Fire Prevention at The Springs

Fire prevention is crucial for The Springs at High Rock because we are surrounded by forest, steep terrain, and limited access routes, making us highly susceptible to wildfire devastation. A single spark can quickly escalate into a large fire, endangering lives, destroying homes, and destroying the local ecosystem.

The Springs HOA takes a serious stance on migitating fire risk by engaging with North Carolina Foresty Services and the local Healing Springs Fire Department, through establishment of a Firewise Committee and all Members being vigilant of their actions.

Quick Fire Safety Tips & Common Sense

No open fires permitted anywhere in The Springs. This includes personal property, common ground and below the T-line (aka waterfront).
Smell smoke? Call 911.
Can't extinguish your own fire? Call 911.
Check The Springs fire danger sign located on Healing Springs and the watercraft storage area. Never burn during dry or windy conditions.
Always use a screen or spark arrestor.
Always keep a fire extinguisher or a actively filled garden hose close by
Always attend your fire. Ensure that it burns out completely.
Only remove ashes when completely cool. And discard with care. Smoldering embers can reignite.

Emergency Fire Response & Evacuation Plan

For the protection and safety of all Members, Family, Guests, and Day Workers, the Davidson County Emergency Services (DCES) along with the Healing Springs Volunteer Fire Department (HSVFD) met with representatives of The Springs community and established a protocol for the community to follow in the event of either a home/brush fire within the community or the encroachment of an external wildfire. Most importantly, prompt communication and understanding of the instructions is the key to their success.

As neighbors help neighbors, please read and familiarize yourself with the full plan. It could mean life or death.

What is the Mailbox Signal System?

The orange EXIT card in your mailbox is an aid that signals firefighters that the dwelling is vacant during a fire emergency.

The Firewise and Architectural Review Committees collaborated to ensure mailbox and exit card standards complemented each other. The exit card remains in your mailbox, lying flat, at all times. The last person and/or vehicle to leave your premises hangs the exit card by its loop on the red flag of your mailbox, signaling to firefighters that all persons have evacuated your dwelling. NO ONE is HOME. Period.

If you hang a flag for a neighbor, completely ensure no one is in the dwelling or on the property.

And if there is any question about how close the fire is to you or your dwelling, leave immediately! Do not stop to hang the flag.

Hanging the flag is an aid, not a requirement.

What is Firewise?

Firewise USA® is a community-focused program designed to help reduce wildfire risks throughout communities - from personal homes and properties to common ground. It provides education, tools, and resources to promote fire protection awareness, proper home maintenance, and community-wide preparedness to help communities become more resilient against the threat of wildfires.

In October 2009, The Springs received its national Firewise USA® certification through the hardwork and dedication of a SHR Firewise Committee.

By 2015, the Firewise Committee oversaw the construction of a secondary emergency egress-only roadway onto Route 8 from Sierra Trace Road along the old fire tower road, the establishment of a comprehensive evacuation protocol, and the installation of a 30,000 gallon dry hydrant system at the west end of Rocky Cove Lane near Mistral Lane.

The certification must be renewed annually. As of January 2025, The Springs Firewise USA designation is inactive, however the Firewise Committee continues its diligence to educate Members and to provide programs for fire prevention.

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