A series of brush fires in Sevier County, particularly in the Walden’s Creek area, have prompted emergency evacuations as firefighters work tirelessly to contain the flames. The largest of these fires has burned 81 acres in the Overholt Trail area, leading to the evacuation of approximately 30 buildings.
The Sevier County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) reported that crews responded to three separate brush fires early Thursday morning. According to the EMA, just before noon, they indicated that all three fires were 100% contained. However, by 1:15 p.m., they revised their statement to say that while progress had been made, the Walden’s Creek fire was still being actively managed.
As of 1:00 p.m., the Walden’s Creek fire had reached 80% containment, according to updates from the Tennessee Division of Forestry. Firefighters are working diligently to ensure the fire does not jump its containment lines, with ongoing monitoring and extinguishing of hotspots in the vicinity.
The fires were exacerbated by high winds, prompting the National Weather Service to issue an elevated fire danger alert for the region. This has led to a countywide burn ban, with officials urging residents to avoid any activities that could spark additional fires. “Please refrain from burning debris today,” the Sevier County EMA cautioned, stressing that low humidity and increased winds can cause fires to spread rapidly even under controlled conditions.
In addition to the Walden’s Creek fire, there were two other smaller fires reported. A 4-acre fire near Flat Branch Road close to the Spur connecting Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge was declared 100% contained as of 10:30 a.m. Crews also reported that an 8-acre fire in northwest Sevier County, located in the Creswell Road and East Union Valley area, was under control, with active monitoring of hotspots continuing.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park announced the closure of Foothills Parkway West between Walland and Wears Valley as firefighting efforts persist. Sevier County Fire and Rescue, along with other local agencies, has received support from neighboring counties, including the Cocke County Fire Department, New Market Fire and Rescue Team, and Rural Metro Fire.
In the early morning hours, around 12:35 a.m., Sevier County Fire and Rescue notified residents that power would be temporarily halted in the affected areas while crews worked to combat the fire. This precaution was taken to ensure the safety of both the firefighters and local residents.
The Walden’s Creek Volunteer Fire Department provided regular updates throughout the day, stating, “Multiple fire crews continue to work the Overholt Trail Fire in Shagbark this morning and will be on-scene throughout today.” These updates indicated a shifting assessment of the fire’s size, fluctuating from an estimated 35 acres earlier in the day to the more recent 81 acres.
By midday, the EMA expressed optimism about the containment efforts, stating that they would begin to pull some crews from the scene but would keep a few on standby for monitoring. This decision comes as the situation appears to stabilize, but officials remain vigilant, aware that changing weather conditions could pose new risks.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of these wildfires, officials are urging residents to stay informed and sign up for CodeRED emergency alerts to receive real-time updates regarding safety and fire conditions.
In summary, while significant progress has been made toward containing the fires in Sevier County, the battle is ongoing. The cooperation of local fire departments and the support from neighboring counties underscore the community’s resilience and preparedness in the face of natural disasters. As evacuation orders remain in place for the Overholt Trail area, officials continue to monitor the situation closely, prioritizing the safety of residents and the preservation of the region’s natural beauty.
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