State officials issue fire advisory due to hot, dry conditions

The number of fires across Tennessee has increased since mid-June, and state officials have issued a fire advisory due to the unusually hot, dry weather.

A burn ban is in effect in 18 of Tennessee’s 95 counties, including Sevier and Fentress.

Normally, burning permits are required by the state only during official fire season, Oct. 15 through May 15. But the Tennessee Forestry Division is asking residents to delay any outdoor burning or other activities that could cause fires until after the state gets a significant amount of rain.

“Most of the fires have been smaller, accidental grass fires that have been responded to with the help of local and volunteer fire departments, but we also have had some larger, smoldering woods fires that could be dangerous if not contained,” State Forester Steven Scott said in a press release.

Some of those blazes were sparked by outdoor burning. Others were started by sparks from cigarettes, lightning, campfires, arson, fireworks, and field equipment and vehicles.

The state said residents should be careful when using farm and other equipment, including lawn mowers and all-terrain vehicles, and  should keep fire containment equipment and water nearby and stay with fires until they are extinguished.

The state said citizens can help support their local fire departments by checking for and following local burn restrictions and quickly reporting any wildfires.

Residents should also plan to have a safe July 4 holiday, the Forestry Division said.

“To avoid the risk of injury and property damage associated with consumer fireworks, join other community members in attending a public display put on by trained and licensed professionals,” Tennessee State Fire Marshal Julie Mix McPeak said.

The state said woods arson is a Class C felony punishable by three to 15 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

“Anyone with information about suspected arson activity should call the state Fire Marshal’s Arson Hotline toll-free at (800) 762-3017,” the release said.

Additional fire safety tips, as well as up-to-date wildfire information, can be found on the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry’s wildfire prevention website at www.burnsafetn.org.