Fire crews in Sevier County are actively battling a brush fire that broke out near the community of Pigeon Forge. This wildfire, which ignited around 11:46 a.m. earlier today, is situated close to Red Bank Circle, not far from the Sevierville outskirts, as reported by WVLT News. According to Nathan Waters of the Tennessee Division of Forestry who was interviewed by WVLT News, details on the extent of the blaze were still being assessed at the time of his statement.
The exact scope of the fire remains unclear, though WATE News disclosed that the fire is occurring within the precincts of Red Bank Circle. Notably, the area is known for its vicinity to Pittman Center Road, a point clarified through Google Maps data. Earlier that same day, Sevier County Fire and Rescue had forewarned of very high fire danger due to prevailing dry conditions, hinting at a heightened risk of wildfires pending substantial rainfall.
Adding to the efforts, the Seymour Volunteer Fire Department has dispatched a brush truck, with plans to send an additional fire engine to aid in extinguishing the fire. The department's chief expressed concerns about the possibility of wind escalating the danger, as mentioned in an interview with WBIR. Fire crews are seemingly prepared to confront challenges posed by the area's subdivisions and surrounding fields.
Residents and visitors in Sevier County have been implored to refrain from burning debris until it is deemed safe to do so and are encouraged to register for Sevier County’s CodeRED alerts for real-time emergency updates. This can be done through Sevier County's emergency management website or by downloading the CodeRED Mobile Alert app, as advised by Sevier County authorities and echoed in the administered information by both WATE News and WBIR. The community's cooperation is critical as emergency services work tirelessly to control and extinguish the fire.
