BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. (WLOS) — Black Mountain firefighters, their families and supporters gathered on Sunday, June 7, to protest what they say are low wages and a lack of funding for the department.
The demonstration comes as town leaders consider a proposed budget that firefighters say could leave Black Mountain with serious pay disparities. The town already has the lowest-paid fire department in Buncombe County.
BLACK MOUNTAIN FIREFIGHTER UNION WARNS OF FUNDING CRISIS AFFECTING PAY, GEAR AND PROJECTS
“We are going to fall behind in our pay rates by approximately $10,000 from every other county department,” said Cameron Bradley, president of the Black Mountain Professional Firefighters Association with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).
According to Bradley, firefighters in neighboring departments have already been approved for raises with Buncombe County’s newly approved unified fire tax district. He said Black Mountain’s Town Council has not yet formally adopted a budget that includes similar pay increases for its firefighters.
“Every other department in the county has agreed upon raises for their firemen,” Bradley said.
JUNE 7, 2026 – Black Mountain firefighters, their families and supporters gathered on Sunday, June 7, to protest what they say are low wages and a lack of funding for the department. (Photo: WLOS Staff)
Black Mountain firefighters currently earn a starting salary of about $48,000 per year. The proposed budget would increase that starting salary to roughly $54,000.
“We’re fully staffed as of right now. But with these changes coming, there’s a high likelihood that we’ll lose our highly trained professional staff to other departments over pay,” Bradley said.
In a statement, the IAFF said four employees have already submitted applications to leave the department.
UNIFIED FIRE TAX FOR COUNTY’S 20 DISTRICTS APPROVED BY BUNCOMBE COMMISSIONERS
The union also cited deteriorating facilities and aging equipment, which it attributes to a lack of funding.
Residents and family members of firefighters also attended the rally.
Brittany Williams, whose husband has served with the department for more than 20 years, said the sacrifices firefighters make extend beyond their time on the job.
JUNE 7, 2026 – Black Mountain firefighters, their families and supporters gathered on Sunday, June 7, to protest what they say are low wages and a lack of funding for the department. (Photo: WLOS Staff)
“As families, you know, we give up a lot, too. So, he misses school events and work events and family events,” Williams said.
Williams said the emotional toll of the profession became especially apparent during the response to Helene and argued firefighters deserve competitive pay.
“The least we can do is make sure they have proper safety equipment and the minimum of proper pay,” Williams said.
BUNCOMBE COUNTY APPROVES FISCAL YEAR 2027 BUDGET, TOTALING $484.4M
The mayor of Black Mountain previously told News 13 that the town’s proposed budget faces a $1.8 million shortfall.
Town officials are scheduled to hold a public hearing on the budget on June 15.
