Hunting fire might have started OS forest fire, official says

 

Note: This story was last updated at 9:40 a.m. Nov. 25.

OLIVER SPRINGS—A hunting fire might have started the Tuesday afternoon fire on Walden Ridge near downtown Oliver Springs, a state official said.

The fire was reported to have covered about one to two acres. Firefighters contained it to a 12-acre area, said Bruce Miller of the Tennessee Division of Forestry in Anderson County.

Smoke was reported in the area at about 1:50 p.m. Tuesday.

The fire was on a steep, rough, rocky hillside above Railroad Avenue near downtown Oliver Springs. Firefighters used hand tools and leaf blowers to dig fire lines, and they had the fire controlled by about 7 p.m. Miller expected it to be contained within the hour. State officials would check on the fire Wednesday morning, he said.

There were four state firefighters and 25 volunteers battling the blaze, including from Oliver Springs, Blair, and Marlow. Oak Ridge was on standby. No injuries were reported.

Miller said the evidence points to a hunting fire, possibly set by someone trying to smoke out an animal a day or two ago. Recent moisture and cooler temperatures helped control it and only the top layer was burning, Miller said.

Although the fire was reported during a period of low manpower, crews were able to get a good response. The fire wasn’t threatening anything—although several people said a hillside cross used for sunrise services on Easter had to be moved—and firefighters played defense, said Justin Bailey, assistant chief of the Oliver Springs Fire Department.

Shelley Davis, who lives at 114 Railroad Avenue below the fire, at an old hotel site, said raccoon hunters hunt in the wooded area above her, and someone might not have put out a fire.

Although officials said the fire was controlled and would be contained, Davis planned to stay up and keep an eye on it. The trees in the forested area are big and old, she said.

“As long as the wind keeps calm, it should be fine,” Davis said.

More information will be added as it becomes available.

 

 

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