting - Town Manager Summer Woodard

8. Announcements
A.) Town Hall Offices will be closed Monday, January 18, 2021, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day

9. Adjourn

Agenda Packet

Franklin Town Council - Jan 2021 Agenda Packet by Bobby Coggins on Scribd



Monthly Reports
(Police/Fire/Public Works/Land Use Planning)

Franklin Police Department

The police department responded to 1127 calls from December 1st to December 29th.

Reports filed

62 Accident
19 Arrest
44 Incident/Investigation

Enforcement Actions

19 Arrest
34 Citations
9 Criminal Papers Obtained
34 Warning Citations

Franklin Fire Department
Report Range: December 1st to December 31st

130 total calls

2 Chimney or flue fire
1 Mobile (vehicle) property fire
1 Passenger vehicle fire
i Outside rubbish, trash, or waste fire
40 Medical assist, assist EMS Crew
5 EMS Service, other
26 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injuries
8 Motor vehicle accident with injuries
7 Motor vehicle accident with no injuries
1 Extrication of victim(s) from vehicle
1 Electrical wiring, equipment problem, other
1 Heat from short circuit (wiring), defective/worn
1 Overheated motor
1 Power line down
2 Service call, other
2 Lock-out
1 Water or steam leak
2 Assist police or other governmental agency
2 Public service
1 Assist invalid
2 Good Intent call, other
9 Dispatched and cancelled en route
1 Authorized controlled burning
1 False alarm or false call, other
1 Alarm system sounded due to malfunction
9 Alarm system activation, no fire - unintentional
1 Carbon monoxide detector activation, no CO

Public Works Department

Water

Installed New 3/4" Taps in Heritage Hollow and on Riverview Street
Repaired Water Leaks on Chestnut Ridge, Maclor Forest Heights Road, and at Franklin Tubular Products

Sewer

Cleaned 6,405 ft of Sewer Lines
32,169 ft cleaned in 2020
Installed New 4' Tap for Smart Pharmacy
NC DEQ Sewer Plant and Collection System Inspection
Flow Meter Testing at East Franklin and Riverview Pump Stations

Streets

Swept 86 miles of Town Street

Signs Replaced
• 3 Stop Signs
• 1 25 MPH
• 1 Stop Ahead
• 2 Four-Way Stop Signs

Setup 2 Plow and Salt Trucks
Plowed and Salted all Town Streets
NCDOT and Duke Power ROB's Street Light Plan Review

Town Planning and Land Use

Town Board of Adjustment

The BOA didn't meet in December.

Town Planning Board

Town Planning Board met on December 21st to approve the 2021 meeting schedule. They began the review process of the 160D UDO test amendment updates. The meeting was continued until Jan 11th at 4pm to continue reviewing the amendment.

County Planning Board

The county planning board did not meet this December

Code Enforcement

No enforcement taken

Land Development Permits

2 permits issued
1 flood permit issued

Sign Ordinance

1 sign permit was issued

Minimum Housing

Waiting on the owner of 18 Wilkie Street to comply with Superior Court Order to remove structure at 18 Wilkie Street

Nuisance Ordinance

No actions taken

Other

Town Planner attended the Ordinance Review Committee meeting on December 7th.
Town Planner attended the Nikwasi Initiatives special strategic planning session on December 18th via Zoom.



CROWDFUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES


If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.



Become a Patron!



Or, if you prefer Pay Pal, try PayPal.me/MaconMedia



Published at 3:25am on Tuesday, January 5, 2020


Tuesday, March 3, 2020

Franklin Town Council Approves Purchase of Viper Radios for Fire Department





The Franklin Town Council held its monthly meeting for March 2020 on Monday, March 2nd. A segment from that meeting is posted below. The full meeting can be seen elsewhere on MaconMedia.com. [LINK]



video



The Franklin Town Council approved a request from Franklin Fire Chief Matthew Breedlove to purchase 10 portable radios for $14,166.00. The radios will operate on the statewide Viper Radio System operated by the Department of Public Safety. The lowest bid received was for $15,121.39

More information

NCDPS Viper [LINK]





CROWDFUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES


If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.


Become a Patron!

Or, if you prefer Pay Pal, try PayPal.me/MaconMedia

Published at 1:50pm on Tuesday, March 3, 2020


Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Council Approves Grant Application for Wildland Firefighting Equipment




The town council approved a matching grant application for $9,979.00 by Franklin Fire Department for Wildland Firefighting equipment. The grant is sponsored by the North Carolina Forest Service. The grant is a 50% match, meaning the fire department would be getting the equipment at half price. The town would pay $4,989.50 and the North Carolina Forest Service would pay $4,989.50.


Summer Woodard, town manager, and Matthew Breedlove, fire chief, presented the information to the board. Chief Breedlove recognized the efforts of Assistant Chief Hursey in writing the grant application.

The board approved the grant application by a vote of 6-0.

Councilman Culpepper inquired about streamlining the process in the future and giving authority to the town manager to approve grant applications like this in the future. The town manager and the town attorney concurred and the attorney said the resolution could be amended.

Gavel-to-gavel video of the Feb 2019 meeting and supporting documents are posted on the blog. [LINK]









CROWDFUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES


If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.

Patreon Subscriber History May 2014 to Present




Become a Patron!

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online.

Published at 12:09 pm on February 5, 2019



Saturday, February 2, 2019

Timeline of the 2019 Franklin Ford Fire




Summary of Events

Early on the morning of Friday, February 1, 2019, a fire was reported at Franklin Ford to the Macon County 911 Center. Smoke was observed coming from the parts department. 

A Franklin Police Officer arrived within four minutes (3:43am) and reported heavy black smoke and by 3:45 am, reported the fire had self-ventialted and was through the roof. Firefighters quickly arrived and made attacks on the fire, including interior attacks, but had to withdraw due to the intensity of the fire and concerns about structural collapse. The fire was contained to three buildings at the site. Fire Command was terminated at 11:47am and the scene was tuned over to the investigation team, including the State Bureau of Investigation.


This is a timeline of the events of the 2019 Franklin Ford Fire as recorded by Macon Media:



**3:41am** There is a report of black smoke coming from the body shop at Franklin Ford.



Franklin Fire Department is responding. Mountain Valley and Cullasaja and Cullasaja are responding to assist.

Please be careful if you are passing through this area. If this turns out to be a major fire, please avoid the area entirely.

dispatched at 3:39am
published at 3:41 am on Friday, February 1, 2019


**3:43am** A Franklin Police Officer has arrived, reports heavy black smoke showing.

**3:43am** Command has requested Cullasaja establish a water point at the hydrant at Drake Enterprises across the four-lane.


**3:44am** Clarks Chapel Fire Department has been requested to provide mutual aid since this is a large commercial fire.


**3:45am** The police officer reports fire is through the roof.


**3:54am** EMS reports smoke showing in the showroom.


**3:55am** Cowee Fire Department has also been toned out to respond to this call.


**3:57am** Firefighters are ventilating the shop roof at this time.


**4:02am** Firefighters are making an interior attack in the body shop.


**4:03am** Cullasaja Firefighters are at the water point, establishing a water supply operation.


**4:05am** Command has requested all incoming firefighters to check in at the Command Post at Medic 6.


**4:11am** D-Side has requested additional resources (engines & manpower) at the parts area.


**4:13am** The EOC has advised the Command Post that Duke Energy has a 15 minute ETA to the scene.


**4:14am** The Command Post has relayed a hazard report to Operations that there are about 40 car airbags in the parts area that may explode if exposed to fire.


**4:20am** Command reports no fire located in the showroom, the source of the smoke was a breezeway.


**4:21am** D-Side reports access made to the fire. An attack is underway.


**4:28am** The Command Post has requested Otto and Burningtown respond to this fire. He also requests the portable air tank system from Burngintown to respond to this fire.


**4:30am** Realtime audio can be heard at https://www.broadcastify.com/listen/feed/23557/web


**4:31am** The Command Post has requested all paid staff for Franklin Fire Department respond to this call.


**4:32am** The CP reports Duke Energy has cut the power.


**4:33am** The CP (Command Post) reports fire is now venting from the A-Side of the structure.


**4:40am** The Command Post has ordered an evacuation of the building, they are switching to defensive mode on this fire.


**4:43am** The road at the water point on Lake Emory Road is a solid sheet of ice. NCDOT response has been requested.


**4:49am** Please do not try to get a look at this fire. I'm sure WLOS is enroute and will have photos and video later.


**4:51am** Photo sent by a reader at the request of Macon Media from a safe distance.





**4:58am** West Macon Fire Department has been requested to send an engine and personnel to stand by at Franklin Fire Department to handle calls for them while they're at Franklin Ford.


**5:00am** Savannah Fire Department from Jackson County has been requested to send a tanker and manpower to this fire.


**5:10am** The CP reports partial building collapse of the body parts shop.


**5:12am** Cowee Fire Department is standing by at their Station #3 with an engine and personnel to handle calls in the Franklin Fire District.


**5:27am** West Macon is responding to a medical call for Franklin off Louisa Chapel Road.


*5:33am** The CP is expanding water supply operations from two hydrants to a third near the old Bowling Alley. Please be careful in this area if this is along your commute.


**5:34am** Sylva Fire Department has been requested to standby at Savannah fire station while they're assisting on this call in Macon County.


**5:36am** The CP advises they've overwhelmed the hydrant system near the Franklin Ford, pulling more water than it can provide. They're checking into setting a draft site up at Lake Emory.


**5:37am** THe CP has requested West Macon Fire Department establish a draft site on Lake Emory.


**5:39am** A reader reports US-441 near Franklin Ford is slick from water freezing on the road. Please be careful if you must pass through that location.


**5:40am** Cowee Fire Department has been requested to send an engine and personnel from station #3 to standby at the Franklin Fire Station to handle calls in the Franklin Fire District.


**5:42am** Cullasaja Firefighters report the hydrant on Lake Emory Road has run dry. The CP has requested that trucks using that point move to near the Bowling Alley


**5:43am** Franklin Water Department reports the hydrant in front of the Macon Bank Headquarters (Entegra) is a 12-inch line and can handle more water than the 4-inch hydrants near Franklin Ford.


**old message I didn't have time to post earlier** The CP has requested sand for the roadway in front of Franklin Ford due to ice forming on the four-lane.


**5:49am** Otto Firefighters have established a water supply point at the Macon Bank Headquarters. Cullasaja Firefighters will be moving to establish one in front of the Bowling Alley. Please be careful if your commute takes you past these locations due to water freezing on the roadway. Proceed with extreme caution.


**5:54am** Cullasaja Firefighters have established a water supply point at the old Bowling Alley. Please exercise extreme caution if you must pass by this location on your commute. Watch for personnel, trucks, and ice on the roads.


**6:00am** West Macon Firefighters have established a water draft site near the Lake Emory Dam. Please be careful if your commute takes you through this area and all the other areas between the water supply points because water will leak from these trucks and freeze on the roads. Proceed with extreme caution.


**6:04am** The CP has requested Station #5 out of Rabun County respond to provide coverage for fire calls in the southern area of Macon County for the Otto and Clarks Chapel Fire Districts while those departments are out on this call.


**6:11am** The CP (Command Post) has requested the NCDOT to place some sand or salt at the drop tank in the parking lot of Franklin Ford due to ice.


**6:17am** The NCDOT has two trucks on the way to apply material at the fire scene.


**6:37am** A Cullasaja Gorge truck will be standing by to respond to fire calls in the north section of Macon County. A truck from Highlands Fire Department will be standing by at the EOC on Main Street to handle calls in the Franklin Fire District.


**6:40am** A reader reports fire is now active in the attic over the showroom


**7:20am** Coverage from WLOS [LINK]


**7:30am** The CP has released Savannah Fire Department from this call. Much progress has been made on the fire and they're down to using hand lines on the fire.


**7:34am** The Command Post reports the fire has been contained and is under control.


**7:43am** Live video from WLOS




**8:17am** Water Supply operations are now limited to just the hydrant below Entegra Bank Headquarters. Be extra careful between there and Franklin Ford due to the potential for spilled water to freeze on the road.


**8:29am** Command has started releasing trucks and personnel from mutual aid fire departments from this location with appreciation for their assistance on this call.


**8:39am** Command has requested NCDOT return to the fire scene with more material to apply to the scene due to ice continuing to form and has requested them to check the roads between the water supply points and Franklin Ford for ice on the roadways.


**9:39am** An aerial photo of the scene has been added to the daily weather briefing at https://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/2019/02/wx20190201.html





Photos commissioned by Macon Media from Karcher Aerial Imaging [LINK]


**11:02am** Franklin Ford expresses thanks to the community for their support





**11:47am** Fire Command has been terminated at this location. The commander has expressed his appreciation to all those who responded to this call.


**12:05am** Now WLOS has a drone up at the site




**3:37pm** Franklin Fire Department has posted about the fire






CROWDFUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES


If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.

Patreon Subscriber History May 2014 to Present




Become a Patron!

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online.

Published at 1:50 am on February 2, 2019 

Edited at 8:36am thanks to an eagle-eyed reader who spotted an error.









Thursday, November 29, 2018

Matt Breedlove Hired as Chief of Franklin Fire Department



The Town of Franklin has hired Matt Breedlove, a Franklin Firefighter, to replace the outgoing Fire Chief Kevin Rohrer, who is returning to his hometown.

About Kevin Rohrer

Before accepting the Fire Chief position for the Town of Franklin in 2016, Kevin Rohrer began his service in 1995 as a volunteer firefighter with Graham Fire Department, located in Alamance County, North Carolina. Kevin began his professional career in Wake County when he joined Morrisville Fire and Rescue Department in 1999 as a firefighter and promoted through the ranks, becoming a Captain in 2008

About Matt Breedlove
Matthew Breedlove has been in the fire service since 1997. He is a level 2 firefighter and an EMT-B. He is a member of the Arson team and a level II fire instructor.


Press Release from the Town of Franklin:

Matthew Breedlove will be serving as the Town of Franklin's new Fire Chief. Breedlove was chosen after the current Chief, Kevin Rohrer put in his resignation in order to pursue other opportunities back in his hometown.
"I am blessed to have been involved in the Franklin Fire Franklin Department, providing a public safety service to the citizens in the Town of Franklin and surrounding Macon County Communities," said Chief Breedlove. "I am excited to lead the Franklin Fire Department in the future and continue to serve the citizens and visitors in the Town of Franklin and Macon County communities. I would like to say a big thank you to the Town staff who have shown support and care for me. I am excited and look forward to serving in the roll of Fire Chief."

Breedlove currently serves as the Volunteer Assistant Chief at Franklin Fire and has a total of 17 years of experience in the fire service, most of which has been at Franklin Fire Department. He previously worked as a Narcotics Detective with the Macon County Sheriff's Department as well as a Patrol Officer for the Franklin Police Department.

"I've known Matt for years and I am delighted that he was selected to be our new Fire Chief It was a strenuous selection process conducted by a committee of town staff, fire department members, and the current Fire Chief," Mayor Bob Scott said.

Breedlove was one of many well qualified candidates to pursue the position. He will be stepping into the leadership role in a department of seven full-time staff, 10 part-time staff, and more than 25 volunteer firefighters.
"We're very excited about working alongside Chief Breedlove moving forward," said Town Manager Summer Woodard. "The Town of Franklin feels confident in his abilities and in the Fire Department's ability to continue to provide the citizens of Franklin and surrounding areas with high quality emergency services."

-30-



CROWDFUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES


If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.



Become a Patron!

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only. Macon Media rewards early sponsors/underwriters with lifetime guaranteed low rates while newer sponsors/underwriters pay higher rates based on the date they first support Macon Media.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online.

Published at 1:46 am on November 29, 2018



Thursday, September 27, 2018

Traffic Accident Near 550 Roller Mill Road



Franklin Fire Department is directing traffic near 550 Roller Mill Road between Westgate Plaza and Westgate Terrace Apartments.

Please reroute around the area for the next hour or so.

time 8:53 am on Thursday, September 27, 2018

#WNCscan #MaconTraffic


Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Fire Department Extricates Two from Accident Under Bridge
One Being Flown to Asheville




An accident has occured off the Little Tennessee River Bridge on the US-441 bypass and traffic has been restricted to one lane going westbound. More information is on our facebook page. Click on the traffic map above to see more detail on where the accident is located so that you might avoid the area. The accident was dispatched at 7:41 am.



Audio clip of the initial dispatch added at 8:38 am.



**9:39 am update**

The Franklin Fire Department has posted pictures:



**9:41am**
They've terminated command and are returning to the fire station.


A reader who witnessed the accident reported:


"For anyone wondering about the accident this morning, the car clipped the guard rail while traveling in the left lane west bound. It sent them down through the grass in the middle of the median and launched them airborne down between the bridges onto the greenway service road. They actually scraped against the inside of the westbound lane bridge before crashing down on its side under the bridge. Car was a red pick up (older model) looked like a dodge."



CROWDFUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only. Macon Media rewards early sponsors/underwriters with lifetime guaranteed low rates while newer sponsors/underwriters pay higher rates based on the date they first support Macon Media.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online. You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any local news outlets.

You can find out more information on how to do that and some of what I plan to accomplish if I reach certain levels of funding at https://www.patreon.com/MaconMedia


time published 8:28 am on 04-18-2018



Thursday, March 30, 2017

Accident on US-441 Near Highlands Exit Causing Traffic Detour This Morning

**9:56 am** Franklin Fire Department reports the road has been opened for traffic again.

Photo supplied by a reader
Photo supplied by a reader. It has been cropped by Macon Media. Click the image to embiggen to a larger size.

A box truck carrying produce overturned on US-441 near the overpass at the Highlands exit shortly after 8:30 am this morning. Westbound traffic is being directed off the Highlands Road Exit and back on US-441 after crossing the Highlands Road. If you can detour around this location, it would help with the congestion.

Franklin Fire Department, Macon County EMS, the Franklin Police Department, Macon County Sheriff Office and the NC Highway Patrol responded to the accident.

The driver only suffered minor injuries.

Traffic will probably be clear sometime before noon today.




DAY SPONSOR

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for today. they are a fully licensed and insured tree service, specializing in dangerous tree removal, view clearing, pruning, and crane services with a 24 Hour emergency response.

Their phone number is 371-4718. They are located at 120 Depot Street.

They can handle all your tree removal needs in good or bad weather.






CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online. You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any local news outlets.

You can find out more information on how to do that and some of what I plan to accomplish if I reach certain levels of funding at >>
https://www.patreon.com/MaconMedia




Published at 9:47 am on March 30, 2017



Friday, December 30, 2016

Sheriffs Office, Local VFDs and Helicopter Search for Missing Man in Jacobs Branch Area of Macon County
UPDATE: The Missing Man has been Located!

Updates are being posted at the end of this article.
The man was located at about 8:10 pm this evening!


Macon County Sheriff Office, Franklin Fire Department and Cowee Fire Departments, along with MAMA-2 using an Infrared camera system, have been searching for a missing older man in the Jacobs Branch area this evening.

Franklin Fire Department was called out at 4:44 pm and the Command Post at 1120 Jacobs Branch Road requested Cowee Fire Department join the search at 6:04 pm this evening as initial searches around the residence did not find the missing man. MAMA-2 lifted off at about 6:20 pm to join the search.



Macon County Emergency Management has sent out a Code Red message to all residents in the area.

This is a codered message from the Macon County 911 Center. We are looking for an elderly white male that wandered away from his residence near Jacobs Branch Road. He is 6'1" tall, 180 lbs, has gray eyes, white hair, last seen wearing brown work boots, gray hat, black jacket, and blue jeans. Last seen around 2 pm today. Any contact with this male, call 911.




DAY SPONSOR


Carrion Tree Service is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for today. they are a fully licensed and insured tree service, specializing in dangerous tree removal, view clearing, pruning, and crane services with a 24 Hour emergency response.
Their phone number is 371-4718. They are located at 120 Depot Street.
They can handle all your tree removal needs in good or bad weather.


UPDATES IN REVERSE CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER

**9:06 pm** Medic 3 reports the patient has refused transport and they are clear of the scene.

**8:31 pm** An update from Macon County Emergency Management:

This is a codered message from the Macon County 911 Center. In reference to the missing elderly gentleman from earlier, he has been located. We would like to thank the community for all of their help and cooperation in this matter. Thank you.

**8:12 pm** Confirmation that Mr Gillette has been located! 
(name will be posted after it appears in other news outlets)

**8:10 pm** The Command Post has reported the man has possibly been found. EMS (Medic 3) has been dispatched to the location.  The condition of the man was not clear.

**7:42 pm** MAMA-2 has returned to Angel Medical Center. They will be changing pilot and crew for the nightshift. The Jacobs Branch Command Post has requested they take off again to assist with the search. They have a Highway Patrol helicopter enroute from Salisbury with a two hour estimated time of arrival.





Sunday, September 25, 2016

Fire Departments Extinguish Loose Fires on Cowee Mountain


Mountain Valley Fire Department responded to a series of loose fires along Highway US-441 on Cowee Mountain this afternoon. The North Carolina Forest Service and Franklin Fire Department assisted and the Macon County Sheriff Office assisted in traffic control, encouraging motorists to slow down and move over one lane while firefighters were engaged in fire suppression activities. The fires were along the northbound side of the road from above the overlook to just below the Waterspicket Curve. No cause had been determined when Macon Media left the scene shortly after 1:30 pm.

A video montage and a few photos have been included with this article.

Remember, when you see emergency personnel, including tow truck operators, on the side of a multi-lane highway, please move over one lane of traffic. On two lane roads, please slow down so you can react if someone stumbles into the roadway.






























Tuesday, September 13, 2016

30 Second News Update - Minor Fire at Shaw Industries
09-13-2016


A 30 second news update on the minor fire at Shaw Industries this morning.



There was a minor fire in the exhaust system at Shaw Industries and Franklin Fire Department responded, with Macon County EMS staging nearby and Clarks Chapel and Cullasaja Fire Departments providing mutual aid.

After a few minutes of investigation, Command released the mutual aid departments with appreciation for their assistance.

After about an hour on the scene, Franklin Fire Department terminated operations at this location.




Thursday, June 9, 2016

Structure Fire on Sunset Ridge Road

Bobby Coggins
Publisher & Editor
MaconMedia.com
June 9, 2016


FRANKLIN - Several local volunteer fire departments responded to an early morning structure fire on Sunset Ridge Road. A neighbor reported the fire shortly before 4:00 am and noted there were explosions occurring. (These turned out to be propane tanks).

Burningtown-Iotla Fire Department was the initial responding VFD and Franklin and Cowee Fire Departments provided mutual aid. Clarks Chapel Fire Department was called out to assist after the initial units arrived at the scene. The Command Post reported the fire knocked down at 4:37 am.

No one was known to be at home at the time of the fire and the Fire Marshall is investigating the origin of the fire.

VIDEO AND PHOTOS


The photos are presented in the order they were taken and some of them have been processed so firefighters and the structure can be better seen by the reader.





















Thursday, March 24, 2016

Brushfire on Sandwood Drive

A firefighter applying water to put out hotspots


At about 2:48 pm on March 24,. 2016, Franklin Police reported a brush fire on Sandwood Drive with a shed and a residence in danger. Franklin Fire Department and the North Carolina Forest Service were dispatched and Cullasaja and Mountain Valley Fire Departments were sent to provide mutual aid.

Firefighters made quick work of the fire and saved the residence that was in danger. 



Here are some photos and some video clips taken at the scene.

VIDEO




PHOTOS



















Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Board of Aldermen Deny Franklin Fire Department New Position
Direct Town Manager to Advertise for a New Fire Chief

The people present at the Special Called Meeting 
of the Franklin Town Board of Aldermen
The people present at the special called meeting


The Franklin Town Board met tonight in a special called meeting to discuss adding a new Assistant Chief position to the Franklin Fire Department. After a very brief discussion, the board voted 4-1 to deny the request and directed the Town manager to begin advertising for a new Fire Chief. Alderman Farrell Jamison was the lone no vote and Alderman Billy Mashburn was not at the meeting.

The entire meeting from start to finish lasted about eight minutes.



A copy of the meeting agenda is posted below and a copy of the Town of Franklin Personnel Policy will be added below that once the Town Manager emails a copy to Macon Media, which will probably be sometime in the morning.

Town of Franklin Board of Aldermen
Special Called Meeting

Agenda Tuesday December 1, 2015 5:30 p.m.
            1.     Call to order- Mayor Bob Scott
2.     Pledge of Allegiance- Vice Mayor Verlin Curtis
3.     Adoption of December 1, 2015 Proposed Agenda
4.     Discussion on new position in Franklin Fire Department- Town Manager Summer Woodard
5.     Adjourn


MEDIA ROLL CALL


(media organizations with reporters present)
Macon Media WNCC-FM/WFSC-AM
Macon County News and Shopping Guide

CROWD FUNDING 

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month. If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only.

You can find out more information on how to do that and some of what I plan to accomplish if I reach certain levels of funding athttps://www.patreon.com/MaconMedia