Are the skies of Tennessee growing increasingly hazardous? The Volunteer State is grappling with a surge in wildfires, painting a stark picture of environmental vulnerability and the urgent need for preparedness.
The Tennessee Division of Forestry, in conjunction with various local authorities, is currently battling multiple blazes across the state. High fire danger has prompted significant responses in regions like Pigeon Forge, Knox County, and Union County. The threat looms large, demanding immediate attention and robust preventative measures.
The ongoing struggle against these wildfires extends to multiple locations. Evacuations have been triggered in Monroe County due to a wildfire in Tellico Plains, underscoring the widespread impact of these events. Local officials in Monroe County are actively coordinating with their counterparts in McMinn County to enhance containment efforts, demonstrating a critical spirit of cooperation and resource-sharing.
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A quick glance at the data reveals the scale of these infernos. Several fires have already scorched vast tracts of land, including:
- 1854.3 acres • Pear Orchard
- 1601.6 acres • TL Fall Branch
- 752.8 acres • Gouldstown Road
- 730.6 acres • Prentiss CR 1331
- 631.2 acres • Big Valley Fire
- 552.3 acres • Hobe South Complex FY21
- 458.4 acres • TL Duck Nest
- 386.8 acres • RX Liri Krals
- 368.7 acres • Mill Creek
The immediate aftermath of these events often involves a race against time to gain control. The Tennessee's fire response page indicated that the Flat Branch Road fire had been declared 100% contained as of 11:30 a.m. Containment efforts encompass a multi-pronged approach:
- Completing a control line around a fire, including any spot fires and interior islands that need to be preserved.
- Burning out any unburned areas adjacent to the fire side of the control lines.
- Cooling down all hotspots that pose an immediate threat to the control line until the lines can reasonably be expected to hold under foreseeable conditions.
The battle against wildfires in Tennessee requires a multi-faceted approach, leveraging technology and collaborative efforts. Networks of sensors are deployed to continually monitor and map the state of Tennessee, providing real-time data crucial for informed decision-making. Arcgis Storymaps serve as powerful tools, harnessing the capabilities of maps to convey critical narratives about the fires, their effects, and the ongoing response efforts.
The Department of Agriculture online wildfire tracking map (TDOA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's interactive map are key resources, giving essential location information. These resources also estimate the cost of wildfires, such as the Tweed Fire in Cocke County, which is estimated to cost $600,000. Each dot's size on the map is proportional to the total number of acres burned in each wildfire. The dark and light grey polygons illustrate the wildland urban interface (WUI) in Tennessee. Users are encouraged to zoom in on the map to view the WUI.
The situation in Sevier County highlights the devastating consequences of these events. A major wildfire there, which burned nearly 2,500 acres, is now under control. Local officials have released a map, demonstrating the damaged homes. In December, the Agriculture Forestry Division's wildland fire map indicated at least three wildfires in Sevier County on Thursday, adding to the ongoing challenges.
An Interactive Map also shows the areas inside the perimeter of the Chimney Tops 2 Fire in Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The fire forced more than 14,000 people to evacuate, demonstrating the scale of displacement and the urgency of the situation. The Seymour fire, which started April 1, spanning almost 1,000 acres is 90% contained. Fire crews are patrolling to douse hotspots before they flare.
The legacy of the Great Smoky Mountains wildfires, the deadliest in Tennessee's history and in the eastern U.S. since 1947, is a solemn reminder. The Chimney Tops 2 fire, which consumed over 10,000 acres and shut down the Chimney Tops Trail, stands as a stark symbol of the destruction. The legacy of these fires underscores the need for consistent vigilance and thorough prevention efforts.
The use of maps has become essential for understanding and managing the wildfire crisis. The interactive wildfire and smoke map provides a public resource of information, developed in a joint partnership between the EPA and the USFS, offering details on fire types, damage scope, and real-time updates on fire spread, intensity, and lightning strikes.
The maps also provide fine particle pollution (PM2.5) data from wildfires and other sources, helping individuals prepare for wildfire season. The data, which is hourly and is based on NIFC data, is critical for understanding the broader environmental impact of the fires.
A new interactive map is showing the areas inside the perimeter of the Chimney Tops 2 fire in Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The information provided is updated hourly and based on NIFC data.
Careless debris burning stands as a major cause of wildland fires. Exercise extreme caution with potential ignition sources, and call emergency numbers in case of fire incidents.
The need for vigilance is paramount. The potential for wildfire ignition is a constant concern. Please use utmost caution when dealing with any potential ignition sources. In case of a fire, dial the emergency number listed in your telephone book, or dial 911, to get assistance.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Situation | Multiple wildfires across Tennessee, including Pigeon Forge, Knox County, and Union County. Evacuations in Monroe County (Tellico Plains). |
| Areas Affected (Acres) |
|
| Containment Efforts | Completing control lines, burning out unburned areas, cooling down hotspots. |
| Key Locations | Tellico Plains (Monroe County), Gatlinburg, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Sevier County, Cocke County. |
| Resources/Maps | Tennessee's fire response page, interactive wildfire and smoke map, TDOA, US Department of Agriculture interactive map, Arcgis Storymaps. |
| Environmental Data | PM2.5 fine particle pollution from wildfires and other sources. |
| Notable Incidents | Chimney Tops 2 fire (over 10,000 acres), Seymour fire (almost 1,000 acres, 90% contained), Flat Branch Road fire (100% contained). |
| Historical Context | The Great Smoky Mountains wildfires were the deadliest in Tennessee and the Eastern U.S. since 1947. |
| Fire Causes | Careless debris burning is a major cause. |
| Cost Estimates | Tweed Fire (Cocke County) expected to cost $600,000. |
| Evacuations | Over 14,000 people evacuated due to the Chimney Tops 2 fire. |
For more detailed and updated information, you can check the Tennessee Department of Agriculture's Fire Response Page.
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