Firefighting crews are using helicopters with 500-gallon water baskets to battle wildfires all around the region. They often use water from nearby lakes, like Douglas in East Tennessee, which is near fires in the Cherokee National Forest. (Photo: Tennessee National Guard via TVA)
The Tennessee Valley Authority has issued a burn ban on all of the public lands, recreation areas, and facility reservations it manages in seven states in the Tennessee Valley. The burn ban is to help ensure public safety during the continuing dry conditions, TVA said in a press release.
“Until further notice, all open flames are prohibited—including campfires, barbeques, smoking, or any other flame-producing activity—as well as vehicle parking on non-paved or gravel surfaces,” the press release said.
In addition, in locations where fire danger is extreme, TVA is temporarily closing public access to affected recreation areas and facility reservations, the press release said. Gates and signs will be in place to block access.
“For your safety, do not cross any gates or barriers,” the release said.
The public is encouraged to report any violations to the TVA Police at (855) 476-2489. Any fires should be reported immediately to 9-1-1 or your local fire department.
See our previous wildfire stories here.
See our most recent story on the Anderson County fires here.
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