Hurricane Helene Response Info
WE ARE OPEN!
It is safe to get here and safe to be at Emberglow.
Thank you all for the incredible outpouring of support—we truly have the best guests! While many areas nearby were hit hard, we’re grateful to report that Emberglow sustained only minor damage and has already been cleaned up. Below, you’ll find the latest updates on volunteer opportunities, donations, road accessibility, and area attractions. We encourage everyone to visit the area, support local businesses, and even bring a group to stay and help with recovery efforts.
Wildfires
Unfortunately, the large amounts of downed trees due to the hurricane plus very dry weather has led to the outbreak of many wildfires in the upstate SC and WNC. This includes three fires in Polk County.
As of 3/28/2025, the closest fire is about 10 miles from Emberglow and is now at 95% containment. Depending on the wind, there may be decreased air quality some days, but we are not in an immediate danger from the fires.
There are individuals in our county that have lost homes due to the fires and many others are evacuated. The Polk County Referal Center is still providing long term relief to people affected by Hurricane Helene and now will be providing support for this disaster. If you are able, please consider a gift to aid in their efforts: Polk Referral Center – Appalachian Strong Come Hell or High Water
Tiny Home Build
Lowe’s Home Improvement graciously funded 100 tiny homes for people in WNC without dry, safe, warm accommodations (more information). Emberglow built two of them on site with volunteers during the month of January. Appalachia Service Project (ASP) has administered the selection process of the recipients and locations of these two tiny homes.
Reservations:
Desired Reservations for 2025
We are actively booking for 2025! A wonderful way to support our area’s recovery is to plan a visit here, stay with us, and enjoy the local businesses. Winter and early spring are fantastic times to explore the foothills.
Area Attractions
Many area businesses have reopened, with more expected to welcome visitors in spring 2025. The town of Lake Lure and most of its businesses are now open, though Chimney Rock remains closed for now. Plans are underway to reopen Chimney Rock State Park, but no date has been announced yet. Cleanup efforts for the lake are progressing well, and we’re awaiting updates on summer water recreation activities. Here is a link to area businesses and attractions.
Community Support:
Volunteer opportunities
Volunteers will be needed for the coming months to assist with clean-up and rebuilding efforts in the area. If you or your group are looking for a place to stay, Emberglow offers the perfect base camp for that. We will also be honoring a 20% discount for those volunteering in the area.
Tiny house build
Trail build and forest clean up weekend – March 28th-29th
Over 150 trees came down during the hurricane and we are looking for volunteers to help clean up the trails and forest. This work will
include cutting up downed trees, raking new paths to re-route trails and making the area safe for kids to play. Bring chain saws with safety gear, rakes and gloves. We will NOT be felling any trees just processing the ones on the ground.
Discounts apply for volunteers:
● Free Primitive tent and treehouses
● 50% Off for RV sites
● 30% Off Lodging units
Spokes of Hope Website is accepting volunteers daily for work such as “Mud-outs, Cut-outs, Structural repairs (carpentry), & Chainsaw teams”. Volunteers should report to 3096 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure between 8:30-9:00am. If you have a large group,
we recommended reaching out to them ahead of your trip.
Safety:
Are the roads safe?
Yes, there are clear roads all the way to Emberglow. There are some road closures in the area but no main roads that would effect travel to or from Emberglow.
Is the resort safe?
Yes, we’ve completed cleanup on-site. There are some sections of trail still closed but we will be working on those over the winter to have them all open by spring.
Special considerations if you're planning to visit
- Please avoid the town of Chimney Rock as active disaster relief efforts are still underway.
- You are NOT stealing resources from locals. Quite the opposite, by patronizing businesses you are keeping people working and businesses alive.
We will be making real-time updates to social media, so follow us at:
Basecamp for contract workers
We have 36 full hook-up RV sites and 21 lodging sites where we can host people coming to the area to work in the relief, clean-up, and rebuilding efforts. Contact us at frontdesk@emberglowoutdoorresort.com if your group would like to stay here while working in the area.
Donations
We are no longer receiving donations and acting as a distribution point. Some more permanent locations have been established to meet the long term needs and we want to support them.
