Cherokee County E911

04/07/2026

Forestry Commission issuing statewide Red Flag Fire Alert
COLUMBIA—The South Carolina Forestry Commission is issuing a statewide Red Flag Fire Alert, effective at 6 a.m. Wednesday, April 8.

The alert is being issued to strongly discourage people from burning outdoors when weather conditions present an elevated risk of wildfire.

In addition to a widespread deficit of rainfall that continues to intensify drought over much of the state, Wednesday’s forecast includes gusty winds higher than 20 mph and relative humidities under 25% in places.

Because current weather conditions are very conducive to fires escaping easily and spreading rapidly, anyone considering outdoor burning should take extra precautions if they still choose to burn under a Red Flag Fire Alert. Those who have burned recently should return to monitor their burn areas and ensure the dry conditions don’t cause any rekindling.

“Wildfire potential is always higher this time of year, and our use of the Red Flag Fire Alert a few weeks ago made a huge difference in the number of new ignitions,” said SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones. “This warning is a great tool that encourages citizens to voluntarily postpone any such burning until the alert is lifted. We’re simply asking for people to respect the weather, be smart and stay safe.”

Adding to the danger, particularly in the western part of the state, are the heavy fuel loads that remain in our forests from Hurricane Helene. Not only can these downed, drying trees and other fuels act as kindling, increasing the risk of wildfire ignition and spread, but they also are likely to impede firefighters’ access, adversely impacting response capability.

Although a Red Flag Fire Alert does not ban outdoor burning, it does trigger certain county or local ordinances that restrict outdoor fires, so residents should contact their local fire departments to check whether such restrictions apply in their areas. The alert will remain in effect until lifted by the Commission, whose fire managers will continuously monitor the situation.

Press release:https://www.scfc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Advisory-RedFlagFireAlert-260408.pdf

04/07/2026

📞💛 Thank You, 911 Dispatchers! 💛📞

As we approach National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (April 12–18), we want to recognize the incredible men and women behind the headset—our 911 dispatchers.

Last night, County Council honored this week with a formal resolution, recognizing the vital role these professionals play in keeping Cherokee County safe.

They are the calm in the chaos.
The steady voice on the other end of the line.
The critical link between emergency and response.

Every call they take could be someone’s worst moment—and they meet it with professionalism, compassion, and strength.

👏 Thank you for your dedication, your resilience, and your service to our community. Cherokee County is safer because of you.

04/03/2026

Cherokee County E-911 personnel spent the day at Limestone Central Elementary for career day. Public education goes a long way and it starts with our children.

03/27/2026

No outside burning!!

SC Forestry Commission to issue statewide burning ban, effective at 4 p.m. today

COLUMBIA—The South Carolina Forestry Commission is issuing a State Forester’s Burning Ban for all counties, effective at 4 p.m. today.

A State Forester’s Burning Ban prohibits all outdoor burning, including yard debris burning, prescribed burning, campfires, bonfires and other recreational fires in all unincorporated areas of the state.

The ban does not apply to fires used for the preparation of food or fires used in appropriate enclosures (portable outdoor fireplaces, chimineas or permanent fire pits constructed of stone, masonry, metal or other noncombustible material that conforms with all applicable South Carolina fire codes).

Forestry Commission officials say weather conditions over the next several days present a greatly elevated potential for fires igniting easily and spreading rapidly. Dangerously low relative humidities – reaching below 20% in some areas – combined with extremely dry fuels statewide and gusty winds will create a particularly volatile mix of wildfire risk factors throughout the weekend.

"In addition to the intensifying drought conditions, the weather we’re going to see statewide over the next several days makes it ripe for any fire that starts to burn intensely and move fast,” SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones said. "While these conditions can make wildfires ignite easily anywhere and make it more challenging for firefighters to contain, we’re really concerned about areas where events like Hurricane Helene and recent ice damage have led to higher amounts of fuel. This burning ban is necessary to limit ignitions to the maximum extent possible to prevent severe wildfires for public safety purposes."

The ban will stay in effect until further notice, which will come in the form of an official announcement from the Forestry Commission.

Shareable link:https://www.scfc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Advisory-StateForestersBurningBan-20260327.pdf

03/26/2026

We would like to say thank you to Blacksburg Police Department, SC and the Town of Blacksburg.

The Blacksburg Police Department along with the Town of Blacksburg presented our 911 dispatchers with a Proclamation for Telecommunications week April 12-18 last night at council meeting. We appreciate all our dispatchers and the job they do for us. They are the calm voice during a crisis.

02/25/2026

🚨🎂 Birthday Alert! 🎂🚨

Today we’re celebrating Devin!

Thank you for answering the call, handling the chaos, and keeping your cool during the busiest moments of the shift. Your hard work, quick thinking, and sense of humor make our shifts better.

We hope your coffee is strong, your calls are calm, and your cake has zero interruptions today! 🎉

Drop some birthday love below! 👇💛

02/13/2026

Come join our dedicated team.

12/25/2025

12/24/2025

We will do our Santa BOLO at 8 pm on Christmas Eve on all channels.

*Please note call volume or priority calls may delay the BOLO.

12/19/2025

Please join us in congratulating Matt Lawson, on his well-deserved promotion to Cherokee County E911 Director!
This promotion is a true reflection of your hard work, leadership, and unwavering support of our team. We are grateful for your continued guidance and excited for the future under your leadership.
We are proud to have you as our director! Congratulation on this well-deserved achievement!

11/16/2025

Happy 50th Birthday to an incredible leader, our Deputy Director Matt Lawson!