The North Carolina State Fire Marshal, Bryan Taylor, addressed claims that local and state authorities were evicting people from temporary housing in storm-affected areas, calling them unfounded.
A post from right-wing news outlet National File had falsely suggested that authorities were removing Hurricane Helene survivors from Amish-built tiny homes because they didn’t meet building codes.
Taylor clarified that his office had contacted local inspections departments, finding no evidence that any evacuees were evicted for noncompliance with building codes.
The controversy began with a Mitchell County Facebook post, warning volunteers that temporary shelters needed to comply with state building and health codes to ensure safety. This message, while emphasizing safety, led to an outcry, with many claiming that survivors were being forced into the cold.
However, local fire officials, including Mitchell County’s fire marshal, emphasized that these measures were meant to prevent potentially dangerous situations, such as roof collapses during heavy snow or blocked exits in case of a fire.
Despite misinformation and backlash, Taylor reassured the public that the state fire marshal’s office had been working closely with local authorities to streamline the inspection process for temporary housing. He also highlighted that the General Assembly had waived permit and inspection fees for storm-related projects, countering claims that local officials were profiting from inspections.
Taylor condemned the threats directed at his office and others involved in disaster relief, emphasizing that their focus was on ensuring safety, not evictions.
State and local governments have also introduced measures to ease disaster recovery, including relaxing certain codes for temporary housing. The state’s latest disaster relief bill authorizes the fire marshal’s office to develop emergency rules for localities, further ensuring flexibility in housing recovery efforts.
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