WEARS VALLEY, Tenn. (WATE) – Update (5:40 p.m.): Pigeon Forge fire chief Tony Watson reporting that the brush fire is 100% contained, and they’re bringing crews down.
“People will see flames in a safe area, inside the black, and there is no need to call 911.”
Chief Tony Watson
Update (5:18 p.m.): Tennessee Department of Agriculture reporting that the brush fire is now 90% contained.
The fire was reportedly caused by a downed power line.
They’re also saying that zero structures were damaged; were able to save 26 structures from being damaged.
Fire activity has decreased due to high humidity that moved into the area.
Crews are being pulled from the line with approaching storms and will return tomorrow to monitor.
Update (4:41 p.m.): Pigeon Forge fire chief Tony Watson reporting that the brush fire is now 70% contained.
At the start of this situation, fire crews responded to Ravens Den Way to a report of a fire.
Crews did encounter some heavy fire and wind when they arrived at the scene, as well as several structures that were severely threatened.
Two people had to be evacuated from a cabin at the 3500 block of Raven’s Den Way as it was surrounded by fire.
Both people were successfully evacuated without injury.
The Sevier County Emergency Management Agency activated the Emergency Operation Center in Sevierville.
No injuries or structural damage have been reported.
At this time, fire crews are working to contain lines due to rain allowing them to behave a bit better than the conditions earlier on in the day.
They’re closely monitoring this situation, especially due to heavy winds, and trying to be careful to keep their firefighters in good shape and protected from that area.
Sevier County Emergency Management Agency reporting, “With severe weather approaching, citizens are encouraged to monitor the weather via local media, radio (1680 AM) and emergency social media and be prepared to take shelter or evacuate if needed. For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergencies, call 865-435-3200.”
Multiple first responder agencies have responded so far:
- Wears Valley Volunteer Fire Department
- Pigeon Forge Fire Department
- Walden’s Creek Fire Department
- Sevierville Fire Department
- Gatlinburg Fire Department
- Sevier County Volunteer Fire Department
- Sevier County Fire and Rescue
- Sevier County Emergency Management Agency
- Tennessee Highway Patrol
- Sevier County Sheriff’s Department
- Seymour Volunteer Fire Department
- Catons Chapel Volunteer Fire Department
- Northview Fire Department
- Pittman Center Volunteer Fire Department
- Alcoa Fire Department
- Friendsville Fire Department
- Blount County Fire Department
- Townsend Fire Department
- Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Update (2:23 p.m.): Tennessee Department of Agriculture reporting the brush fire is now affecting 60 acres and is 0% contained.
Division of Forestry resources are working to establish control lines around fire perimeter and firefighters are protecting structures with assistance from local fire departments.
If you are evacuating, Tenn. Dept. of Ag saying to call the Pigeon Forge Community Center at 865-429-7373. The current evacuation status is set at voluntary at this time.
Update (12:48 p.m.): Tennessee Department of Agriculture says that the brush fire is affecting 10 acres and 20 cabins are threatened and is 0% contained.
Division of Forestry has 15 firefighters and one dozer on scene, more dozers en route.
Sevier County Electric System saying that the fire is not causing any power outages, but is slowing their ability to get power back up in places where outages are occurring.
The brush fire is not making their jobs any easier, and it is slowing their process and their ability to respond.
Meteorologist Ken Weathers sharing a look at the wind speeds around 1 p.m. Saturday; he’s also saying that “gusts” are certainly much stronger, especially above 3,000 ft.
Original Story:
Seymour Volunteer Fire Department and the Wears Valley Volunteer Fire Department are responding to a brush fire between Starkey Town road and Raven’s Den Way.
The call came in around 11:00 a.m. Saturday.
An emergency alert has been issued stating, “There is a brush fire in the area of Raven’s Den Way and Starkey Town Rd. within the Wears Valley area. Fire crews are actively working to contain the fire. If you feel threatened by the fire it is recommended to evacuate the area. A shelter will be located at the Pigeon Forge Community Center.”
A command center has been set up at the scene of the fire and is requesting the Wildland Task Force be activated for fire personnel and equipment.
WATE 6 On Your Side has a crew there and will have more details as they come in.
