Hendersonville Lightning in Hendersonville, North Carolina

Mills River Fire Chief recalls historic flood and rescue effort

Burnett, longtime Mills River fire chief, recounts massive flooding that isolated the area for about 24 hours. He notes 151 911 calls in the first 24 hours, eight rescues on North Mills River Road, and damage that submerged street signs and flooded the French Broad. He cites outside aid from Bakers Volunteer Fire & Rescue and links the event to 1916's Great Flood, a turning point in his family’s move to Mills River.